Ed.M. in Special Education (General Studies)
- Degrees & Programs
- Ed.M. in Special Education with Advanced Certification: Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD)
- Ed.M. in Special Education with Advanced Certification: Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) and Gifted Education
- Ed.M. in Special Education with Advanced Certification: Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant
- Ed.M. in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Download the program guide (includes course list and application requirements)
- Contact Matt Winkler, Assistant Dean for Advisement in the Office of Student and Academic Services
Program Overview
Led by expert faculty and informed by research-driven curriculum, the Ed.M. in Special Education program at the GSE provides advanced graduate preparation for both certified special and general education teachers who wish to learn to address the instructional needs of students with mild and moderate cognitive disabilities. Completion of the 18-credit special education core is required of all students as part of the program. These core courses develop competencies in the assessment and remediation of students with learning disabilities, learn collaborative teaching and consultation skills, and integrate principles of New Jersey special education law. Through additional required coursework, students in the Special Education General Studies program will gain a foundational understanding of psychometric theory, statistical methods, and the psychology of learning. Elective courses also offer the opportunity for deeper inquiry into various topics depending on the students own academic interests, and must be approved by an advisor to be considered toward completion of the program.
This is a non-certification program and does not include coursework resulting in a NJ school personnel license or other certification. Students with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in initial teacher certification in special education should contact the Office of Student and Academic Services.
The following programmatic offerings are also available for students seeking an Ed.M. in Special Education:
For more information about the Ed.M. in Special Education General Studies program:
Program Details
Application Deadline
Feb 1 / Oct 15 / May 15 *Late applications will be considered.
Entry Term(s)
Fall / Spring / Summer
Program Level
Masters
Program Type
Degree
Format
Hybrid
Credits
36
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What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the Ed.M. in Special Education program will learn the foundational principles of special education, how to identify and assess student learning disabilities, and to execute a plan to address and meet the instructional needs of students with mild and moderate cognitive disabilities. Required coursework from the departments of Educational Statistics, Measurement, and Evaluation and Learning, Cognition, and Development will also equip graduates of the program with knowledge and skills in psychometric theory, statistical methods, the biological bases of behavior, and the psychology of learning.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:
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- 36 Graduate Course Credits
- 12 Credits – Special Education Core Courses
- 6 Credits – Special Education Elective Courses
- 6 Credits – Educational, Statistics, Measurement & Evaluation Courses
- 6 Credits – Learning, Cognition, Development Courses
- 6 Credits – Elective Course
- Elective Courses must be approved by an advisor
- 36 Graduate Course Credits
Accepted students have 5 years to complete the program.
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Careers and Outcomes
Students exiting the Ed.M. in Special Education program who have teacher certification often go on to pursue roles as special education teachers, special education consultants, or curriculum development specialists. Other opportunities may include roles as early intervention specialists, student tutors, or advocates, advisors, or consultants in the private, nonprofit, and government sectors.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts
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How to Apply
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at https://newbrunswickgrad.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office.
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition:
For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.
Financial Aid:
While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:
Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.
To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.