Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism

Fairmont State offers an online Masters of Education Degree in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism. The Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism program prepares teachers to address the needs of learners with mild to moderate disabilities. Students who successfully complete program requirements and state requirements for certification will receive endorsements at both the K-6 and 5-Adult levels in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Autism. This graduate program is designed to meet the needs of two groups of candidates:

Candidates who hold a valid teaching license at the time of admissions and are seeking to add a certification and obtain a M.Ed. in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism.
Candidates who have completed a Bachelors Degree but who do not hold a valid teaching license at the time of admissions and are seeking a M.Ed. and certification in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism.
Autism Endorsement: Fairmont State offers 2 courses (6-credits) for individuals who hold a certification in Multi-Categorical Special Education and would like to apply to the West Virginia Board of Education for an endorsement in Autism.
- SPED 6330: Introduction to Autism
- SPED 6331: Methods and Strategies for Autism

Program Outcomes

In addition to the general outcomes for Graduate Studies at Fairmont State University, Special Education candidates are prepared to meet learning outcomes based upon the national Council for Exceptional Children Professional Standards and the state West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards.

Program Delivery

All coursework is delivered online and asynchronously, enabling candidates to complete coursework wherever they have access to the Internet, and at times that are most convenient for them. Courses are coupled with clinical experiences either in candidates’ own schools and multi-categorical classrooms or, for those candidates who are not currently teaching, in an arranged placement in a multi-categorical classroom setting in a local school.

Mission

The mission of the Masters of Education in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism program is to prepare reflective and responsive educators who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help individuals with exceptionalities learn.

Professional Opportunities

The need for teachers who are fully certified in multi-categorical special education continues to grow, both in regions throughout West Virginia and across the country. Education employment forecasters predict that this need is likely to continue to increase for several more years. Having this certification enhances an educator's marketability and options for employment. The knowledge, skills and professional dispositions developed in Fairmont State University's Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism program can be applied in any classroom to benefit all learners. In addition, veteran special educators attest that while the work of a special education teacher is demanding, it is also very rewarding.

Program Admission Requirements

Submit admissions application to the Office of Admissions. Apply online now
Pay $50 application fee along with application
Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
One of the following: Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Millers Analogies Test (MAT), Praxis CORE Exams, ACT, SAT, or Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Exam

Application forms can be found on the Graduate Studies Forms and Resources Page

Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline: August 1st
Spring Deadline: January 1st
Summer Deadline: May 1st

Program Cost

For Online Graduate Tuition see the Tuition and Fees Chart

Additional Program Information

View more information on the Multi-Categorical Special Education Program Sheet.

The M.Ed. in Special Education program is fully accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children.

Contact

Dr. Julie Reneau

Program Coordinator, Professor of Special Education, Executive Director, Autism Individualized Mentoring and Support Services (AIMSS) Program
355 Education
304.367.4507
julie.reneau@fairmontstate.edu