Ed.M. in Special Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification and GSE Gifted Education Certificate

Students enrolled in the Ed.M. in Special Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification and Gift Education Certificate 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. Students will also learn to address the instructional and affective needs of exceptional learners through the gifted education core. Expert faculty will teach students the foundational knowledge and standards of the field, collaborative and responsive teaching, evidence-based instructional strategies, how to develop specialized curricula, and the design and improvement of programs and services for gifted learners.

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

This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes: 

• 36 Graduate Course Credits
  • 21 Credits – Special Education Core Courses
  • 15 Credits – Gifted Education Core 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.

Graduates of this program are prepared for employment as teachers of students with disabilities and or teachers of gifted students in public, private, and charter schools. Within this role, they may act as educational specialists, coaches, consultants, curriculum developers, and or diagnosticians, and work to develop appropriate learning environments to meet the needs of each student they serve. They may also ultimately advance into leadership roles given their advanced credentials.

• Personal Statement 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • 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 Special Education endorsement program.
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
• Official Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)
• Photocopy of a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate or a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) showing certification other than English as a Second Language

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: 

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.