Special Education (M.A.)
Acquire the experience, skills and training needed to help knowledge blossom for all types of learners.
At Kean, you can choose from three master's in special education programs — learning and behavioral disabilities, developmental disabilities, and applied behavioral analysis and autism spectrum disorder — as well as three post-master's certification programs. In each, you will plan, implement and assess specialized instruction for your students while considering their unique learning and behavioral needs.
The demand for special education teachers is high and expected to grow. Kean's programs will help you advance in your teaching career as you create a supportive and healthy classroom environment for students of all abilities.
Students in our special education master's program gain the knowledge, experience and confidence they need to succeed in their own classrooms.
Other programs you might be interested in
Cougars Climb Higher
At Kean, we believe learning and job growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities available to you, study abroad and pursue internships that will advance your career or set the stage for another advanced degree.
Council for Exceptional Children
Receive current and pertinent information from the field and enhance your knowledge and involvement with students with disabilities.
One of 50 Largest Producers of Teachers in the Nation
As one of the 50 largest producers of teachers in the nation, we have shown that our teachers succeed. Shown here, Tori-Ann Palmisano '13 was one of 44 deserving teachers around the U.S. given the prestigious Milken Educator Award in 2018.
Accessibility Services
Kean University has a strong commitment to full inclusion and equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities.
The growing prevalence of autism
The latest study released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the rate of children identified with an autism spectrum disorder has risen to 1 in 59 children nationally and 1 in 34 children in New Jersey. The state prevalence rate is up 19 percent.
"An urgent public health concern," according to the CDC, the ASD rate has tripled since 2000. New Jersey's numbers continue to exceed and outpace other states, likely due to better awareness and diagnosis, as well as the elimination of racial disparities in evaluations still present elsewhere, and more girls being identified.
The Surgeon General released a report confirming that applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of a few scientifically valid treatments for autism. “Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior,” said U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, Ph.D.
"Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General" is available at :
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter3/sec6.html#autism.
Autism NJ
1 in 34
Rate of children identified with an autism spectrum disorder in New Jersey
Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students from preschool to high school. Others work in private schools, child care services and other institutions. Many work the traditional 10-month school year, but some work year-round.
What can you do with this degree?
Study.com says there are many career options with an M.A. in special education
Verified Course Sequence
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
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