The Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services Masters Program is now enrolling students for the Summer 2019 cohort. Student’s in this cohort will receive tuition support through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Personnel Preparation Grant entitled Unlocking Futures: An Online Master’s Program in Secondary Transition Services for Students with High Needs Disabilities. Scholarships will range between 70 and 100% coverage for tuition (with additional stipends as available for each semester of study. Students sign agreements with a commitment to working in the field for a minimum of 4 years following graduation.
Applicants interested in the 2019 cohort must provide evidence for meeting the following requirements in addition to those of GSEHD:
- US citizens with professional experience or strong interest in working with transition-aged youth with Traumatic Brain Injury or Autism Spectrum Disorder
- In a current professional role where you are directly serving students with disabilities (including those who are from culturally diverse backgrounds) living in rural and urban areas, particularly those with high poverty regions
- A bachelor’s degree (cannot have a master’s degree)
- Career switchers are welcomed to apply
Those interested in applying can access the online admissions portal via the following link: gsehd.gwu.edu/admissions
We welcome everyone to please share this information with their colleagues, family and friends!
About the Program
The Master’s in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services is a 36-credit hour program fully-online program and can be completed within two years. Students in the master’s program choose a specialization in Brain Injury or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The course work of this program aligns with the current CEC Advanced Knowledge and Skills Base for Transition Specialists and has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices.
Why GW’s online Masters in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services?
This program prepares you to be a change agent in teaching, leadership and support roles. The master’s program will also assist youth with disabilities and at-risk youth to make successful transitions through high school to post-secondary education, employment and independent adulthood. This nationally-recognized program provides critical knowledge and experience in the ever-emerging field of secondary transition based upon legislative requirements, research, and evidence-based practices. With a strong social justice focus, you are prepared to effectively lead quality transition programs and services for all youth with disabilities in various settings.
- Interdisciplinary Interaction: Through a diverse range of interactive experiences with experts and peers serving in a broad range of professional roles across the field, you gain exposure to different viewpoints and refine critical analysis and communication skills.
- Leadership: The program embeds a “train-the-trainers” leadership component enabling you to be recognized by your organization as a “transition leader” or the resource person for best practice information on the range of transition issues.
- Applied Research: The program offers a relevant curriculum that is driven by the most up-to-date, applied research by experts in the field and is responsive to a variety of transition outcomes. Students develop practical research skills under the direction of experts in secondary transition research.
- Scholar-Practitioner Faculty: Learn from faculty members who are current in the field, share their real-world experiences and provide a diversity of perspective on the field.
Program Curriculum Masters | Certificate* (3 Cr. Elective** of 6233 or6235)
Core Courses (30 Credits)
SPED 6210 Universal Design for Learning and Assessment (3)
SPED 6214 Applied Research in Secondary Transition Practices (3)
SPED 6222 Legal Issues and Public Policy for Individuals with Disabilities (3)
SPED 6230 Vocational Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits) *
SPED 6231 Curriculum and Instructional Methods in Special Education and Transition (3)
SPED 6233 Curriculum in Special Education (3) **
SPED 6235 Employment Models for Individuals with Disabilities (3) **
SPED 6236 Introduction to Career and Career–Technical Education & Transition Services (3) *
SPED 6255 Collaboration with Systems and Families (3 credits) *
SPED 6995 School and Community-Based Internship in Special Education and Transition (3)
Specialization, Option 1: Acquired Brain Injury (6 Credits)
SPED 6223 Introduction to Brain Injury: Programs, Policies, and Resources (3)
SPED 6224 Brain Function and Impact of Brain Injury on Learning and Education (3)
Specialization, Option 2: Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialization (6 Credits)
SPED 6253 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
SPED 6254 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Transition to Employment & Post-Secondary Life (3)
NYSDCDT 