Education: Disability Studies, M.A.

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The Master of Arts in Education provides advance preparation for professionals working with children and adults with disabilities, and their families.

Disability Studies Specialization - 30 units

The Disability Studies Specialization prepares teachers and professionals for leadership roles in the field of disabilities. Completion of this degree prepares graduates to further expand their knowledge of individuals with disabilities of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It equips practitioners with the knowledge of best practice and policies for working with individuals with disabilities and their families.

Careers

The Master of Arts in Education with the Disability Studies Specialization prepares graduates for leadership positions in the field of special education and disabilities. These leaders can develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies for individuals with disabilities; mentor special education teachers and allied professionals; conduct professional development and research; serve on policy committees; and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Admission Requirements

Application - Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education.
One Set of Official Transcripts - One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CI Admissions office. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be accepted into the Master of Arts in Education Disabilities Studies Program.
Two Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional work.
Interview. Interview with the School of Education Admissions Committee.
Writing Sample - A written statement of purpose (500-600 word essay) describing why the candidate desires to obtain a Master of Education in Disability Studies. This essay will include reflection on personal and professional goals and the ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Masters Core Courses - 9 units

EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society Units: 3
EDUC 615 - Principles of Educational Research Units: 3

Select either:

EDUC 616 - Masters Thesis Units: 1-3 *
(Continuing registration required)
or
EDUC 618 - Comprehensive Examination Units: 1-3
or
EDUC 619 - Masters Project Units: 1-3

Note:

* (MA students in the Disability Studies Specialization must take 3 units of EDUC 616 or 3 units of EDUC 618 or 3 units of EDUC 619 .)

Required Courses for Master of Arts: Disability Studies - 12 units

SPED 641 - Advanced Perspectives in Disabilities Studies Units: 3
SPED 643 - Advanced Assessment and Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners Units: 3
SPED 690 - Advanced Topics in Disability Studies Units: 3
EDUC 617 - Action Research Units: 3

Electives - 9 units

Students who have completed the Education Specialist program at CI may transfer up to 6 units of coursework as electives. All students may take electives from the School of Education and/or other programs as appropriate to the student’s emphasis (e.g., psychology, sociology, business). Electives must be pre-approved by the program coordinator and a justification must be provided on how the elective relates to student’s career and degree goals. Instructor approval may also need to be obtained depending on the program that offers the course.

Note:

Program Maintenance Requirements: Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better with no course grades lower than a C+. The progress of students in meeting this requirement and in progressing toward completion in a timely manner will be monitored at the conclusion of each term.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency for the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society , with a grade of B or higher.