About
The M.Ed. program in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education is designed to meet the needs of persons who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to earn a master's degree in special education or early childhood education, with or without licensure. Students are expected to develop a plan of study that is most relevant to their educational purposes. Students seeking a license to teach should be aware that certification or endorsement requirements might limit their choices. A number of specific focus areas are available and can lead to the following Nevada Department of Education endorsements: Autism, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Generalist-Mild Disabilities, Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disabilities, Teaching English as a Second Language; or other professional areas, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Available Options
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Applied Behavioral Analysis Track
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Autism Track
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Emotional Disturbance Track
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Generalist – Mild Disabilities Track
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Gifted and Talented Track
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Intellectual Disabilities Track
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Learning Disabilities Track
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Other Professional Areas Track
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Early Childhood Special Education Infant Track
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Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Track
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Autism Spectrum Disorders Track
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Teaching English as a Second Language Track
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Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Articulate the pros and cons of current issues and trends in Special Education and the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Identify and differentiate between science-based and non-science based treatment and instruction for students/individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Describe and define general developmental, academic, social, career, and functional characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they relate to levels of support needed.
- Identify and differentiate between different placement alternatives for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including home-based and school-based programs.
- Assist students, with the support of parents and other professionals, in planning for transition to adulthood including employment and community and daily life, with maximum opportunities for full participation in community and decision making.
Career Possibilities
- Licensed teacher
- Private consultant
- Education specialist
- Non-profit organization director or employee
- State Education Department director or employee
Requirements
Master of Education - Special Education
Plan Description
The Master of Education in Special Education program is designed to meet the needs of persons who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to earn a master's degree in special education or early childhood education special education, with or without licensure. A number of specific focus areas are available and can lead to the following Nevada Department of Education endorsements: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, Early Childhood Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Generalist-Mild Disabilities, Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or other professional areas. The Master of Education – Special Education program requires 36 credits of graduate-level coursework.
Several subplans in the Master of Education in Special Education program are approved for licensure or certification through outside professional organizations (e.g., Nevada Department of Education, BCBA). Coursework described in each subplan has been approved for these certifications, however there may be additional requirements for students to apply for and earn licensure or certification (e.g., additional testing, student teaching, fieldwork). Students are required to meet with their advisor and review licensure and certification organization websites to ensure that their plan of study and additional activities align to these requirements.
For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.
Plan Admission Requirements
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate College, applicants must also meet the requirements established by the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. They are:
- A minimum grade point average of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a 3.00 grade point average for the last two years of undergraduate work. Admission to a master's degree program in special education requires that students with a GPA of less than 2.75 be admitted to the graduate program with provisional status; and
- A 350-400 word letter of application/intent that discusses (a) the special education area(s) of concentration you are interested in, (b) your professional and academic goals, and (c) a discussion of your experience relevant to your area of interest.
Applications are processed when all credentials required by both the Graduate College and the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education have been received by the Graduate Coordinator. The Graduate Coordinator evaluates the applicant's credentials and recommends either 1) admission to full, contingency, or provisional graduate standing (depending on the strength of the applicant's academic credentials); or 2) denial. Those who wish to begin studies but who miss the application deadline may enroll as a non-degree graduate student. However, since there is no guarantee that courses taken as a non-degree student will count toward a degree, and since a maximum of 15 credits taken prior to admission to the program may be used to meet degree requirements, candidates are urged to seek advisement prior to registering for any course(s).
Applicants should log back into their online applications to monitor the status of the application. Official decision letters will be posted in the online application once a decision has been made. Hard-copy letters are not issued. The online decision letter will include the name of the student's advisor. Students are responsible for contacting their advisors.
All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.
Plan Requirements
See Subplan Requirements below:
Subplan 1: Applied Behavioral Analysis
Subplan 2: Autism
Subplan 3: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Subplan 4: Generalist – Mild Disabilities
Subplan 5: Gifted and Talented
Subplan 6: Intellectual Disabilities
Subplan 7: Learning Disabilities
Subplan 8: Other Professional Areas
Subplan 9: Early Childhood Special Education Infant
Subplan 10: Early Childhood Special Education Preschool
Subplan 1 Requirements: Applied Behavioral Analysis
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 9
Applied Behavior Analysis Courses – Credits: 24
- ESP 712 - Applied Behavior Analysis
- ESP 729 - Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
ESP 729 - Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
- ESP 739 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
ESP 739 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 740 - Speech and Hearing Therapy for Classroom Teachers
- ESP 762 - Ethical Evaluation of Programs for Persons with Exceptionalities/Special Needs
ESP 762 - Ethical Evaluation of Programs for Persons with Exceptionalities/Special Needs
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 751 - Advanced Techniques in Applied Behavior Analysis
- ESP 753 - Administration and Supervision of Special Education Programs
ESP 753 - Administration and Supervision of Special Education Programs
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Elective Courses – Credits: 3
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 2 Requirements: Autism
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 9
Autism Courses – Credits: 15
- ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 729 - Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
ESP 729 - Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
- ESP 739 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
ESP 739 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 740 - Speech and Hearing Therapy for Classroom Teachers
Special Education Elective Courses - Credits: 12
- ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Fieldwork Courses – Credits: 10 (Optional)
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 3 Requirements: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 9
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Courses – Credits: 15
- ESP 705 - Psychological and Sociological Problems of Students with Emotional Disabilities
ESP 705 - Psychological and Sociological Problems of Students with Emotional Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 706 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Emotional Disabilities
ESP 706 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Emotional Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 717B - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 727 - Technology in Special Education
- ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
Elective Courses – Credits: 12
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 4 Requirements: Generalist - Mild Disabilities
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 9
Generalist Courses – Credits: 27
- ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 737I - Resource Room
Student Teaching Courses – Credits: 12 (Optional)
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 5 Requirements: Gifted and Talented
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
Special Education Course – Credits: 3
Technology Course – Credits: 3
Assessment Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits from the following list of courses or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Gifted Education Courses – Credits: 12
- ESP 717G - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 741 - Introduction to Gifted Education
- ESP 742 - Dimensions of Giftedness
- ESP 743 - Teaching Models in Gifted Education
- ESP 745 - Experiential Learning in Gifted Education
- ESP 746 - Creativity in Gifted Education
- ESP 747 - Contemporary Considerations Gifted Education
Elective Courses – Credits: 9
Fieldwork Courses – Credits: 10 (Optional)
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 6 Requirements: Intellectual Disabilities
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 9
Intellectual Disabilities Courses - Credits: 15
- ESP 702 - Psychological and Social Problems in Intellectual Disabilities
ESP 702 - Psychological and Social Problems in Intellectual Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 704 - Adaptive Curricular Programming for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
ESP 704 - Adaptive Curricular Programming for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 718 - Assessment of Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
ESP 718 - Assessment of Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 755 A - Medically Related Aspects of Disabilities
Special Education Elective Courses – Credits: 12
- ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Fieldwork Courses – Credits: 10 (Optional)
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 7 Requirements: Learning Disabilities
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 9
Learning Disabilities Courses – Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses. When registering for ESP 717C, you must register for three credits.
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 707 - Theories of Learning Disabilities
- ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 717C - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 727 - Technology in Special Education
Elective Courses – Credits: 12
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 8 Requirements: Other Professional Areas
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
Special Education Courses – Credits: 15
Elective Courses – Credits: 15
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 9 Requirements: Early Childhood Special Education Infant
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
Early Childhood Special Education Courses – Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses:
- ESP 771 - Perspectives on Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 772 - Family Education in Early Childhood
- ESP 773 - Assessment for Young Children with Disabilities
- ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 775 - Strategies for Early Childhood Special Education
Cognate Course – Credits: 3
Elective Course – Credits: 3-9
Complete 3-9 credits of advisor-approved course work.
Fieldwork Courses – Credits: 3-9
Three (3) credits of fieldwork are required for the Master's degree. For licensure in the state of Nevada, a total of nine (9) credits of fieldwork are required.
- ESP 780 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Special Education - Infancy
ESP 780 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Special Education - Infancy
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 10 Requirements: Early Childhood Special Education Preschool
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:
Early Childhood Special Education Courses – Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses:
- ESP 771 - Perspectives on Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 772 - Family Education in Early Childhood
- ESP 773 - Assessment for Young Children with Disabilities
- ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close - ESP 775 - Strategies for Early Childhood Special Education
Cognate Course – Credits: 3
Elective Course – Credits: 3-9
Complete 3-9 credits of advisor-approved courses.
Fieldwork Course – Credits: 3-9
Three (3) credits of fieldwork are required for the Master's degree. For licensure in the state of Nevada, a total of nine (9) credits of fieldwork are required.
- ESP 781 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Special Education Preschool/Kindergarten
ESP 781 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Special Education Preschool/Kindergarten
Loading from UNLV Catalog…Close
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Plan Degree Requirements
Previous course work included in submitted graduate plans of study must have a grade of B or better. Only two subsequent grades of less than B- (one with an ESP or ECE prefix and one with any other prefix) will be permitted in a submitted plan of study. Under no circumstances will a Grade Point Average (GPA) of less than 3.00 be allowed on a finished plan of study. Failure to meet these standards will result in suspension from the degree program.
For licensure in the state of Nevada:
- Students must complete a total of 8-10 credits of student teaching or fieldwork, depending on their licensure area, plus a 2 credit fieldwork seminar; any additional credits will not count towards the degree program. Students should speak with their advisor to determine fieldwork courses that may be required for licensure.
- In order to be endorsed in English Language Acquisition and Development the following five courses must be completed in addition to the courses required as part of the degree program:
- TESL 751 – Theory and Practice for Academic English Language Development
- TESL 752 – TESL Methods and Curriculum for Teaching ELs
- TESL 754 – TESL Assessment and Evaluation of ELs
- TESL 759 - Critical Issues and Best Practices for Pre-K/Elementary or Secondary Practicum.
To complete their Master's degree, students must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is taken during the student's last semester of coursework or in the semester immediately following completion of coursework listed on the student's Plan of Study. If students opt to take the comprehensive exam the semester after completion of the coursework listed on their Program of Studies, they must enroll in ESP 766 or another graduate course. Per Graduate College Guidelines, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of coursework the semester they graduate.
Students must apply to take comprehensive examinations. Specific application deadlines are available in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. If a student does not pass their comprehensive examination on the first attempt, students enrolled in the ABA, Autism, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Generalist, Gifted, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Other Professional Areas subplans can retake their exam one time during the same semester of the initial test. If they fail a second time, they will be recommended for probation with the Graduate College and must apply to retake the exam in the subsequent semester. A third score of fail on the exam will result in separation from the program.
For students in the Early Childhood Special Education subplan, students who earn a mark of fail on their comprehensive exams will be recommended for probation with the Graduate College and must apply to take the exam in the subsequent semester. A second score of fail on the exam will result in separation from the program.
Master's degrees must be completed within a six-year period and continuous enrollment must be maintained throughout the six years, unless a formal request for a leave of absence is approved by the department and Graduate College.
Plan Graduation Requirements
Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.
Documents/Downloads
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator
Heather Van Ness, Ph.D.
Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education
We are dedicated to preparing professionals for specialized services in schools, community agencies, and higher education settings. In our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as well as two dual Ph.D./J.D. degrees and graduate certificates, we promote cultural diversity and affirm our commitment to the ethical standards of our respective disciplines.
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College of Education
The College of Education creates an intellectual environment that promotes quality instruction, significant research, and professional service. With four unique departments, graduates receive the necessary tools and experiences to make an impact on local, national, and global scales.