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

Program Overview

This multifaceted Ed.M. in Special Education program provides advanced graduate preparation for certified general education teachers seeking Teacher of Students with Disabilities licensure and the Rutgers Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education. Completion of a 21-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, teach collaborative teaching and consultation skills, and integrate principles of New Jersey special education law. 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.

A New Jersey standard instructional certificate or a Certificate of eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) in a subject area other than English as a Second Language is required for admission into this program. After the required coursework is completed and the master’s degree is conferred, the recipient will be awarded the Rutgers Graduate Gifted Education Certificate and the GSE will make a recommendation to the New Jersey State Department of Education on behalf of the graduate to be a teacher of students with disabilities. Students not interested in pursuing a master’s degree but interested in obtaining the Teaching Students with Disabilities endorsement should apply for admission into the 21-credit non-degree program. 

Program Goals as of 2022-2023
(Last updated: 7/19/2022)

Knowledge/Understanding 

• Students will understand the nature and needs of individuals with disabilities by developing competencies in the assessment, academic, and behavioral support for students with special needs, collaborative teaching/consultation skills, and knowledge about New Jersey special education law.  

Communication/Community Building 

• Students will participate in professional and scholarly communities (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children [CEC]) through communication and collaboration (research, publications/presentations, service). 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

• Students will understand the importance of the role of social justice in educational settings and promote educational equity by creating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives (educational, cultural, personal, social, economic) are an integral part of the learning experience.  
• Students will recognize and consider the social-cultural factors in special education identification, placement, and service provisions.  
• Students will enhance their ability to accommodate the diversity of student needs by developing a deep understanding of special education services and community resources available for individuals with special needs. 
• Students will learn to collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with special needs, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with disabilities across a range of learning experiences.

Research/Professional Practice 

• Students will conduct original research on students with special needs and use that research, as well as interpret and evaluate findings from other research studies, to inform their professional practice in special education and address problems of practice that may require change in policy and programs.  
• Students will select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance the learning of individuals with special needs.  
• Students will understand the variations in learning and development in cognitive and affective areas between and among individuals with gifts and talents and apply this understanding to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with special needs.  
• Students will use foundational knowledge of the field, professional ethical principles, and programming standards to inform special education practice.  

Assessment 

• Students will evaluate, identify, and use models and approaches that will be effective in the successful design and implementation of assessment.  
• Students will use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions about identification of individuals with special needs and the monitoring of student learning progress.  
• Students will use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias. 

Professional Development/Self-Reflection 

• Students will capitalize on opportunities for continuous professional learning and development, including reflective self-inquiry, to make significant contributions to field of special education. 

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

• Ed.M. in Special Education General Studies Program  (non-certification)
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification only
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant Certification
• Ed.M. in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Sequence

For more information about this program:

• 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 Details