University of Hawaii at Mānoa Graduate Studies
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Contact Information
 

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Department of Special Education
1776 University Avenue
Wist 120
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8450
Fax: (808) 956-4345
Web: coe.hawaii.edu/sped

Amelia Jenkins, PhD
Graduate Chair
E-mail: amelia@hawaii.edu

 
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
 

Quick Links:
Application Deadlines
| Admissions Requirements
Program Overview | Degree Requirements | Related Program(s)
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty

 
Priority Consideration Deadlines
 

Fall application deadline is January 31 for the Hawaii statewide cohort for the specialization in mild/moderate disabilities.

Fall Spring Summer
I — March 1
D — March 1
I — October 1
D — October 1
I — March 1
D — March 1
 
Applicants who apply before the priority consideration deadlines will be considered first for admission and funding opportunities.

Applicants who apply after the the priority consideration deadlines MUST check with the graduate program before submitting an application.

I = international applicants
D = U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents
 
 
Admissions Requirements
 

Click here for link to online application or to download paper application.

Applicants need to meet:
1) Graduate Division admissions standard and documentation requirements, and 2) program specific admissions criteria and documentation requirements. Send all program specific documentation requirements directly to the graduate program.

GRE Scores
GRE scores may be required by either the graduate program or by the Graduate Division. Click here for information on when it is required by the Graduate Division. Official GRE scores should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.
TOEFL Scores - 580/237/92 or above
TOEFL is required of most applicants who are non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions. Official TOEFL scores should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.
 
 
Program Overview
 

Special education is a component of general education. Its basic purpose is to assist students who do not benefit from traditional educational programs. Special educators teach and help others teach persons who differ, either positively or negatively, from that which may be considered as "typical" or "average." They individualize instruction based on the competencies needed by these persons to ensure their independence as contributing members of society.

The Department of Special Education at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) offers a graduate program leading to the MEd in special education and the PhD in education (specialization special education). Students enrolled in the programs learn about identifying and teaching persons with disabilities. Two concentrations are available:

  • special education teacher training with a specialization in mild/moderate disabilities (mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders), severe/multiple disabilities, or deaf education;
  • interdisciplinary studies for candidates wishing to work in non-classroom-based services for persons with disabilities.

The program of study is individualized for all students, based on their backgrounds and interests. In all cases, however, there is a heavy emphasis on field experience to refine practical skills in applied settings.

Graduates may work in public school or private delivery systems as classroom teachers, resource managers, or consultants with students with disabilities. In these roles, they make decisions that affect the extent to which persons with special needs participate in and profit from experiences designed to enhance their educational, vocational and social skills. Graduates of the teacher education option are eligible to receive the Hawai'i Professional Teacher Certification in Special Education. Graduates of the interdisciplinary studies option do not receive classroom certification but may seek employment in related fields and services.

The special education program is accredited by the State of Hawai'i under the State Approval of Teacher Education (SATE) process, applying standards established by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). The master of education degree program is accredited by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC).

 
 
Degree Requirements
 

All graduate students at UHM need to meet degree requirements set by the Graduate Division and their graduate programs. For general Graduate Division requirements, see Degree Requirements. Below is an overview of the degree requirements for this graduate program.

 

MEd Degree Requirements
The MEd program is available in Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (paper, project or comprehensive exam).

  • Plan A requires 48 credits (including six credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
  • Plan B requires 43 credits and a major paper, project or comprehensive exam.

PhD Degree Requirements
See PhD in education.

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/sped.htm.

 
 
Related Program(s)
 
counseling and guidance, curriculum studies, early childhood education, education, educational administration, educational foundations, educational psychology, educational technology, teaching
 
 
 

Application Deadlines | Admissions Requirements | Program Overview | Degree Requirements
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty | Related Program(s)

 

© University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Division

Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way Spalding 354 Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8544 Fax: (808) 956-4261
Email: admissions@grad.hawaii.edu

 
2009-06-25
 
This Web site is intended solely to provide general information. The UHM Graduate Division makes no representation and accepts no liability for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of information found in this site. Viewers of this site are advised to contact the appropriate offices for the most up-to-date information.