Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice

Degree: Master of Education

Specialization/Major/Concentration: Special Education

Program Purpose and Objectives

Special educators are specially trained professionals that provide instruction and support for students with disabilities. These professionals work in a variety of settings and roles to assure that students with disabilities have access to the promise of public education.

Special education represents one of the fastest growing professions in our country. Better identification and expanded services have created a great local and national need for individuals to become special educators. In Louisiana, almost one in three positions in special education are held by uncertified personnel, offering great potential for post-program employment.

Over five million students are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Dedicated parents and professionals work together to provide greater opportunities for students with disabilities to attend schools, learn, work, and participate in our communities. The promise of inclusive communities relies on highly trained professionals to continue the work. Be a part of the promise!

Our graduates are actively recruited for special education positoins in Louisiana and across the country.
Special educators work closely with teachers and parents to provide indivudualized instruction for students with disabilities.
Highest need area for most states.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.
Financial Aid is often available to qualified applicants.
Special Education qualfies for Stafford Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program for up to $17,500.

In the last several years, Louisiana State University and the College of Education have made a substantial commitment to improving special education programs. In 2002, the Minor in Special Education was approved by the University representing the first opportunity in many years for this undergraduate certification. In 2006, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved for the M.Ed. in Special Education.

Graduate Programs in Special Education

Special Education Programs offer several options for advanced training at the graduate level. Programs in special education are available at the masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Specialty areas include:

Instructional Support Specialist
Behavior Support Specialist
Educational Diagnostician

Each program contains courses and field experiences designed to prepare individuals to fulfill a variety of leadership roles in schools, universities, and government. All of our programs emphasize the development of professionals that are “child centered” and committed to the application and evaluation of validated instructional practice.

Admission to Graduate Programs

Students desiring admission to graduate level programs should follow the procedures for admission to the LSU Graduate School and contact the Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice for additional admission procedures. Students enrolled in a special education speciality will be assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance into the program.

Special Education Minor

Minor in Special Education: Mild and Moderate Disabilities (Grades 1-12) ***

Course list

EDCI 3701 (3 hrs)
EDCI 3702 (3 hrs)
EDCI 3703 (3 hrs)
EDCI 3712 (3 hrs)
EDCI 4705 (3 hrs)

Students must be admitted to a teacher certification program to pursue a special education minor. They must also complete a combined student teaching in general and special education to obtain certification.

Prospective candidates should consult with advisors in the Office of Student Services, 236 Peabody Hall to carefully plan the sequencing of courses within a curriculum.

Special education certification requirements are subject to revision by the Louisiana Department of Education, requiring that students maintain contact with advisors to confirm certification requirements.

For additional information, contact

Dr. Ken Denny 225-578-2299 rdenny@lsu.edu
Dr. Paul Mooney 225-578-2360 pmooney@lsu.edu
Dr. Gerlinde Grandstaff-Beckers 225-578-6867 gbecke1@lsu.edu
Dr. Margaret Denny 225-578-1883 mdenny1@lsu.edu
Dr. Kristin Gansle 225-578-7213 kgansle@lsu.edu

*** This is a list of suggested courses and should be viewed as a model program rather than a required course list. Students should consult with counselors and faculty advisor(s) as to which coursework plan that will prepare them to meet their goals.



Academics Administration Research Students Alumni & Friends Faculty & Staff Prospective Students & Visitors Assessment	Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice Degree: Master of Education Specialization/Major/Concentration: Special Education Program Purpose and Objectives Special educators are specially trained professionals that provide instruction and support for students with disabilities. These professionals work in a variety of settings and roles to assure that students with disabilities have access to the promise of public education. Special education represents one of the fastest growing professions in our country. Better identification and expanded services have created a great local and national need for individuals to become special educators. In Louisiana, almost one in three positions in special education are held by uncertified personnel, offering great potential for post-program employment. Over five million students are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Dedicated parents and professionals work together to provide greater opportunities for students with disabilities to attend schools, learn, work, and participate in our communities. The promise of inclusive communities relies on highly trained professionals to continue the work. Be a part of the promise! Our graduates are actively recruited for special education positoins in Louisiana and across the country. Special educators work closely with teachers and parents to provide indivudualized instruction for students with disabilities. Highest need area for most states. Undergraduate and Graduate Programs. Financial Aid is often available to qualified applicants. Special Education qualfies for Stafford Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program for up to $17,500. In the last several years, Louisiana State University and the College of Education have made a substantial commitment to improving special education programs. In 2002, the Minor in Special Education was approved by the University representing the first opportunity in many years for this undergraduate certification. In 2006, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved for the M.Ed. in Special Education. Graduate Programs in Special Education Special Education Programs offer several options for advanced training at the graduate level. Programs in special education are available at the masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Specialty areas include: Instructional Support Specialist Behavior Support Specialist Educational Diagnostician Each program contains courses and field experiences designed to prepare individuals to fulfill a variety of leadership roles in schools, universities, and government. All of our programs emphasize the development of professionals that are “child centered” and committed to the application and evaluation of validated instructional practice. Admission to Graduate Programs Students desiring admission to graduate level programs should follow the procedures for admission to the LSU Graduate School and contact the Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice for additional admission procedures. Students enrolled in a special education speciality will be assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance into the program. Special Education Minor Minor in Special Education: Mild and Moderate Disabilities (Grades 1-12) * Course list EDCI 3701 (3 hrs) EDCI 3702 (3 hrs) EDCI 3703 (3 hrs) EDCI 3712 (3 hrs) EDCI 4705 (3 hrs) Students must be admitted to a teacher certification program to pursue a special education minor. They must also complete a combined student teaching in general and special education to obtain certification. Prospective candidates should consult with advisors in the Office of Student Services, 236 Peabody Hall to carefully plan the sequencing of courses within a curriculum. Special education certification requirements are subject to revision by the Louisiana Department of Education, requiring that students maintain contact with advisors to confirm certification requirements. For additional information, contact Dr. Ken Denny 225-578-2299 rdenny@lsu.edu Dr. Paul Mooney 225-578-2360 pmooney@lsu.edu Dr. Gerlinde Grandstaff-Beckers 225-578-6867 gbecke1@lsu.edu Dr. Margaret Denny 225-578-1883 mdenny1@lsu.edu Dr. Kristin Gansle 225-578-7213 kgansle@lsu.edu * This is a list of suggested courses and should be viewed as a model program rather than a required course list. Students should consult with counselors and faculty advisor(s) as to which coursework plan that will prepare them to meet their goals.

Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice

Degree: Master of Education

Specialization/Major/Concentration: Special Education

Graduate Programs in Special Education

Admission to Graduate Programs

LSU is committed to excellence at every level, offering a challenging academic and research environment in one of the most unique cultural settings in the nation. Visit www.lsu.edu/flagship to chart LSU’s path to national prominence.

LSU is committed to excellence at every level, offering a challenging academic and research environment
in one of the most unique cultural settings in the nation. Visit www.lsu.edu/flagship to chart LSU’s path to national prominence.