Exceptional Learning: Mild to Moderate Disabilities, M.Ed. (Licensure)

At the Graduate level, Exceptional Learning Programs at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga offer a 30-33 hour Masters of Education Degree. By meeting additional requirements, and in tandem with the M.Ed coursework, candidates can also earn teacher licensure in the state of Tennessee. The M.Ed. in Exceptional Learning Mild to Moderate Disabilities with licensure options for Endorsement Code 144 Special Education Interventionist (K–8), or 145 Special Education Interventionist (6–12), prepares teacher candidates to implement evidence-based practices for supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities across K-8, and/or 6-12 grade bands. Given the required field placement and clinical experience settings candidates may pursue licensure for endorsement code 144 (elementary and middle grades), or 145 (middle grades and high school), or opt for dual licensure 144 and 145 (requires clinical experience across all three settings; elementary, and middle, and high school).

Program of Study

The M.Ed. in Exceptional Learning Mild to Moderate Disabilities program prepares teacher candidates to implement evidence-based practices for supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities. Graduate coursework includes 24-27 hours of professional education and 3-9 hours of an approved clinical experience. Given the required clinical experience settings, candidates may pursue licensure for endorsement code 144 (elementary and middle grades), or 145 (middle grades and high school), or opt for dual licensure 144 and 145 (requires clinical experience across all three settings; elementary, middle, and high school).

Candidates interested in a non-licensure M.Ed., can complete up to 15 hours of advisor-approved electives to satisfy the 30-hour degree requirement.

M.Ed. with Licensure Options

The M.Ed. in Exceptional Learning Mild to Moderate Disabilities includes licensure options for endorsement code 144 (Special Education Interventionist Grades K–8), and/or endorsement code 145 (Special Education Interventionist Grades 6–12). Teacher candidates seeking Special Education Interventionist licensure with M.Ed. are required to complete 3-9 credit hours of clinical experience. Graduate coursework includes 24-27 hours of professional education and 3-9 hours of an approved clinical experience.

Option 1 (Job-embedded licensure)

EDUC 5970R - Job Embedded Mentoring 1-3 hours

Option 2 (Student Teaching; graduate)

EDUC 5960 - Induction Experience 3-9 hours

EDUC 5950 - Professional Seminar 3 hours

Option 3 (Internship with SOE Approval ONLY)

EDUC 5981 - Internship I 3 hours

EDUC 5982 - Internship II 3 hours

EDUC 5950 - Professional Seminar 3 hours

Additional Information and Notes

Note: A comprehensive examination is not required. For Licensure Information, please see: Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)