Special Education, M.Ed.

Dr. Valerie Rutledge, Director
(423) 425-5374 or email at Valerie-Rutledge@utc.edu

The program in special education provides advanced training to individuals engaged in or seeking careers as teachers in a variety of public school settings from preschool through adult. Students may obtain initial teacher licensure in special education or add an endorsement in that field. Teachers who already hold special education licensure may pursue the program to gain additional knowledge and improve their professional competencies. Graduates of the program will also be prepared for employment in numerous related agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities. The student may select one of two concentration areas in which to pursue the degree (Mild Disabilities or Early Childhood Special Education). Students who select Early Childhood Special Education will be required to submit a fingerprint background check to remain on file with the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies before the field-based component of the course work may begin.

Admission

Before being admitted to the master’s program, candidates must satisfy all university requirements for admission to the UTC Graduate School, provide an acceptable score on the Praxis I Academic Skills Assessment or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and provide two letters of recommendation from instructors and/or previous employers. Applications will be reviewed by the Director of the School of Education.

A candidate without teaching licensure who wishes to be licensed in special education will have additional coursework to complete based upon the current licensure requirements of the state(s) in which endorsement is sought.