Information for Future Students in Special Education Programs
Is a Career in Special Education or Disability Services the Right Choice for YOU?
Why should you be interested in preparing yourself for a career as a professional educator in this discipline?
HIGH DEMAND FOR PROFESSIONALS trained asspecial educators and disability services specialists because of critical shortages in most areas means easy access to many job opportunities.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT through acquisition of a master's degree or doctoral degree to increase salary, advance in rank, or become eligible for other professional positions.
PROFESSIONAL PRIDE resulting from ability to design individuailzed learning experiences that produce meaningful developmental, academic and functional outcomes or children and adults.
PERSONAL SATISFACTION in seeing your time and effort result in significant differences in the lives of individuals with exceptionalities and their families.
Won't you join us and our colleagues around the world as we pursue the dream of creating a society where ALL individuals have access to education and habilitation programs that enable them to achieve their personal potential and a high quality of life?
Why Choose the Special Education Program at WVU?
As a potential student, you have may programs from which to choose at colleges and universities across the U.S. and in other countries, so what does the WVU Department of Special Education have to offer you?
The WVU Special Education Programs have many advantages:
- extensive ARRAY OF OFFERINGS of courses and program;
- experienced and DEDICATED FACULTY and staff;
- many courses and programs available though ONLINE DELIVERY;
- tuition and fees at REASONABLE RATES, even for non-residents;
- NATIONAL ACCREDITATION by the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and
- learning outcomes that reflect the highest PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS in this discipline established through professional recognition by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Why Consider a Second Master's Degree?
Perhaps you are someone who already has a master's degree in some other area. You should still consider a SECOND master's degree to establish your expertise in special education or disability services, enhancing opportunities for other career options or eligibility for advanced degree programs.
For most programs, you can earn a master's degree with certification for as little as 3-6 additional credits. Some of these additional credits may be taken from the prior master's degree program if the courses were completed recently.
Can I Apply Courses from Another Program ?
As a student, you are allowed to request permission to apply up to 12 credits from another program or institution of higher education, if the specific courses meet requirements established by WVU and are considered to satisfy program criteria for required course or elective credits.
How Much Will the Program Cost?
What is Needed for Admission to a Program?