Ed.M. in Special Education with Certification for Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant

    Program Overview

    This 36-credit program offered by the GSE prepares practicing teachers to serve as Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultants (LDT-Cs) in public school systems. LDT-Cs work as assessment specialists and members of the pupil personnel services team. The program, led by expert faculty and backed by research-driven curriculum, includes instruction in the assessment of academic achievement of students referred for learning disabilities evaluation. Core courses will develop student competencies in the assessment and remediation of students with learning disabilities, teach collaborative teaching and consultation skills, and integrate principles of New Jersey special education law. Educators who enroll in the program will also be prepared to interpret patterns found in testing, devise informal measures to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs, and design interventions to promote success in school and address specific needs.

    Applicants to this program are required to have a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate (or out-of-state equivalent) and three years of full-time classroom experience prior to enrollment. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive endorsement for the LDT-C Educational Services Certification. 


    The following programmatic offerings are also available for students seeking an Ed.M. in Special Education:

    For more information about this 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 + Certification

    Format

    Hybrid

    Credits

    36

  • What You’ll Learn

    Students exiting the Ed.M. in Special Education with LDT-C Certification program are eqipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to facilitate the assessment of academic achievement of students referred for learning disabilities evaluation. Through completion of coursework in areas including special education, educational statistics, and learning, cognition, and development, students develop the ability to interpret patterns found in testing, devise informal measures to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs, and determine instructional strategies to promote success in school and address specific needs.

    For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

  • Program Requirements

    This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:

      • 36 Graduate Course Credits
        • 15 Credits – Special Education Core Courses
        • 3 Credits – Special Education Core Elective Course
        • 6 Credits – Education, Statistics, Measurement, & Evaluation Courses
        • 6 Credits – Learning, Cognition, & Development Courses
        • 6 Credits – Outside Elective Courses 
      • Portfolio
        • Students will archive artifacts from various GSE courses via an online instructional and evaluation system as directed by faculty

    Accepted students have 5 years to complete the program.

  • Careers and Outcomes

    Graduates of this program are prepared for employment as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant in public, private, and charter schools. Within this role, they may come to act as educational specialists, coaches, consultants, and or diagnosticians, and work to develop appropriate learning environments to meet the needs of each student they serve.

  • Admissions Requirements
    • Personal Statement 
    • 3 Letters of Recommendation
      • One recommendation must be from the applicant’s current or previous supervisor or HR department, on school district letterhead, certifying the completion of three years of successful, full-time employment under a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate
      • The recommendation letter requirement is waived for any applicant who has successfully completed at least 15 credits, with a B+ average, in the non-degree LDT-C endorsement program
    • Official Undergraduate Transcripts
    • Official Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)
    • Photocopy of New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate (or Out-of-State Equivalent)
    • 3 Years of Full-Time Classroom Teaching Experience
  • How to Apply
    1. Collect the materials required for admission
    2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
    3. Submit supporting materials online
    4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us
  • 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.

Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback form.

Copyright © 2025 Rutgers GSE
Scroll to Top