Winthrop University Online M.Ed. in Special Education: Intervention or Licensure Track

The College of Education at Winthrop University offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education Intervention with two tracks: Intervention or Licensure. Students are trained in culturally responsive special education interventions based on research and data, in a systematic, individualized format. Outcomes focus on program improvement, advanced assessment practices, program evaluation and recommendations, collaboration, and creating effective learning environments. Intervention track students also learn how to write grants.

Core courses focus on current academic and behavioral intervention methods, including advanced assessment skills in data-based individualization (DBI), literacy strategies for struggling students, educational research, positive behavior intervention, applied behavior analysis, cognitive strategy training, and evidence-based instructional interventions. These occur within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to ensure learning is differentiated based on student needs and that all students have equal access to the educational instruction and support that will help them thrive.

The M.Ed. – Special Education Intervention program is designed for licensed teachers with a South Carolina Department of Education Class III Certificate or equivalent licensure from another state. Using a systematic intervention approach, the Intervention track trains licensed PreK-12 general or special educators to better support students with complex educational needs. Courses cover topics such as the behavioral and neurological characteristics of children with disabilities, contemporary educational research related to providing services for students who are at risk and/or have disabilities, the integration and transition of special and exceptional children across the lifespan, family-centered services, and mathematics interventions.

The Licensure track is designed for PreK-12 general educators seeking additional licensure in Special Education. The curriculum aligns with the core competencies of the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards in K-12 Education. Licensure track courses cover topics such as the characteristics of students with special needs, legal requirements of special education, collaboration with other educators in implementing individual instruction programs, effective teaching of students with disabilities, using technology in interventions, and working with exceptional, including gifted, students.

Courses are fully online and last seven weeks each. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer. The Master of Education in Special Education program can be completed in less than two years. The Literacy Strategies for Struggling Learners core course includes a clinical experience, and students in the Licensure track complete a practicum in teaching at approved sites, under the instructor’s supervision.

Faculty are Responsive to Intervention (RTI) and MTSS experts, well-versed in special education interventions. They also receive additional training in online instructional techniques to ensure a quality online learning experience. Asynchronous courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system (LMS), with online lectures and specific due dates for assignments and assessments. Interaction opportunities include discussion boards, chats, online student groups, and faculty office hours. Online students also have access to all student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, library services, financial aid services, and technical support.

The M.Ed. – Special Education Intervention program comprises 30 credits with 18 core credits and 12 track credits. Core courses for both tracks include Educational Research; Literacy Strategies for Struggling Learners; Positive Behavior Intervention and Support; Advanced Academic Interventions; Advanced Formative Assessment In School-Based Intervention; and Advanced Studies in School-Based Intervention.

Licensure track courses include Characteristics of Students with Disabilities; Advanced Academic and Behavioral Methods in Emotional and Learning Disabilities; Educational Implications for the Exceptional Individual; and Practicum in Teaching the Exceptional Child.

Intervention Track Courses include Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities; Issues and Trends in School-Based Intervention; Facilitating K-Postsecondary Transition and Support; and Mathematics Interventions.

Winthrop University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The Master of Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).