Delaware is known as The First State because it was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States. However, the nickname is also appropriate for leading the country with several significant educational achievements. Delaware was instrumental in ending segregation in schools, the first to create a centralized state Superintendent of Education and the first to unionize all public school districts.
Even though it is the second smallest state in the United States, Delaware thinks big when it comes to higher education. Two public universities, including one of the first all-black universities, and several private colleges offer master’s degree programs to blend the traditions of the past with the innovations of the future.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
University of Delaware
School of Education
The School of Education at the University of Delaware operates under the umbrella of the College of Education and Human Development. It is nationally recognized and consistently ranked as a top education school by US News and World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” The School of Education is respected as a source of knowledge for professionals already working in the field, as well as future educators and researchers.
Master of Education and Master of Arts degrees are offered with the following programs:
-Master of Education in Educational Technology
-Master of Education in Exceptional Children and Youth
-Master of Arts in Teaching
-Master of Arts in Psychology
-Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language
-Master of Education in Reading
Master of Education in Exceptional Children and Youth (M.Ed.) (K-12)
The Master of Education in Exceptional Children and Youth degree program provides training for careers involving disabled children and youth (K-12). Special education teachers, education consultants and educational technology specialists are some of the vocational opportunities available for graduates of this program.
The master’s degree program is designed for general or special education teachers seeking specialized knowledge or skills. This master’s track may also benefit those who have experience working with disabled individuals but do not have teaching certification. In addition, certified teachers may attain a second endorsement in special education with the completion of this master’s degree program.
The curriculum areas of concentration are:
-Elementary Special Education.
-Secondary Special Education.
-Special Education Technology.
-Severe Disabilities/Autism.
A minimum of 33 credits is required including core and specialized coursework. Learning outcomes for this master’s degree include: Diagnosis for educational instruction, behavioral techniques for change, special education research skills, instruction for elementary, middle and secondary school level for special needs children, collaborative techniques for team instruction, and approaches for educating children and youth with severe disabilities/Autism.
An exit requirement for the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth includes either a final case study paper or Master’s Thesis research project.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Contact Information
113 Willard Hall
Education Building
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-8695
http://www.education.udel.edu
Wilmington University, DE
College of Education
The College of Education at Wilmington University has prepared approximately 40 percent of all Delaware educators. In addition, the College serves as the only Teach for America program in the state with graduates joining a corps of professionals to help improve student achievement in public schools.
The College of Education offers master’s degree programs in the following specialties: school counseling, educational technology, gifted and talented education and school leadership. Master of Education programs are available for Applied Technology in Education, Elementary and Secondary School Counseling, Instruction: Gifted and Talented, Instruction: Teaching and Learning, Instruction: Teacher of Reading, Special Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Teaching: Grades 7-12.
Preparing students for a professional career in education in the mission of the College of Education. All programs are based on national accreditation standards and provide both theory and practical application to work with children and adolescents.
Master of Education in Instruction: Gifted and Talented (M.Ed.) (Elementary)
The Master of Education in Instruction: Gifted and Talented degree program provides the skills necessary for professional educators to work with gifted and talented elementary-aged children. The ability to enhance student learning through research-based curriculum development, promotion of cognitive, emotional and social development plus innovative and critical thinking skills for gifted and talented children are anticipated learning outcomes.
Assessments are structured into the program to determine academic excellence and competencies with gifted and talented children. Learning outcomes related to historical foundations of the program including inclusion practices, development and characteristics of gifted children, learning differences, management strategies, social interactions, communication and collaboration, and ethical practice are all determining factors for graduation. Field-based instruction with a special educator for gifted and talented children and a presentation portfolio completed during the program are the final components of the degree curriculum used to assess expertise in the field.
Accreditations
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Delaware Department of Education
National Association for Gifted Children
Council for Exceptional Children
The Association for the Gifted
Contact Information
Wilmington University,
New Castle
320 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(877) 967-5464
http://www.wilmu.edu/education/index.aspx