Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education Program
In collaboration with local school districts, the College of Education offers an intensive teacher education program for those seeking initial licensure in special education with authorizations at either the early childhood/elementary levels or the middle school/high school levels. The Special Education Program is offered at the Eugene and Forest Grove campuses.
The Internship Program
The SPED Internship is an innovative graduate program involving collaboration between school districts and Pacific University. Candidates in this program complete the MAT degree and requirements for SPED licensure. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, experience working with persons with disabilities, and must show strong potential for becoming a special education teacher. Following a rigorous process, interns are mutually selected by school district representatives and university faculty. Once selected, the intern again may interview with school personnel to determine placement. Since the goal of this program is the recruitment and retention of special education teachers to fill a critical need, we strive to involve all stakeholders in the process. Successful interns who complete the school year satisfactorily are required to stay with the district for an additional two years if offered a position.
The Traditional Program
Students who desire a more traditional program will complete all the requirements of the special educator program and participate in a capstone student teaching experience for 12-18 weeks. Upon completion of the program, students will receive the MAT degree and be eligible for SPED licensure. The program design is customized for students who continue to work as paraeducators during the program, for those on restricted licenses, or for those without extensive work experience in a special education setting.
Curriculum
| Section | Early Childhood and Elementary Authorizations | Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| SPED-500 | Foundations of Special Education | 2 |
| SPED-505 | Exceptionalities | 2 |
| SPED-510 | Behavior Management
for Special Educators |
3 |
| SPED-517 | Case Management for Special Educators | 1 |
| SPED-518 | Collaboration in Schools | 1 |
| SPED-520 | Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED-530 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Academic | 3 |
| SPED-535 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Functional | 3 |
| SPED-541 | Technology for Teacher Productivity | 1 |
| SPED-542 | Assistive Technology | 1 |
| SPED-550 | Practicum - Special Education | 1-6 |
| SPED-575 | Student Teaching | 2-15 |
| SPED-576 | Seminar (2 sessions required) | 1 |
| EDUC-501 | Foundations of General Education | 2 |
| EDUC-561 | Foundations of Human Development & Psychology | 2 |
| EDUC-600 | Learning Communities (3 sessions required) | 1 |
| EDUC-602 | Teacher as Researcher I | 1 |
| EDUC-603 | Teacher as Researcher II | 1 |
| EDUC-620 | Language Acquisition in Children | 2 |
| Middle School and High School Authorizations | ||
| SPED-500 | Foundations of Special Education | 2 |
| SPED-505 | Exceptionalities | 2 |
| SPED-510 | Behavior Management
for Special Educators |
3 |
| SPED-517 | Case Management for Special Educators | 1 |
| SPED-518 | Collaboration in Schools | 1 |
| SPED-520 | Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED-530 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Academic | 3 |
| SPED-535 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Functional | 3 |
| SPED-536 | Transition | 1 |
| SPED-541 | Technology for Teacher Productivity | 1 |
| SPED-542 | Assistive Technology | 1 |
| SPED-550 | Practicum - Special Education | 1-6 |
| SPED-575 | Student Teaching | 2-15 |
| SPED-576 | Seminar (2 sessions required) | 1 |
| EDUC-501 | Foundations of General Education | 2 |
| EDUC-561 | Foundations of Human Development & Psychology | 2 |
| EDUC-600 | Learning Communities (3 sessions required) | 1 |
| EDUC-602 | Teacher as Researcher I | 1 |
| EDUC-603 | Teacher as Researcher II | 1 |
| EDUC-620 | Language Acquisition in Children | 2 |
Total Credits for ECE/Elem |
43-47 |
|
Total Credits for MS/HS |
44-48 |
Continuation in the Program
- Candidates must maintain good academic standing.
- Candidates must maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA in all professional education and special education coursework with no grade lower than a C; a C- is not acceptable
Requirements for Program Completion
- Candidates must complete all coursework with satisfactory grades.
- Candidates must complete field experience, required practica, and full-time student teaching with a grade of Pass.
- Candidates must complete requirements for two work samples. Requirements include preparation, assessment, teaching, and a satisfactory evaluation.
- Candidates must pass all applicable tests required by TSPC for licensure.
Admissions Information
Application Requirements
Testing Information
Graduate Online Application
More Information
Fast Facts
Program Handbook - information subject to change
Contact
Diana Watkins, Assistant Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions
Email: teach@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1435 or 877-722-8648 ext. 1435
Krisha Hall, Admissions Counselor and Data Manager
Email: krisha@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1436
Christine Macfarlane, Special Education Program Director
Email: macfarlane@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1440