Special Education: General Curriculum, Master of Arts (MA)
Educators who are currently certified may wish to pursue advanced study in order to improve their skills in knowledge in their respective field. Georgia educators who complete the Master of Arts degree in a field in which they hold certification are eligible for a certification upgrade. In-field Master of Arts degrees do NOT lead to initial certification. The M.A. in Special Education General Curriculum: Instructional and Behavioral Support Specialist is designed to meet the needs of candidates with a degree in education leading to recommendation for a Georgia level 5 certificate.
The M.A. program is designed to link theory and practice through a combination of course work, research, and applied field experiences. The candidate’s program is based on transcript review, previous work experience, and the requirements of Piedmont University, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Special Education Master of Arts program is to prepare our candidates to use advanced knowledge of learner characteristics, federal and state regulations, evidence-based practices, and collaborative skills to affect positive learning outcomes for school-age individuals with disabilities. Further, we prepare candidates to engage in ongoing professional development, use inquiry to guide professional practice, and provide leadership to create effective school environments.
Program Requirements
In addition to the graduate admissions requirements listed in the catalog, all candidates must submit three letters of recommendation that address potential for teaching students with disabilities. A passing score on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments is required for certification.
Required Early in Program Unless Previously Satisfied:
(may be taken at either the graduate or undergraduate level or in a GaTAPP program)
Cluster A
| SPED 6602 | Learning Characteristics of Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 6606 | Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers | 3 |
| SPED 6607 | Single Case Research for Special Educators | 3 |
| SPED 6633 | Curriculum and Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 6638 | Advanced Assessment and Instruction in Reading | 3 |
| SPED 6684 | Advanced Strategies for Behavior Change | 3 |
| EDUC 7703 | Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education | 3 |
| SPED 7705 | Policies and Legal Issues in Special Education | 3 |
Cluster B, Elective courses: (9 hours)
Candidates must choose three of the following courses*:
| EDUC 6607 | Fundamentals of Learning and Cognition | 3 |
| EDUC 6628 | Literature for Children: Expanding Students' Reading Abilities and Interests | 3 |
| EDUC 6630 | Mathematics Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 6632 | Language Arts | 3 |
| EDUC 6634 | Social Studies Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 6636 | Science Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 6639 | Exploration and Analysis of Reading Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 6642 | Critical Thinking and Creativity in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDMG 6645 | Advanced Teaching in the Middle School | 3 |
| EDSE 6660 | Advanced Studies in Secondary Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 6685/EDUC 4485 | Characteristics of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 |
| EDUC 6686/EDUC 4486 | Instructional Methods for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 |
| EDUC 6687/EDUC 4487 | The Autism Advisor | 3 |
| EDUC 6690 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDUC 7702 | Integrating Instructional Media and Technology | 3 |
| EDUC 7712 | Group Processes and Interpersonal Skills | 3 |
| EDUC 7721 | Characteristics of Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7722 | Assessment of Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7723 | Programs, Curriculum and Methods for Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7770 | The Foxfire Approach to Instruction | 3 |
*or other graduate-level methodology course, with approval of advisor
Cluster C, to be at the end of the program of study
| SPED 7740 | Advanced Research to Practice | 3 |
| SPED 7780 | Capstone Seminar (with required portfolio exhibition) | 3 |
SPED 7780: This course is non-transferable and must be completed at Piedmont University.
Hours: 39 hours
After requirements for cluster A and B and appropriate assessment requirements are met, candidates may be recommended for the Special Education General Curriculum certificate, which prepares them to work in a consultative setting with a content teacher of record.
Program Completion Requirements:
- Submit and have approved an application for graduation the semester before graduation;
- Earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses attempted with not more than one grade of “C”; and
- Approval of Capstone (SPED 7780) with a passing score
- NOTE: Passing score on appropriate GACE Content Assessment examination is required for certification.