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Home > Special Education > MEd in Special Education

 

Statewide/Distance Program

Important Note to Spring, Summer, and Fall 2010 Applicants: MEd in Special Education program will no longer result in teacher licensure. Read more about this change.

The M.Ed. in Special Education, a 43 credit program (including 1 credit of ETEC 501*), is offered State-Wide by the Department of Special Education to those with a Bachelor degree in any field and desiring:

  • a teaching license
  • M.Ed. degree in special education

There is a heavy emphasis on field experience to refine practical skills in applied settings. Field courses require a minimum nine-hour-a-week field placement requirement. Some applicants are eligible for a DOE full tuition stipend in exchange for a commitment to teach special education in Hawai`i for five (5) years (M.Ed.) upon completion of the program.

Students may be employed as a teacher in a special education setting while in the program.

*ETEC 501 is a one credit, face-to-face course, taken by students beginning COE distance programs. The course is designed to provide the technology skills students will need in their online programs.

Autism Specialist

There is also an Autism Specialist emphasis within the Severe disabilities track. A $10,000 training stipend is provided for each of two years.

Student Readiness

These programs will incorporate “hybrid” classes that are taught online in addition to condensed weekend formats. The nature of such a program requires a moderate amount of computer literacy and comfort. It also requires self-discipline to maintain the pace of the course between classes. If you are unsure of your comfort in working online or your ability to maintain progress between face-to-face classes, consult an advisor prior to applying.

Statewide Program Features

  • Accommodates candidates who are employed but unlicensed special education teachers
  • Classes taught online, via interactive web-based course delivery (Elluminate & Laulima/Sakai)) or during non-working hours.

Statewide Cohort Notes

  • Some student travel will be required on weekends (Approximately 1-3 times per semester, locations TBD)
  • Classes may include Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays
  • A stipend covering air travel and overnight accommodations (double occupancy) will be provided to students who must travel inter-island
  • Students are responsible for meals, taxes, travel to/from airport(s) and other travel-related expenses
  • Access to a computer (Windows XP/Vista; Macintosh System OSX 10.3+); Microsoft Office software (MS Access not required), printer, and an Internet connection are required
  • It is strongly recommended that the above resources are available in the student’s home or another location with immediate and convenient access
  • Priority admissions granted to applicants without other access to licensure programs