Program: Special Education, MA - Appalachian State University

Apr 01, 2025

2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin

Program Code: MA_476A_1
CIP Code: 13.1001

Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Special Education

Advanced Licensure: Requirements for this program were designed, and have been approved by the appropriate bodies at the state level, to meet the advanced competencies as mandated in the North Carolina Excellent Schools Act for Master-level (M-level) teacher education programs ONLY for students with A-level license from North Carolina or equivalent. Graduates seeking M-level license must have A-level license at the time of application for M-level license.

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete the application to the Graduate School .

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.

Location: Boone Campus and Online (part time/part-time extended format)

Accelerated Master’s Program

This program offers an Accelerated Master’s option for undergraduate students with a 3.2 or higher currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Special Education

Total Required (Minimum 36 Hours)

Required Courses (21 Hours)

Choose One From the Following Research Courses (3 Hours)

Choose From the Following Practicum Courses (3 Hours)

Choose one course from each disability area (9 Hours)

Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Learning Disabilities

Intellectual Disabilities

Thesis Option (15 Hours)

Choose One:

With Thesis (15 Hours)

SPE 5999 - Thesis (1-4) (3 Hours)
12 hours of graduate electives chosen with the graduate advisor’s approval, see the list of Suggested Electives below

Without Thesis (15 Hours)

LIT 5525 - Product of Learning (1-3) [CL] (3 Hours)
or
SPE 5525 - Product of Learning (1-3) [CL] (3 Hours)
12 hours of graduate electives chosen with the graduate advisor’s approval, see the list of Suggested Electives below

Suggested Electives

Elective hours must be chosen in consultation with the advisor from Special Education or related areas such as Literacy Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Psychology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Child Development. Recommended Courses are listed below, but other graduate courses may be taken with advisor approval.

Other Requirements for the MA in Special Education

Thesis: Optional
Proficiency: Not required
Candidacy: Not required
Comprehensive: Not required
Product of Learning: LIT 5525 or SPE 5525 required unless the thesis option is selected