Master of Education: Special Education

To be recommended to the State of Idaho for a K-12 Exceptional Child Generalist endorsement on an Idaho Teaching Certificate, student must:

1. Successfully complete M.Ed. Special Education program
2. Satisfactorily complete EDUC7590 Special Education Internship (4)
3. Earn a passing score on the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment
4. Earn a passing score on the required PRAXIS II tests for special education

It is the student's responsibility to submit the appropriate paperwork and fees to the Idaho State Department of Education for obtaining certifications and endorsements in Idaho. Current forms and information are available from the ISDE website. Students should check the Internet and other sources for specific requirements for certification in other states. 

Application Requirements - M.Ed. Special Education

All applicants to the program are responsible for familiarity with Idaho Code Section 33-1208; no person convicted of a felony or who would otherwise be denied certification or have certification revoked under Idaho Code 33-1208 will be admitted to the Special Education program.

The following requirements must be received by Admissions a minimum of one week before classes start, and are online, mailed or emailed as indicated. For mail: Northwest Nazarene University, Attention Graduate Admissions, 623 S. University Boulevard, Nampa, ID, 83686. For email: gps@nnu.edu. Transcripts can be received through email if sent from an accepted digital credentialing service, such as Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.

1. Online: application and $50 non-refundable application fee.
2. Mail, or email from a digital service:  official transcripts from the regionally accredited institution(s) where candidate received a bachelor’s degree. (We do not accept faxed transcripts.)
3. Email or mail: a copy of candidate’s teaching certificate.
4. Online: two recommendation forms completed by professional colleagues.
5. Online: one supervisor evaluation form from the candidate’s current building administrator. The online recommendation forms and the online evaluation form must be completed by different individuals.
6. Online: evidence of writing competency through an essay or paper from previous coursework.

Admission Requirements - M.Ed. Special Education

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the baccalaureate program.
3. Certification/Licensure as a classroom teacher, school counselor, or school psychologist, based on a recommendation from a state-approved higher education preparation program. 
4. Approval by the Graduate Education Admissions Committee. 

The Graduate Education Admissions Committee may approve exceptions to regular admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements - M.Ed. Special Education

1. Credits must be earned in courses numbered 7000 or above. Continuing education courses and pass/fail courses (except those specified for degree completion) do not apply toward the degree. Exceptions for substitutions from other institutions may be approved by the program director.
2. The candidate must complete requirements as specified in the degree major. The degree must be completed within six years of beginning course work. If the degree is not completed within six years, the candidate must reapply to the program. Credits older than six years may need to be retaken.
3. The candidate must apply for graduation one full semester prior to anticipated degree completion. Deadlines: June 1 for Fall; October 15 for Spring; and January 15 for Summer.