There are two institutions that offer Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in Rhode Island: Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. Both of these programs are fully accredited, rigorous programs designed to prepare future teachers for careers in the challenging field of special education. These programs offer unique course options not found at many other institutions. Programs such as Urban Multicultural Special Education help train qualified professionals to work in underrepresented areas and truly make a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs. The following options are available for students seeking graduate-level degrees in the field of education.
Rhode Island College
Special Education Department
Rhode Island College’s Special Education Department offers five master’s degree programs in the areas of early childhood education, exceptional learning needs, severe and profound disabilities, urban multicultural special education and initial teaching certification. The department also offers a bachelors of science in special education, as well as graduate certificates in autism education, middle-secondary level special education and severe intellectual disabilities.
M.Ed. in Urban Multicultural Special Education
This interdisciplinary program prepares future teachers for working with English Language Learners in a K-12 special education setting. Program participants will work towards also earning their ESL certificate. This unique program focuses on both special education and the unique learning needs of children who experience cultural and linguistic differences.
M.Ed. in Severe Intellectual Disabilities Special Education
The M.Ed. in Severe Intellectual Disabilities Special Education program prepares future teachers to work with individuals with severe or profound disabilities, including autism, traumatic brain injury or cerebral palsy. This program includes information on students from preschool through young adulthood learning in both schools and non-school settings.
M.Ed. in Special Education: Special Education Certification
This initial certification program is designed for students who do not already have a valid teaching license. Individuals who complete the program will be qualified to work in a variety of settings with children who have mild to moderate disabilities. All students must complete a course on multiculturalism in addition to a special education prerequisite in order to earn an initial teaching license.
M.Ed. in Special Education: Exceptional Learning Needs
This unique program prepares future teachers for working in a variety of settings. Students can choose from four specialization options, including secondary education, administration, urban multicultural curriculum and instruction, and specialized study. These options allow students to design an educational path that meets their career aspirations and goals.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) leading to ECSE Certification
This flexible program allows students to earn their Early Childhood Special Education certification in either one or two years. Students who complete the program will be qualified to work with children birth to second grade, in home, early intervention or preschool settings.
Accreditations
Rhode Island College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Department of Special Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).
Contact
Rhode Island College
Department of Special Education
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000
[email protected]
https://www.ric.edu/academics/graduate-programs/graduate-education-programs
University of Rhode Island
School of Education
The School of Education at the University of Rhode Island offers several unique program components in order to surpass all state and national standards, including field based preparation, an online portfolio system, a focus on evidence-based inclusive education and opportunities to study abroad. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to earn a double major in order to enhance marketability.
Master’s of Arts in Special Education
The Master’s of Arts in Special Education program meets the rigorous standards set forth by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the Rhode Island Department of Education. Program participants can earn certification in mild/moderate disabilities for either elementary or secondary special education. This highly competitive program can be completed in 36 credit hours over three semesters.
Accreditations
The University of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) as well as The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Contact
University of Rhode Island
School of Education
45 Upper College Rd.
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-2872
[email protected]
http://www.uri.edu/hss/education/grad_programs/special_ed/index.html
With the rate of childhood diagnoses rapidly increasing, the field of special education is currently an in-demand field. The job outlook for qualified professionals in special education is projected to increase, making the Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in Rhode Island a strong choice for those seeking to get started in this challenging and rewarding field.
