M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Special Education (ITL)

Earn a Master’s Degree in Special Ed With Elementary Teaching Certification

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in Elementary and Special Education IR is designed for students seeking dual certification in elementary education (K-8) and mild to moderate education (K-12). The format and courses of this institutionally accredited and Arizona-approved program are designed to maximize the content knowledge the teacher candidate will possess upon graduation.

Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program with focused experiences that guide students through 113 hours of observational and practice-based field experiences in K-8 elementary settings, as well as K-12 special education mild to moderate settings. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special education student populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students’ various learning, behavioral and social needs.

Teacher candidates are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. Teacher candidates should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog, the University Policy Handbook and an academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher licensure program. Graduates of this program are eligible for the Mild to Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K-12 Certificate and the Elementary Education K-8 Certificate in the state of Arizona.

Curriculum Overview for GCU’s Online Masters in Elementary Special Education With Licensure

Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience. All courses are directly aligned with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles, and Council for Exceptional Children standards.

Study Topics Include:

    Child and early adolescent development and psychology
    
    Characteristics of intellectual disabilities
    
    Ethical and legal practices
    
    Collaboration and communication strategies
    
    Assessment, eligibility and transition planning
    
    Classroom management and engagement
    
    Literacy development
    
    Supporting English language leaners
    
    Instructional planning
    
    Methods of teaching academic subject areas including science, health, math, language arts, social studies and arts

Student Teaching Requirements:

Teacher candidates must be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program. Eight weeks of student teaching will need to be completed in a K-8 general education setting with a certified elementary education teacher, and eight weeks will need to be completed in a K-12 mild to moderate special education setting with a certified special education teacher.

Applying Your Special Needs Elementary Education MEd degree to Your Teaching Career

Graduates may move on to pursue important leadership roles within the education industry including special education teacher, intervention specialist, resource teacher, special education inclusion teacher and many others. This Master of Education in Elementary Special Education program also prepares graduates who wish to pursue their doctoral degree in education or related disciplines.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.