Degree requirements include successful completion of 30-33 hours of coursework (depending on emphasis area) with a 3.0 minimum GPA and a passing score on a culminating comprehensive portfolio. All M.Ed. degree programs in Special Education require an end-of-program practicum experience. Those candidates who are currently teaching in the emphasis area may use their current teaching placement upon approval of the department.

Master of Education in Special Education with Emphasis in Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Required Coursework*:
SPE 630 Advanced Seminar in Learning Disabilities
SPE 640 Advanced Seminar in Cognitive Disabilities
SPE 770 Legal Issues
SPE 631 Methods: Elem Special Education
SPE 632 Methods: Secondary Special Education
SPE 709 Assessment of Exceptional Individuals
SPE 688 Medical Aspects of Developmental Disabilities
SPE 651 Advanced Behavior Intervention Planning
REF 601
SPE 691
SPE 634 or SPE 680 (End-of-program practicum experience; comprehensive examination portfolio required)

Minimum Hours 33
*The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and professionally appropriate experience with mild/moderate disabilities.

Master of Education in Special Education with Emphasis in Behavior Disorders
Required Coursework*:
SPE 770 Legal Issues
SPE 650 Characteristics: Emotional/Behavior Disorders
SPE 632 Methods: Secondary Special Education
SPE 709 Assessment of Exceptional Individuals
SPE 641 Advanced Transition Planning
SPE 651 Advanced Behavior Intervention Planning
SPE 652 Social/Emotional Skills
SPE 600 Single Subject Research Design
SPE 691
SPE 631 Methods: Elementary Special Education or SPE 655 Autism Spectrum
SPE 654 or SPE 680 (End-of-program practicum experience; comprehensive examination portfolio required)

Minimum Hours 33
*The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and professionally appropriate experience with emotional/behavior disorders.

Master of Education in Special Education with Emphasis in Severe/Low Incidence Disabilities
Required Coursework*:
SPE 633 Advanced Seminar in Severe Disabilities
SPE 688 Medical Aspects of Developmental Disabilities
SPE 641 Advanced Transition Planning
SPE 643 Curriculum Severe/Low Incidence Disabilities
SPE 652 Social/Emotional Skills
SPE 645 Assessment & Instruction: Severe Disabilities
SPE 600 Single Subject Research
SPE 691
SPE 644 or SPE 680 (End-of-program practicum experience; comprehensive examination portfolio required)
AND PICK TWO (6 hours):
SPE 655 Autism Spectrum
SPE 640 Adv Sem in Cognitive Dis
SPE 651 Advanced Behavior Intervention Planning
SPE 598 Families of Individuals with Disabilities
Or another advisor-approved course specific to individuals with severe disabilities
Minimum Hours 33
*The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and professionally appropriate experience with severe/low incidence disabilities.

 Master of Education in Special Education with Emphasis in GIFTED EDUCATION
Required Coursework*:
SPE 560 Characteristics & Education of the Gifted+
SPE 661 Methods & Materials: Gifted+
SPE 662 Curriculum Development: Gifted+
SPE 663 Atypical Gifted+
SPE 709 Assessment of Exceptional  Individuals
SPE 770 Legal Issues
SPE 664 Practicum: Gifted (6 hrs, end-of-program practicum experience; comprehensive examination portfolio required)
REF 601
SPE 691
Minimum Hours 30
*The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and professionally appropriate experience with the gifted.
+These courses are currently offered during the summer in a 2-day per week format using the Interactive Video Network accessible on both the Hattiesburg and Coast campuses.  All other courses are fully online.