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The M.A. Special Education program is accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and is aligned to the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Educator Professional Ethics and Standards. The program has a particular focus on equity, culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices, and inclusion of students with high incidence disabilities. 

Candidates seeking licensure in special education will be immersed in clinical placements in local schools, completing a residency with a school-based clinical educator certified in special education.  The program requires candidates to complete the equivalent of a year-old residency and 60 additional hours of clinical placement designed to meet the Rhode Island certification regulations that take effect in December 2022.  The program also requires a minimum of 30 hours in an urban school district, and encourages candidates to spend more time in high-need districts.    

Students may pursue a 30/32-credit certification-only option, a master's degree option (36-44 credits), or a non-certification track (30 credits).  

Students who wish to complete the M.A. Special Education program on a full-time basis can complete the degree in one calendar year with courses beginning in the Summer II Term (typically late July). 

4+1 Opportunity

The 4+1 M.A. Special Education program allows for exceptional undergraduate elementary education or secondary education majors the opportunity to earn six graduate credits during their senior year and, if in good standing, continue on in one additional year of full-time study (either elementary or secondary special education). Students accepted into this program take two courses (EDU 608 in the fall and EDU 607 in the spring semester) of their senior year. The remaining eight courses (nine for secondary certification candidates) are completed as matriculated graduate students in one full-time year of study. Candidates interested in this program must apply during their undergraduate junior year for conditional acceptance in this program.  

Fall Term (Senior year - 4+1 candidates only)

Spring Term (Senior year - 4+1 candidates only)

Summer II Term

Fall Semester

Winter Term

Spring Semester

This program is designed for students seeking teacher certification in special education (either elementary or secondary) and will require two years of part-time graduate study. The program of study detailed below assumes a two-year pathway. Students may choose to take courses at their own pace, which may impact total duration of studies.

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer II Term

Fall Semester

Winter Term

Spring Semester

This 30-credit program is designed for currently practicing elementary or secondary educators who currently hold a valid teaching license in special education, but desire a master’s degree.  The program does not lead to licensure. 

Required Courses

EDU 607 Exceptionality Research 

EDU 612 Collaboration, Co-Teaching, & Consultation 

EDU 613 Cultivating Pro Social Behavior 

EDU 622 Research-Based Literacy Practices III: Preparing Strategic Readers, K-12 

EDU 635 Assessment & Planning 

EDU 640 Interventions in Mathematics & Content Areas in Special Education 

EDU 652 Special Education Capstone      

Electives

EDU 608 Legal & Ethical Foundations of Special Education 

EDU 610 Introduction to Literacy Research 

EDU 616 Research-Based Literacy Practices I: Writing Across the Curriculum, K-12 

EDU 618 Literature for Children and Young Adults 

EDU 620 Research- Based Literacy Practices II: Reading Across the Curriculum, K-12 

EDU 644 Post-Secondary Transition Planning (Secondary Education only)

Open Houses

Open Houses are scheduled on the Bristol Campus every June and November with virtual Open Houses available in January and August. Join us to learn more about your program, the admission process, and financial aid at these informative events with faculty and Graduate Admission staff.

Virtual Information Sessions

Short on time or just want to learn more about us from the comfort of your home, school, or office? Join us for a Virtual Information Session.

Universal Design for Learning: Supporting Students of All Abilities

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive classroom experience. Come learn about the theoretical and practical applications of UDL to effectively teach students of all abilities. 

The session was presented on Thursday, December 16th, 2021, by Dr. Adam Moore, Associate Professor of Special Education and Director of Special Education Graduate Programs at Roger Williams University.

Access the Universal Design Lecture Recording

As of August 18, 2020, new regulations for special education certification in the state of Rhode Island have been issued by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). The change in certification requirements allows for outstanding applicants who do not hold an elementary education or secondary education certification to apply for the Roger Williams University Master of Arts in Special Education. Please note: the new regulations require elementary special education teachers to pass all licensure exams in elementary education and special education in order to be considered for elementary special education certification. Secondary special education candidates are required to pass all special education licensure exams in order to be considered for secondary special education certification. 

Students without an undergraduate degree in education will be required to take up to two additional courses beyond the core M.A. Special Education degree. Required courses include EDU 657 Inclusive Practices in Special Education and EDU 670 General Education Knowledge for Special Education. 

The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±×ÊÁÏ M.A. Special Education program prepares students to all requirements to fulfill elementary or secondary special education certification in Rhode Island. For students who wish to pursue certification in other states, please refer to individual state requirements. Rhode Island is a signatory on the , allowing certification obtained in Rhode Island to be transferred to other states participating in the Agreement.