Master of Science (M.S.) in Exceptional Student Education Program (ESE)
Mission Statement
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program at Barry University responds to the general tenet that all persons are entitled to an equal educational opportunity that appropriately addresses their academic, social, and physical needs. Course instructors aim to motivate graduates to teach responsibly, accommodate students’ learning styles, promote high academic standards and learner outcomes, and prepare K–12 students for post-secondary education and living.
Teacher candidates are nurtured through strong instructional programming, field experiences, practicum, and individual mentoring. In addition, teacher candidates are made aware of the importance of providing a quality education that is as much culturally responsive as it is developmentally appropriate.
Program Goals
The M.S. in Exceptional Student Education is based on the fundamental principle that all children, including students with disabilities, can learn and exceptional student educators should hold high expectations for all their students. Exceptional student educators must strive to motivate and enhance students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development, instilling within them an internal locus of control and a sense of autonomy and empowerment. As such, the program goals are to provide opportunities for special education teacher candidates to:
- Accurately assess students’ academic strengths and weaknesses
- Monitor student progress appropriately
- Design effective instructional goals and activities based on the students’ individual needs
- Use effective best practices and strategies when instructing students with disabilities
Student Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of the degree program, graduates will have acquired the ability to:
- Assess exceptional students’ learning needs
- Plan appropriate and individualized program goals in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
- Monitor students’ progress and attainment of the goals and objectives stated In the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Work collaboratively with other education professionals to provide appropriate instruction
- Integrate the use of appropriate assistive technologies and devices when instructing students with exceptionalities
- Develop and implement culturally responsive teaching practices
The M.S. degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) offers a comprehensive background for education professionals interested in meeting the needs of children and youth with exceptionalities. Current issues and trends in the field are addressed throughout the coursework. The program serves two distinct graduate student populations: 1) persons with a non-education or non-ESE baccalaureate degree who wish to complete an initial degree program in ESE for K–12 students with mild disabilities (Group 1) and 2) persons with a baccalaureate degree in education who are seeking an M.S. degree for a second teaching certification with a specialization in ESE (Group 2). The coursework for each group meets different levels of interest in ESE, based on students’ backgrounds. Students are required to complete a minimum of 36 credits for this degree program.
In addition to the Master’s Degree in ESE, the ESE program offers both an Autism Endorsement and an Autism Certificate. The Autism Endorsement consists of four courses (12 credits). Teachers who are already certified and wish to work specifically with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may complete the prescribed four courses and apply to the FL Department of Education to add the Endorsement to their existing certificate in ESE. Autism courses may be added to a Bachelor's or Master's degree in ESE.
The Autism Certificate program was designed specifically to address the needs of professionals who are not teachers but work in related fields such as school psychology, social work, counseling, or mental health and who are not eligible to obtain a Florida Endorsement in Autism, but want to be trained in the requisite skills and competencies to provide appropriate services to students diagnosed with (ASD). The Certificate program is also applicable to international or out-of-state candidates who will be eligible to work with individuals on the spectrum in their own township or country, since the Endorsement is specific to Florida.
The Certificate program consists of five courses, totaling 15 credits. The four Autism Endorsement courses are required (12 credits), plus a practicum course (3 credits). Individuals who wish to complete the Certificate program must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have worked or intends to work with children or adolescents in any of the human service related professions.
Both the Master’s Degree in ESE and the Autism Endorsement/Certificate programs provide a quality education in a caring environment that is closely aligned to the University’s Mission, while emphasizing community service and student advocacy.
Master of Science (42 – 45 credits)
Required Courses (42 – 45 credits)
Note:
- EDR-601 is required in the second semester of coursework.
- Depending on the graduate student’s prior classroom experience and certification credentials, the ESE-699- may be waived; graduate students with no prior teaching experience are recommended to complete ESE-599.
- Please note, most courses have a required field experience component.
Autism Endorsement (12 credits)
Required Courses (12 credits)
Autism Certificate (15 credits)
Required Courses (15 credits)
Additional Graduation Requirement
All graduate students enrolled in the M.S. in ESE degree program (Groups 1 and 2) are required to pass the Master’s Comprehensive Exam. The Comprehensive Exam is a three-hour written exam that graduate students register to take during their last semester in the program and receive a “credit” (CR - pass) or “no credit” (NC - fail) score. The Exam assesses graduate students’ cumulative knowledge and critical reasoning skills relative to course content and pertinent topics addressed throughout their program of study. In addition to all the other program requirements, graduate students must pass this Exam in order to be eligible for graduation.
PH.D. Program
For information on the doctoral program with a specialization in Special Education, see the Ph.D. Program in Curriculum and Instruction.