Master of Education: Special Education

Program details

Total credit hours: 37
Program length: Part time (summer and evening classes)
Program start date: Ongoing
Time to finish: About 2 years
This program is offered both on campus and in Central Oregon.
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Faculty coordinator: Christine Moore (contact directly with advising questions)

Lewis & Clark’s Special Education programs were designed by a team of public school special educators collaborating with college faculty to provide a highly practical, skill-based program based on current research for educators interested in serving students with special needs. Faculty members are practicing special educators who have extensive backgrounds in current theories, research, and practice.

The Master of Education Program is a flexible program for practicing educators who want to combine the specialized knowledge provided by the Special Education Endorsement with the rigor of master’s-level degree studies to advance their careers. The program is 37 semester hours of study. You will earn the Special Education Endorsement and design the remainder of your program (19 semester hours) collaboratively with an advisor to suit your strengths and interests. Students may incorporate coursework in reading, math, ESOL, and other areas into their degree. The program also prepares teachers who currently hold an Initial Teaching License to earn their Continuing Teaching License.*

In the Special Education Master of Education Program, you will work with leaders in the field to:

• Observe, analyze and document the educational impact of disabilities
• Determine the applicability of scientifically based research to a variety of educational environments
• Analyze and use current assessment strategies
• Learn about instructional practices with demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement and socially acceptable behavior of students with special needs.

Throughout the program, your knowledge and skills will be applied in school-based special education settings with eligible special education students. Endorsement candidates may use their current special education teaching assignment site as a practicum setting.

*Teachers holding a Basic or Standard teaching license can earn their Basic and Standard Exceptional Learner I endorsements, as well as the Standard Teaching License, by completing the coursework required for the Master’s Program.

What to Expect

Special education practice is a nuanced relationship between the requirements of legal mandates and educational best practices. The master’s degree in Special Education consists of 37 semester hours of opportunities to learn each aspect of the special education process from referral to reevaluation through case studies and relevant practica. Faculty in the program are practicing special educators and approach courses and practica as opportunities to examine and solve the everyday questions, concerns, and problems of educating students with disabilities in K-12 schools. Each course emphasizes research-based, interactive problem solving that is effective, efficient, practical, up-to-date, and skill-based. We ensure that you are equipped to serve students with special needs.

Why Study at LC?

The special education program is flexible, respecting the busy schedules of practicing educators, and providing an individualized course of study that accepts credit for a candidate's previous special education coursework and/or special education experience. Small classes emphasize problem solving and collegial discussions.

About the Endorsement

Find out more about which Special Education endorsement is right for you, based on which teaching license you possess, using a special About the Endorsements page we have prepared for you.

Expectations for Admission

The program is designed for educators who want to advance their teaching career by earning a specialized master’s degree in special education. Applicants must hold a current, regular teaching license in Oregon. Candidates must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School of Education & Counseling.

Apply Now

To find out more about the admissions process, as well as the requirements for admission, you can contact the Graduate School Office of Admissions at gseadmit@lclark.edu or 503-768-6200.

For more information, or to make an appointment with a faculty advisor, contact Christine Moore, coordinator, at 503-768-6128 or cmoore@lclark.edu. You can also contact the office of Teacher Education at 503-768-6100 or lcteach@lclark.edu.

Talk to the Program Coordinator

For more information or to speak with the Special Education programs coordinator, please contact Christine Moore, cmoore@lclark.edu, 503-768-6128.

For Current Students

Program Planning Sheet

Program completed? Apply for your endorsement