washington state university's (wsu) college of education offers two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree with specializations in special education. the m.a. degree requires a thesis, while the ed.m. degree requires a special project, both of which are research focused. the m.a. is designed for students who will potentially enter a doctoral program or who desire to focus on educational research, as opposed to application of educational strategies. the ed.m. allows students to study a variety of education-related areas within structured coursework both on campus as well as online. a specific set of coursework also can lead to a supporting endorsement in special education. although the ed.m. students enroll in research courses and engage in research endeavors, the emphasis in this degree option is on application of educational research strategies in schools settings.

learning outcomes:

• demonstrate an appropriate depth and breadth of understanding about the field of special education and disabilities.
• demonstrate critical thinking and ability to evaluate, understand, and communicate (oral and written) special education ideas and research.
• demonstrate an understanding of and ability to synthesize and apply special education research to problems of practice through skillful inquiry.
• demonstrate and apply scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision-making.
• demonstrate understanding and valuing of diversity through pedagogical and inquiry endeavors.
• demonstrate a professional identity appropriate for future career plans.

student opportunities:

internships in the public school system are available.

career opportunities:

teaching, educational specialist, k-12 administration.

career placements:

teaching, educational specialist, k-12 administration.