Special Education (Advising Track)

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

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2020-2021

School of Education

Concentration(s):

Early childhood, General education, and Severe disabilities

Program description

Students interested in applying to graduate programs for special education are encouraged to follow this Major Map in addition to the Major Map for their undergraduate major. This advising map details key courses, activities, organizations and resources that can best prepare you for successful candidacy for graduate study.

The M.Ed. in special education prepares scholars for teaching and leadership roles in special education. The program provides aspiring educators with the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and adults with disabilities through research, teaching, and service. In addition to the instruction from our nationally-recognized faculty, our master’s students can take advantage of field experiences available through Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities training program as well.

Successful completion of our degree programs can lead to endorsement in areas such as early childhood special education, special education: general education curriculum, or special education: adapted curriculum.

The M.Ed. in special education can also be pursued as part of the Richmond Teacher Residency program, an innovative graduate teacher residency that pairs candidates with an experienced mentor in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Petersburg Public Schools.

Career opportunities

A special education master’s degree enables our graduates to empower others and effect change in the lives of students in both the K-12, higher education, and community setting. Special education is the top critical shortage teaching endorsement area in Virginia. Students have an opportunity to engage with relevant, up-to-date understanding of different disabilities and how to support all students to thrive in an educational setting. There are wide variety of career pathways depending on the age group and type of educational setting students want to work. There are students who need your help to make the most of their educational experience by setting up support systems to help them succeed. Be part of the positive change today. Graduates can also find work through programs such as RTR, AmeriCorps, America Reads or The Literacy Lab.

Change of major requirements

Admissions requirements for graduate study at VCU: VCU graduate application, official transcripts, statement of intent, bachelors degree, three letters of recommendation, GRE or MAT, 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits of coursework, and personal interview.

Bachelor-level job titles

*** Completion of a graduate degree may be necessary for the following job titles:
Developmental Specialist
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Job Coaches
Special Education Advocate
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Special Education Teacher
Transition Specialist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Special Education, Early childhood

Special Education, General education

Special Education, Severe disabilities

Plan of study in Bulletin

Plan of study on our website

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Science required

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

3.0 GPA in last 60 credits of coursework

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Counseling and Special Education

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall Education

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe park

Phone:

804-828-8160

Email:

soeadvising@vcu.edu

Website:

https://soe.vcu.edu/

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Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Enroll in UNIV 291 - Urban Education freshman seminar.
Complete PSYC 101 and STAT 210.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.
Learn about new cultures, food and music by attending one of Richmond's wide array of festivals!
Attend the Masters' level Poster Fair.

BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

GET REAL EXPERIENCE

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Follow the School of Education’s social media for workshops and events
Review the RRTC website and attend an event.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Complete SEDP 330.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Attend at least two or three public talks or events hosted by the School of Education (i.e. Harris Lecture series, Teach-In kick-off).

BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Attend an event hosted by the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity office.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference

GET REAL EXPERIENCE

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Review the Partnership for People with Disabilities website and attend an event.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Attend an SOE information session or Open House.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.
Complete SEDP 505 and/or EDUS 305.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by your home department or the School of Education.

BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Attend presentations and conferences pertinent to intercultural dialogue, history and issues.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

GET REAL EXPERIENCE

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Update your ePortfolio.
Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Connect with ACE-IT to learn about the buddy program

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Attend the VCU Careers in Education Symposium.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Complete SEDP 630 with approval from the School of Education.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Attend Virginia’s CEC Conference.

BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.
Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.

GET REAL EXPERIENCE

Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Apply for Substitute Teaching the VCU Way through the School of Education.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

Major map compass icon [View Image]

2020-2021