Louisiana is located in the southern region of the United States and has a uniquely diverse population. Largely influenced by Spanish, French, African and Native American cultures, residents and visitors alike enjoy a wealth of savory cuisines, musical and artistic elements, and dialects only found in Louisiana.
Educational opportunities in Louisiana are very distinctive and provide an exceptional perspective at all levels. With a variety of colleges and universities offering accredited Master of Education and Post-Baccalaureate degrees in Education, graduate students can enrich their professional lives and pass on those experiences to future generations.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Nicholls State University, LA
College of Education
The Nicholls State University’s College of Education provides educational academics for both the Teacher Education and Psychology departments. A Conceptual Framework is in place for all students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to promote positive change in their profession and community.
Graduate-level certification and degree programs are offered in Teaching, Curriculum and Instruction – with concentrations in Early Childhood, High Incidence Disabilities, Reading Specialist, Elementary Education and Secondary Education , Educational Leadership, School Counseling and School Psychology. All programs are nationally accreditated through the National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education.
Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction Special Education with concentration in High-Incidence Disabilities (1-12)
The advanced post-baccalaureate training in Special Education includes a concentration in High-Incidence Disabilities for children and youth (grades 1-12). This master’s-level program focuses on preparing a curriculum for effective instruction to diverse learners with high-incidence disabilities such as learning and behavior disorders and high-functioning autism. Candidates of the program specialize in teaching children and adolescents with disabilities in an inclusive setting. A strong focus on preparing students for optimum performance on standardized achievement testing is included.
This fully accredited program is delivered in a traditional classroom setting with learning outcomes to include: Innovative curricula development and instructional methods for diverse learners, intervention strategies, behavior management psychology, diagnostic assessment, analysis and correction of reading problems and collaborative leadership skills. A combination of lectures, research, field experiences and comprehensive portfolio is required for completion of the program.
Accreditation
National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
Louisiana State Department of Education
Contact Information
220 Polk Hall
P.O. Box 2053
Thibodaux, LA 70310
(985) 448-4327
http://www.nicholls.edu/education/
Southeastern Louisiana University, LA
College of Education – Department of Teaching and Learning
The Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Education is divided into two separate departments – Educational Leadership & Technology and Teaching & Learning. A variety of Master’s degree programs are available in disciplines such as Counselor Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education and Teaching.
All graduate degree programs offer specialty concentrations and alternative add-on certification for enhanced career opportunities in education. Partnerships with other local colleges, school districts and educational agencies provide graduate students with professional field experiences to complete their educational aptitude. In addition, all degree series are NCATE accredited.
Master of Education: Special Education Educational Diagnostician (M.Ed.)
The Master of Education: Special Education with concentration on Educational Diagnostician prepares students to administer standardized exams to individual special needs children. Testing determines eligibility in specialized programs for students with exceptionalities and measures intelligence, language skills and behavior. Candidates of the degree program are trained to evaluate scores and prescribe interventions for disabled students.
The coursework for this degree program is completed through traditional campus attendance with a field experience requirement with corporate partners – including schools, agencies and other colleges.
Career opportunities are available in schools, hospitals, government agencies at state and federal levels, corporations and private practice for this high-demand position. Graduates will be taught a functional curriculum as an Educational Diagnostician to work independently immediately upon entering the field.
Master of Education: Special Education Educational Diagnostician – Mild/Moderate Disabilities (M.Ed.) (K-12)
The Special Education Educational Diagnostician with concentration in Mild/Moderate Disabilities master’s program focuses on testing for special needs children and youth (grades K-12). Students receive intensive instruction in this specialized area for proper measurement of mild to moderate disabilities including learning and behavioral disorders, high-functioning autism and intellectual disabilities. Candidates of the program will learn skills necessary for administering standardized tests and recommending a plan of action related to interventions needed.
This is a fully accredited master’s degree program that included certification for immediate employment in the field as a special education teacher, supervisor of special education, curriculum coordinator, educational diagnostician, or instructional coach though a school district. Additionally, opportunities are available for this skill set at a government agency, corporate setting or private practice
Program requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework, field experience and capstone research project in a diverse setting.
Master of Education: Special Education Educational Diagnostician – Gifted Education (M.Ed.) (P-12)
The Master of Education: Special Education Educational Diagnostician with specialization in Gifted Education prepares candidates to measure, through standardized testing, the level of exceptionality for gifted preschool to grade 12 students and identify a formal plan for intervention. This master’s degree program includes all the requirements for diagnostic evaluation plus specialization for gifted students.
Competencies include a strong knowledge base for identifying educational potential for gifted children and youth, curriculum development, social and emotional needs evaluation for gifted children, problem-solving and creative thinking, teaching techniques for gifted and talented children and youth.
Graduates of this accredited degree program are eligible for immediate employment in school, governmental, corporate or private practice settings.
Accreditation
National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact Information
1018 Charles E. Cate Teacher Education Center
1300 North General Pershing, Suite 1018
SLU 10671, Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-2217
http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/colleges/edu_hd/index.html
University of Louisiana at Monroe, LA
College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers the skills and knowledge of today’s challenging careers. The CEHD is comprised of the Department of Behavioral Sciences (including Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling), Department of Curriculum, Instruction & Leadership, and Department of Kinesiology. Several master’s degree programs are available in online and hybrid (online/campus) formats.
The 2013 U.S. News & World Report has ranked the ULM online MBA program the “Best Online Education Programs” and GetEducatred.com also ranked the College of Education and Human Development the “best buy for online degree” programs.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education (Educational Diagnostics) (M.Ed.) (P-12)
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education (Educational Diagnostics) is available in a completely online format for improved flexibility for working professionals. The program is designed for certified teachers wishing to advance their knowledge in special education diagnostics.
This specialized graduate program prepares students to administer standardized testing for proper evaluation of special needs preschool children through grade 12 youth. Measurement techniques for intervention of mild to moderate disabilities are the focus of this program. A diagnostic action plan includes proper educational analysis of children and youth with learning and behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The sequenced 18-month online program is advisor guided and requires portfolio documentation. A supervised practicum is also required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation
National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
Louisiana State Department of Education
Contact Information
Strauss Hall
700 University Ave.
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 342-1235
http://www.ulm.edu/cehd/
University of New Orleans, LA
College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of New Orleans offers initial and advanced teacher preparation programs plus masters and doctoral degrees. Graduate-level master’s degrees are available as follows: Master of Arts in Teaching with specialization in Special Education with endorsements in Mild/Moderate, Early Intervention, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Significant Disabilities plus Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and Secondary Teaching.
Established over 50 years ago, the COEHD has increasingly become a community partner. Following Hurricane Katrina, the University of New Orleans partnered with the Recovery School District to re-establish a strong foundation for rebuilding the educational community and addressing crisis responses to post-traumatic stress disorder, loss, depression and grief counseling.
Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education – Mild/Moderate Rapid Tracks (M.A.T.) (1-12)
The Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education with concentration in Mild/Moderate Rapid Tracks is designed as an initial certification program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. The special education certification in mild/moderate disabilities is a Rapid Tracks accelerated program. Graduates will be eligible for application for a practitioner teacher license.
Mild/Moderate disabilities include learning and behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities and high-functioning autism for children and youth (grades 1-12). The add-on endorsement requires 18 to 24 credit hours and candidates must already hold a teaching certification. All coursework and an internship or student teaching experience must be competed prior to graduation.
Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education – Early Intervention (M.A.T.)
(1-12)
The Special Education – Early Intervention Master of Arts in Teaching degree prepares students to work in a team providing early evaluation for children and youth (grades 1-12) with cognitive, emotional, sensory or physical impairments. By working with families, occupational/physical therapists, social workers and medical personnel, early interventionists are able to prepare a plan of action for successful educational outcomes.
Career opportunities in school classroom, home or private institution setting are available for graduates. Early intervention is designed to improve educational outcomes for children and youth with disabilities in the areas of cognition, linguistics, social and emotional abilities. Professional outcomes include curriculum modification, assessment techniques, high-risk evaluation and intervention. An internship or student teaching experience is required prior to graduation
Accreditation
National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges (SACS) and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact Information
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
(888) 514-4275
http://https://www.uno.edu/academics/colaehd/ehd/sehs
