Special Education - General Curriculum: Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Program Description

The M.Ed. program in special education is designed for teachers who hold a clear renewable T-4 teaching certificate. The program provides advanced professional and pedagogical studies that develop expertise in the knowledge, skills, and habits of accomplished teachers.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Online Options

Most graduate education classes meet one evening a week, with some offered online.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the M.Ed. in General Curriculum allows the candidate to apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

Faculty

Occasionally, part-time instructors who are area teachers and full-time faculty members from other divisions of the university or other programs in the College of Education teach content and general education courses.

Requirements for Graduation

Students admitted as candidates for the Master of Education degree must satisfactorily complete a planned program of study and a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. At least 18 of these hours must be in courses numbered 6000 or above. A graduate student’s program, planned cooperatively with an advisor from the College of Education and Health Professions, will emphasize development both in the teaching field and in professional studies. Specific questions concerning Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for teacher certification should be directed to the Office of COE Services and Field Experiences, or to the department that offers the student’s area of study.

This Degree is subject to the following requirements:

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies.
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses (may be appealed to the College of Education and Health Professions Graduate Council).
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence.
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student’s advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred.
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment.
• Students must pass a comprehensive exit exam.

Program Requirements

The M.Ed. degree requirements are located in the academic catalog.

Accreditation

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission approves all Columbus State University educator preparation programs that lead to initial certification in teaching, school library media, counseling and educational leadership.

Additional Information

For additional information about the program and admission at CSU, contact Dr. Elizabeth Hipps at (706) 568-5092 or email hipps_elizabeth@columbusstate.edu. You can also read about additional information and policies, such as graduate student classifications, transferring credit, readmission requirements and international students.

Graduate Academic Regulations
Registration Graduate Assistantships Study Loads Class Attendance and Withdrawal Grades and Grade Point Averages	Course Eligibility Repetition of Courses Academic Misconduct Academic Standing Residence and Time Limits Graduation
Graduate Admission
General Requirements Classification of Students Transfer Credit	Readmission Requirements International Students Residency Requirements