Rhode Island Special Education Careers
Graduate Special Education Programs offered in Rhode Island
Offers 5 graduate programs in Special Education. These programs are nationally recognized for their
quality by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Association for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE):
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M. Ed. in Special Education Certification:
Results in licensure as a special education teacher of students with
mild to moderate disabilities at either the elementary through middle level
or the middle level through secondary level.
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M. Ed. Early Childhood: Prepares special education teachers for children
with disabilities from birth through kindergarten and their families.
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M. Ed. in Severe/Profound Disabilities: Provides preparation and
special education licensure for teachers of students with severe disabilities
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M. Ed. in Exceptional Learning Needs: Provides advanced study for
special educators with specialization in one of four strands: special education
administration, urban multicultural curriculum and instruction, secondary special
education or specialized study in an area of professional interest (i.e. behavioral support).
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M. Ed. in Urban Multicultural Special Education: Provides advanced preparation for
special educators who teach English language learners with disabilities.
M.A.T. Master in the Art of Teaching
Students pursuing credentials to teach in the K-12 system choose the M.A.T. program.
The M.A.T. program is unique because every graduate will be eligible for licensure in a chosen
area of education (elementary education, business education, food service education) AND special
education (elementary special education or secondary special education). There are two strands to
this program. In the 14 month model, students will be eligible for licensure in business OR food
service, and secondary special education. These students will student teach for ONE eleven week term.
In the 18 month model, students will be eligible for licensure in elementary education and special
education - either elementary or secondary. These students will student teach for TWO seven week
stints - once in an elementary setting and once in a special education setting.
M. Ed. in Special Education
The Graduate Studies Program in Special Education is designed to provide teachers with the necessary
educational background to meet the educational, emotional, and social goals of the special needs child.
Students take courses in the areas of assessment, curriculum, and behavior strategies.
Candidates who complete this program will satisfy the requirements for either elementary or secondary-level certification
for children with mild/moderate disabilities. The program can also give additional expertise to individuals who
have already completed an undergraduate program and are presently special education teachers.
M.A. in Special Education
The graduate program in special education enables students with a current license in elementary education to meet the Council for Exceptional Children standards and the requirements for RI special education certification in the area of mild/moderate disabilities at the elementary and middle school levels (grades K-8). Admission to the program is competitive. Students complete a total of 36 credits over a 3-semester sequence.
