Special Education (Exceptional Student Services and Instruction) (M.ED.)

Degree Requirements

Admissions Requirements: Master of Education - Special Education:

• Completed application packet
• Completed undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official transcript denoting the degree awarded must be submitted as part of the application package
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate college grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)*
• Submission of a writing sample/ autobiography (see application procedures below)
• Two letters of recommendation from specified sources (see application)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate institutions attended
• Copy of a valid K-12 teaching certificate or license. Candidates must have appropriate access to a classroom in order to be successful in this program, due to its practical and application oriented nature
• Access to minimum technology requirements
• Acceptance by the Program Director into the program

*Applicants who cannot meet this requirement may be considered for probationary admission status and may enroll in up to nine credit hours of graduate study at BVU. These applicants will be reviewed at that time and, pending successful completion of these nine credit hours (at least a “B-” in each course), may be granted full status.

Course Delivery and Schedule:

Masters programs in Special Education are offered fully online. See the Graduate Director of the specific program for details.

Working professionals may choose to pursue the degree while maintaining full- or part-time employment through a series of structured 8-week term offerings via online course work through Graduate programs. The program is designed to offer flexibility for students, allowing completion within 12 months Post-Baccalaureate, assuming the student maintains consistent enrollment. Typically, students enroll in one graduate course per 8-week term. The various course formats meet the 45 contact hours required per graduate course.

Application Procedures: Master of Education - Special Education:

The process for successful completion of the application packet is as follows:

1. Complete the application form (available through the “Apply” link at www.bvu.edu/grad), including written responses (please limit responses to approximately 250-300 words each) to the following questions:

• Why are you applying to this program at this time?
• How do you plan to contribute to this program? What do you expect to take from it?
• How will you support your own success in this program? That is, what steps will you take to ensure your success in this academically rigorous endeavor?

Candidates are advised that these written responses ought to reflect both depth and breadth of understanding and/or interest in the program. These statements are considered by the admissions committee as a writing sample indicative of the candidate’s command of the English language, ability to engage in graduate level writing both mechanical and conceptual/ analytical, and the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.

2. Obtain two letters with supportive endorsement or recommendation. Recommenders’ information will be submitted during completion of the online application and the recommender will receive the request electronically. The letters must come from:

• Your current supervisor and either
• A professional peer, or
• A person of your choice who has direct knowledge of your professional experience

3. Request official transcripts to be forwarded to the BVU Graduate Programs Office. If you are a graduate of Buena Vista University, we can access those documents for you.
4. Submit copy a valid K-12 teaching certificate or license to the BVU Graduate Programs Office

Upon receiving ALL application materials, an admissions packet is compiled by the BVU Graduate Programs Office. The completed admissions packet is submitted to the admissions committee for review. The result of the decision is communicated to the applicant in writing. Students must confirm acceptance to BVU Online in response to the acceptance notification.

Admissions Timelines: Master of Education - Special Education

Because most of the offerings are online, there is no specific timeline. However, because classes may fill up, it’s best to apply well in advance of one’s target starting date.

Admissions Decision: Master of Education

All students are admitted to the program on a provisional status. For the Master of Education, students must complete their first nine credits with a grade of B- or higher. Students successfully completing this requirement will be granted full candidacy in the program. Students admitted on a provisional status who do not earn a minimum grade of “B-” or better in all course work while on provisional status will be reviewed by the Graduate Council and may be dismissed from the program. The provisional status agreement is communicated to the applicant in writing.

Special Admissions Status

Students may be allowed to take up to 9 graduate-level courses from BVU without seeking a master’s degree or graduate endorsement. Candidates must be granted special permission to enroll in courses under these circumstances by the director of the specific graduate program. Permission will only be granted if there is course space available, with full admission candidates given first priority for registration in these courses. Students must complete an application form specifically for non-degree, non-endorsement, and non-certification status in the courses. After 9 credits, students will not be allowed to continue enrollment until full admission is sought and gained. At that time, courses previously taken may be transferred into full master’s degrees or endorsement programs, with permission of the current graduate program director.

Admissions Appeal

Students may appeal a negative admission decision. A formal letter of appeal must be written to the Executive Director of Graduate Programs outlining the concerns regarding the admissions decision. The case is forwarded to the appeals panel comprised of the Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment Services, and the Dean of the School of the graduate program. The student may request an interview with the panel. After review of the evidence provided by the applicant, the panel makes a second ruling with regard to admission.