The ECSE program is a 36 credit graduate level degree that results in a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education. The  Official Graduate Studies Plan lists all courses required as part of the program, which will upon satisfactory completion entitle the student to receive the graduate degree. The plan becomes official once approved by the dean, director and/or faculty of the program and filed with the Student Records office. In addition to taking the courses listed on the program plan, students are required to:

1. pass the written Comprehensive Examination
2. take the Praxis II- Preschool Special Education Test, and
3. prepare and present an exit portfolio.

The Master's in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education has a current handbook. Each student is required to download the following document and become familiar with the procedures of the program.

Program Handbook PDF

Internship Handbook PDF

A disposition is an internal state of intensity that is exhibited by a consistent and frequent pattern of behaviors that are directed toward a broader goal. The UAA survey instrument, consisting of 71 statements across 8 categories, seeks to measure the following dispositions: collaboration, honesty/integrity, respect, reverence for learning, emotional maturity, reflection, flexibility and responsibility. Dispositions may change over time; therefore, they will be measured at three different times during a student's program. You will be given a self-assessment upon admission to the special education program.

Disposition Survey PDF

Application for Admission to Candidacy Word

After a graduate student has demonstrated an ability to succeed in graduate study as defined below (s)he may apply for advancement to candidacy status through his/her program. A student may apply if (s)he is in satisfactory academic standing and has:

1. Satisfied specific program requirements for candidacy (comprehensive exam, exit portfolio, Praxis II Preschool Special Education, etc.).
2. Demonstrated competence, e.g., use of research tools or passing EDFN 627, as required by the individual student’s program committee.
3. Received approval of exit portfolio from the student’s Gradate Studies Committee.
4. Satisfied all prerequisites and removed all deficiencies in his/his academic background.
5. Satisfied all terms of a conditional admission.
6. Submitted an approved Official Graduate Studies Plan.

Advancement to candidacy status, which is a prerequisite to graduation, is determined by the faculty of the program. If more than seven years have elapsed since advancement to candidacy, the student may need to re-apply for candidacy under the catalog requirements which are in effect at the time.