UConn's Master's of Arts (MA) degree or Sixth-Year diploma in educational psychology with a concentration in special education is designed for a broad range of professionals who are seeking in-depth learning and experiences related to supporting children and adults with disabilities and at risk for learning and behavioral difficulties.

The MA program provides three specialization areas with nationally known faculty researchers, though students may also design an individualized program of study in collaboration with their advisor:

1. School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports
2. Literacy Supports
3. Transition and Postsecondary supports

Please note: The Master of Arts in special education does not lead to initial certification or cross endorsement. The UConn Neag School of Education teacher certification programs can be viewed on the Office of Teacher Education website.

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Plan of Study

The special education concentration of the Master of Arts degree or Sixth-Year diploma in Educational Psychology requires at least 30 credits. While the following courses are generally included in a Plan of Study, exceptions can be negotiated between a student and their advisory committee.

Required Courses (12-15 credits)

• EPSY 5119: Policy, Law, and Ethics in Special Education
• EPSY 5121: Developmental Foundations of Exceptionality
• EPSY 5092: Practicum (3-6 credits)
• EPSY 5601: Principles and Methods in Educational Research (or equivalent)

Additional Courses

• EPSY 5113: Beginning Reading Supports for Students with Learning Difficulties
• EPSY 5114: Adolescent Reading Supports for Students with Learning Difficulties
• EPSY 5115: Writing Supports for Students with Learning Difficulties
• EPSY 5116: Individual Pupil Assessment
• EPSY 5123: Instructional Strategies and Adaptations for Students with Special Learning Needs
• EPSY 5140: Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
• EPSY 5141: Classroom and Behavior Management
• EPSY 5142: Individualized Positive Behavior Supports
• EPSY 5145: Issues in Postsecondary Disability Services
• EPSY 5146: Advanced Topics in Secondary Transition
• EPSY 5199: Investigation of Special Topics in Education (variable credit)
• EPSY 5220: Introduction to Educational Technology
• EPSY 5405: Applied Behavior Analysis
• EPSY 5530: Theories of Learning, Cognition, and Instruction
• EPSY 5710: Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development

How to Apply

To apply for admission to the Special Education master’s or sixth-year programs, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Consideration for admission requires the following:

1. Complete the online application to the Graduate School. In the Intended Program section of the application, select:

• Level of Study: Masters OR 6th Year Certificate
• Academic Areas: Education
• Program: Educational Psychology MA OR Educational Psychology 6th Year Certificate
• Concentration: Special Education
• Campus: Storrs
• Entry Term: Fall or Spring

2. Upload the following materials electronically into the online application. The Admissions Committee cannot make a decision about your application until all materials are submitted:

• Transcripts of all collegiate work completed to date. Your transcript(s) must meet the following criteria:
  • A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average
  • OR a GPA greater than 3.0 for the last two years of study
• Contact information for 3 individuals who can submit letters of recommendation on your behalf.
• GRE scores are not required
• TOEFL Scores (if an international student)
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• A personal statement addressing your professional goals; area of interest based on the specializations listed above; and experience with and demonstrated commitment to children and/or adults with disabilities or children at-risk for learning and behavioral difficulties.