This is an archived copy of the 2015-2016 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates in special education/deaf education know the content that they plan to teach and can explain important principles and concepts delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
  2. Candidates in special education/deaf education understand the relationship of content and content-specific pedagogy and have a broad knowledge of instructional strategies that draws upon content and pedagogical knowledge and skills delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards to help all students learn.
  3. Candidates in special education/deaf education are able to analyze educational research findings and incorporate new information into their practice.
  4. Candidates in special education/deaf education assess and analyze student learning, make appropriate adjustments to instruction, monitor student learning, and have a positive effect on learning for all students.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates in special education/deaf education will demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment in deaf education.
  2. Candidates in special education/deaf education will demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and knowledge of evidence-based strategies through development of lesson plans identifying use of research-validated procedures and effective content pedagogy.
  3. Candidates in special education/deaf education will demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology, and monitoring/modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and P-12 mentor teacher.
  4. Candidates in special education/deaf education will demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 learning through completion of a capstone applied research project.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Deadline: July 15
This program considers applications for Fall term only.

Go to the Graduate School website  and click on Our Programs, then click on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education M.Ed. Special Education Program for information on:

  • Specific Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education M.Ed. Special Education

  • Program Admission Requirements

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education M.Ed. Special Education Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education M.Ed. Special Education Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here

Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree with a Major in Special Education -- Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education 

Track 1: for candidates completing a VSU B.S.Ed. degree with a major in Special Education–Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

Core Courses4
RSCH 7100Research Methodology in Education3
LEAD 7210Ethics and Law1
Area of Concentration32
DEAF 5010Student Teaching: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing10
DEAF 5020Student Teaching Seminar: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing2
DEAF 5310Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing to Deaf Students3
DEAF 5370Teaching Thinking Skills3
DEAF 5380Curriculum Development Instruction for Deaf Students4
DEAF 6000Integration and Management of Instruction in the Classroom3
DEAF 6010Integrated Instruction: Individualized Education Program3
DEAF 6020Audiological Considerations and Auditory/Oral Methods for Teachers of the Deaf4
Total Hours Required for the Degree36

Track 2: for individuals who hold professional teaching certificates in a field outside of Deaf Education

Core Courses7
DEAF 2999Entry to the Profession0
RSCH 7100Research Methodology in Education3
LEAD 7210Ethics and Law1
DEAF 6100Seminar: Deaf Education and Language Learning3
Area of Concentration20
DEAF 5310Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing to Deaf Students3
DEAF 5370Teaching Thinking Skills3
DEAF 5380Curriculum Development Instruction for Deaf Students4
DEAF 6000Integration and Management of Instruction in the Classroom (if certified in a field of special education at entry but not in a general education field) OR DEAF 6010 (if certified in a field of general education at entry but not in any special education field)3
DEAF 6020Audiological Considerations and Auditory/Oral Methods for Teachers of the Deaf4
DEAF 6030Internship in Teaching3
Required Endorsement 9
Reading Endorsement
Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties
Trends and Issues in Reading
Comprehension and Study Strategy Instruction
or
ESOL Endorsement
Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers
Cultural Perspectives for ESOL Teachers
Methods and Materials for Teaching ESOL
Total Hours Required for the Degree36