Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Education in Special and Gifted Education program is to deepen candidates' understanding of the characteristics of twice-exceptional students who are accessing the general curriculum, as well as, prepare those students to transition into their post-school lives. This program provides candidates who hold an active license with a teaching endorsement issued by the Virginia Board of Education, an avenue to earn an add-on endorsement in Gifted Education, Special Education (General Curriculum), and CTE-Transition & Special Needs.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of learner development, learner characteristics, learning differences, and learning environments.
• Apply knowledge of evidence-based practices in the content areas for engaging diverse learners and special populations.
• Develop individualized education programs for diverse learners and special populations using assessment data, student characteristics, and evidence-based best practices and pedagogies.
• Apply a Biblical worldview to the discipline through ongoing study, reflection, and professional development.

 Twice Exceptionalities Concentration

• The student will be able to develop self-reflective and critical thinking skills that promote the innovative practice and learning using a variety of perspectives in the field of twice-exceptionalities.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

Required for programs that lead to licensure:

1. Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.) and licensure in one of the following: 1) Elementary, 2) Middle Grades Education in English, history and social sciences, math, or science, OR 3) Secondary Grades Education in English, history and social sciences, math, biology, chemistry, Earth science, or physics.
2. GPA of at least a 2.50 on a 4.00 scale (cautionary admission is an option if the candidate has at least a 2.00).
3. TOEFL Scores for candidates who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper–based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).

Transfer of Credit

All graduate transfer credits are subject to the approval of the School of Education (SOE) Graduate Committee. Such courses must carry a grade of at least a B- and be comparable to Liberty University graduate courses. Transfer credit will only be considered from institutions or schools accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. With approval, up to 18 hours may be transferred into the M.Ed. programs. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a written request to have credit applied to the degree program. Transfer credits must have been completed within the previous 10 years.

Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

Delivery Format: Online Only

• Gifted Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Transition Specialist