• Introduction
• Recognition
• Partner University
• Curriculum
• Course Delivery Format
• Admission
• Graduation Requirement

Introduction

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program offered in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington is designed for experienced teachers, administrators, and other educators who wish to expand their knowledge and assume leadership roles in the education community and who are committed to students with special needs within the United Arab Emirates. The emphasis is on serving individuals with disabilities. Within the program there is the opportunity for interests to evolve in areas of specialization through collaboration with professional bodies within the United Arab Emirates and internationally. The goal of the program is to educate professionals who are committed to creating and expanding opportunities for individual with special needs. The program focus is on preparing participants who have responsibility for making decisions in and out of the classroom that will contribute to the future of people with special needs.

Through a commitment to academic excellence, the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program develops highly qualified, confident, and professional graduates who advance the education and create as well as expand opportunities for persons with special needs.

The Master of Education in Special Education program prepares participants who understand both special and inclusive education. Graduates are also prepared to work in the K-12, university, or adult settings. More specifically, graduates will understand, investigate and be able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate:

• The similarities and differences in human growth and development and how disabilities may influence that growth and development;

• Current, credible learning theory and how special needs affect learning in school and throughout life;

• Learning and work environments that encourage independence and self-motivation through appropriate interventions;

• Current trends and issues, including collaboration with families, other educators, service providers, and community agencies;

• Research and use of data to evaluate and improve programs for individuals with special needs at all stages of their lives;

• Inclusion in classes and work settings;

• Typical and atypical language development in the primary and/or second languages and individualized strategies to enhance communication skills, including the use of assistive technologies;

• Sensory disabilities including vision and hearing;

• Long-range individualized instructional and transition plans and shorter-range goals and objectives;

• Multiple types of assessment and information necessary to identify learning and work needs; and

• Planning, policy and management including accommodations, organizational, and the impact and strategic use of resource allocation and human resources.

  In addition, special educators are expected to have the skills to:

• Work collaboratively;

• Apply and assess current technologies for educational improvement;

• Examine current research and development in a range of settings, including the U.A.E., that inform best practice in school administration;

• Manage ongoing change and foster collaboration in the educational community;

• Manifest a professional code of ethics and values; and

• Accept responsibility for the improvement of the educational setting for all learners.

Recognition

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program is approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. As Zayed University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the program is internationally recognized for further education and employment in private and public sector organizations.

Furthermore, the College of Education is a candidate for:

• NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education), based in the U.S.A.

Partner University

University of Washington in Seattle, Washington

The participation of the partner university allows the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program to select experts in their respective fields of study who bring a depth of knowledge and an emphasis on practical application, both of which are essential to creating a relevant masters program.

The University of Washington's College of Education is ranked 7th in the nation among all Colleges of Education in the U.S. News and World Report 2008. The College offers outstanding programs in educational leadership, special education, principal education, and English as a Second Language. In addition, the University of Washington's College of Education faculty are renowned for their research, and the College is one of 10 selected by the Carnegie Cooperation to participate in renewal of teacher education. The College is also the lead research institution on learning as a science.

The University of Washington is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Within the College of Education, a number of degree programs have formal accreditation.

Curriculum

Prior to formal coursework, students participate in an orientation program where they are introduced to the nature and requirements of the program, some of the major issues involved in being a graduate student, the facilities offered in the program such as the library, online databases and other resources, the Curriculum Resource Center, the Graduate Writing Center, academic reading and writing preparation, and ways of communicating with faculty. During this orientation students form small, informal working teams to provide support for each other during the entire program.

The Master of Education in Special Education curriculum consists of 11 courses for a total of 36 credits for the master degree. The curriculum consists of the following courses:

• EDC 601  Introduction to Educational Research
• EDC 602  Models of Educational Research
• EDC 695  Research Seminar
• EDC 641  Foundations of Exceptionality
• EDC 642  Learning Disorders: Practices and Strategies
• EDC 643  Behavior Disorders: Practices and Strategies
• EDC 644  Language Development and Communication
• EDC 645  Identification and Assessment of People with Special Needs
• EDC 646  Inclusion of People with Special Needs
• EDC 647  Policy, Planning, and Management for Special Needs
• EDC 648  Trends and Issues in Special Education

Course Delivery Format

Each of the courses is offered during either a six to eight week period or an intensive period. Each course includes face-to-face instruction in addition to out-of-class activities conducted independently or through technology applications that complement the course interactions. All courses are based on 15 contact hours per credit.

The Master of Education in Special Education program is delivered over a period of 24 months at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and/or Dubai.

For more information on the admission deadline, please visit the Key Dates section on our website.

Admission

• Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities. 
• Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced program.
• 

For more information on the admission requirements, application procedure and program cost, please visit the Admissions and Fees section of our website.

Graduation Requirement

Graduate students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in course work taken and complete a final project in fulfillment of the requirements of a masters degree.