Early Childhood Education/Special Education (Master of Science)

expertise in building future generations

The Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood/Special is designed to assist students in acquiring advanced knowledge and skills and a repertoire of specialized teaching skills for students in grades Pre-K through 5.

The Early Childhood/Special Education Program requires a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours. Field-based instruction within the candidate’s own classroom or in another setting is incorporated in more than 40 percent of the coursework leading to the degree. An applied research practicum allows the students to continue to apply content knowledge in a suitable setting.

The program is administered through the College of Education.

Course Requirements for the MS in Early Childhood/Special Education (36 Credit Hours)

Core Requirements (6 Hours)

Major Requirements (15 Hours)

Other Requirements (18 Hours)

Admission Application Requirements

1. A Completed Graduate Application
2. Application Processing Fee (non-refundable)
   • $20 – Domestic Applicants
   • $75 – International Applicants
3. A Professional Resume
4. A Statement of Purpose
   • The statement must be between 550-600 words. The Statement of Purpose should be in essay format and include personal characteristics/disposition, professional goals, academic background, research, work/volunteer experience and why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in the respective area.
5. Three Professional Recommendations
   • Letters of recommendation must be submitted using the FVSU Recommendation form for Graduate Admission.
6. Submit Official Transcripts from each postsecondary institution (College/University) attended showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. The transcript should show all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades earned.
7. Immunization records
   • International Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (https://www.naces.org/members.html) with a course-by-course evaluation and grade point average (GPA) included. The transcript must be received directly from the evaluation service/agency.
8. Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution (in a related field to meet pre-requisites)
9. Submit two transcripts showing cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 from a regionally accredited institution.
10. GRE and/or MAT scores may be used in the consideration for admission but are not required. Undergraduate or graduate courses in research and statistics are not required but are highly recommended.