2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Special Education, M.A.: Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Option

Dr. Joseph A. Hogan, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

Office: Hennings Hall, Room: 312

Phone: 908-737-3845

E-mail: jhogan@kean.edu

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Special Education: Learning and Behavioral Disabilities provides students with an in-depth background to work with students who have learning, emotional, behavioral and/or developmental disabilities. Students learn about the physiological causes of learning disabilities, enabling them to gain a more holistic perspective of their students. Students will be exposed to various instructional approaches, assessments, and practices to better serve students with disabilities. Coursework actively involves students in critical thinking activities, in which they examine and analyze theories and practices for teaching students in this domain, with a strong emphasis on best practices for inclusive education. Students may apply to receive New Jersey Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities after the completion of the required 21 credits. The program is offered in a fully online modality.

Prerequisites

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • New Jersey Instructional Certificate (CE, CEAS, or Standard)

Program Requirements

  • 33 credits (without co-requisite); 36 credits (with co-requisite)
  • Action Research Capstone experience
  • Research Days Presentation of the Action Research Project

Degree Requirements

 

Required Courses 27-30

SPED 5000PHYSIOLOGICAL BASES OF LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR

3

SPED 5005FOUNDATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

3

SPED 5020EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES & AUTISM

3

SPED 5023TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

3

SPED 5024DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION IN THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM

3

SPED 5050ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

3

SPED 5068TRANSITION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

3

SPED 5071ADDRESSING LITERACY FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

3

SPED 5080INCLUSIVE PRACTICES AND IEP DEVELOPMENT

3

SPED 5410LEARNING AND BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES AND LITERACY

3

*SPED 5005: Waived for students certified in Special Education within the last 10 years. An elective course is required if SPED 5005 is waived.

SPED 5005, SPED 5020, SPED*5023, SPED*5024, SPED*5050, SPED 5068 and SPED 5071: Courses must be completed to apply for NJ Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

Electives 3

One elective, either from another option, from offered electives in the Special Education Graduate Program, or from another subject, with advisor approval if SPED 5005 is waived.

Capstone/Research 3

SPED 5810TRENDS AND ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH SEMINAR

3

 

Total Credit Hours: 33