Master of Arts (M.A.) in Advanced Teaching in
Special Education
Cross-Endorsement for Certified Educators
Champion student success with inclusive practices and targeted interventions!
Why Choose the MA in Special Education, Advanced Teaching at USJ?
- Fully Online Cohort
Study from anywhere while staying connected to a supportive peer group.
- Live Virtual Classes
Just one evening per week—built for working educators.
- 8-Week Courses
Focused, fast-paced, and designed for immediate classroom application.
- Integrate Technology Tools
Learn how to use emerging technologies to help support students in the classroom.
- Innovate Your Practice
Deepen impact with inclusive, research-informed strategies.
- Designed for Balance
Finish in 2 years—without stepping away from your classroom.
Transformative Learning for Today’s Classrooms
The Master of Arts in Special Education, Advanced Teaching at the University of Saint Joseph is designed for Connecticut-certified educators who want to deepen their expertise in supporting learners with disabilities across diverse K–12 settings. Grounded in current research and responsive to the real-world needs of today’s classrooms, the program equips educators with advanced knowledge in assessment, instructional planning, behavioral support, and collaborative practices. Key focus areas include evidence-based interventions in reading and mathematics, mental and behavioral health strategies, inclusive and differentiated instruction, and assistive technology integration.
The program is fully aligned with Connecticut Cross-Endorsement Regulations and leads to a cross-endorsement in special education for currently certified teachers.
Program Design
Built for working educators, this fully online program combines the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the richness of live, weekly online sessions that promote collaboration and real-time engagement.
- Follows a cohort model for peer support and community
- Courses are offered in eight-week blocks, one at a time
- Live class sessions meet one evening per week from 4:45 PM – 8:45 PM
- Program can be completed in approximately two years
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (minimum GPA of 2.5)
- A valid Connecticut teaching certificate
- Ongoing access to a classroom with students to complete required field-based assignments
What You’ll Learn
This program provides advanced knowledge in:
- Curriculum adaptation for diverse learning needs
- Behavioral intervention and classroom management
- Inclusive instructional strategies
- Legal and ethical foundations of special education
- Evidence-based practices for literacy, math, and assessment
Degree Requirements and Career Outcomes
To earn the Master of Arts in Special Education: Advanced Teaching, candidates must successfully complete all required coursework and a course-embedded capstone project that synthesizes learning across the program.
Graduates will:
- Be eligible to apply for a cross-endorsement in Special Education in Connecticut (upon meeting additional state testing requirements, including the Praxis II in Special Education and the Foundations of Reading exam)
- Be equipped to design and implement inclusive, high-impact practices that support diverse learners
- Expand career opportunities in both general and special education roles
Note: This program does not lead to initial teacher certification in Connecticut.
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours | ||
| SPEC 539 | Universal Design for Learning: Proactive Inclusion for All Students Designing curriculum, instruction, and supports to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom | 3 | ||
| SPEC 561 | Behavioral Interventions Examines the factors that contribute to behaviors demonstrated by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the coordinating best practices for analyzing, developing intervention plans and evaluating the effectiveness of these plans. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 536 | Summer Practicum I** This is the first required 5-week practicum for approved licensed educators seeking Special Education cross-endorsement. Direct supervision is provided by a qualified special educator in a school setting. | 4 | ||
| SPEC 535 | Special Education Law The emphasis of this course is on legislation affecting the planning and delivery of services to children with special education needs. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 518 | Designing Learning Experiences for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities Emphasis on research-based interventions that promote full participation for people with moderate to severe disabilities in school, home, and community life. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 554 | Research-Based Math Interventions Task analysis and error analysis followed by evidence-based practices are used to design mathematics interventions and monitor progress of students who show difficulty meeting grade level expectations. Supervised practicum included. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 526 | Educational Assessment This course prepares candidates to administer, score and interpret a range of criterion-referenced, norm-referenced and curriculum-based measurement tools | 3 | ||
| SPEC 542 | Science of Early Reading Development Focuses on the identification and remediation of reading difficulties. Supervised practicum included. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 537 | Summer Practicum II** This is the second required 5-week practicum. | 4 | ||
| SPEC 540 | Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Intervention Universal design and evidence-based practices are used to design interventions and monitor progress of students who struggle in meeting grade level expectations in vocabulary and comprehension. Course-embedded, supervised field study included. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 505 | Assistive Technology for Access to the Curriculum Special Education | 3 | ||
| SPEC 530 | Research in Special Education* | 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Please Note:
*Master’s Capstone Project Included
**Check with Financial Aid regarding funding for summer practicums
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.
with TOSD Endorsement (Teacher of Students with Disabilities)
Request Info
What Teachers Are Saying
