College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

The Special Education Ed.S. program provides the knowledge and skills you need to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. With a focus on evidence-based practices and individualized instruction, you'll be prepared to address the unique needs of each student you serve. Join us and become an advocate for exceptional learners, equipped with the tools to provide a high-quality education for all. Read more...

Contact Information

• Brian Barber | bbarber8@kent.edu | 330-672-0605

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

The Council of Education of the Deaf

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

All electives, including additional coursework, must be approved by the student's Ed.S. degree committee.

Graduation Requirements

• Upon admission to the Ed.S. degree program, students will be assigned an advisor.
• Minimum 6 credit hours of coursework in statistics and research design are required.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Attain the background knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to advance their ability to identify and plan evidence-based educational practices for exceptional learners.
2. Increase their proficiency with the pedagogical and decision-making skills necessary to implement evidence-based educational practices for exceptional learners.
3. Attain an appropriate level of expertise in methods of assessment relevant to providing special education to exceptional learners in schools.
4. Articulate professional positions on critical legal, policy and practice issues in special education that are grounded in logical analysis, empirical research and the ethical foundations of the field.

Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in Special Education provides an advanced degree in specialized areas of educational programming for children and youth with exceptionalities. The program meets the needs of post-master's degree students who wish to assume leadership roles in schools and agencies that provide special education and related services to children, youth and adults who have disabilities.

The Ed.S. degree is designed for the accomplished, experienced practitioner with specific professional aspirations. The program is not designed for those who wish to pursue a research emphasis as a prelude to doctoral study.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.