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Psychology plays a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions that promote well-being and social equity, and the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program equips students with diverse perspectives and access to cutting-edge resources. This highly ranked program, through small-group seminars, personalized supervision and proximity to major research institutions, prepares students to be leaders in driving positive change through evidence-based practice and scholarly inquiry in counseling psychology.

The Disability Studies Minor is designed to broaden students’ understandings of the concept of disability, and facilitate connections to content and concepts within other disciplines on campus. It empowers students to critically engage with issues of disability, fostering a deeper understanding of diversity, equity and social justice. By exploring the complex intersections of disability with culture, society, and systems, students emerge as advocates and allies committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all. All undergraduate students regardless of major are welcome to apply.

Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education (EC/ECSE) is a comprehensive teacher education program designed for individuals passionate about teaching young children with or without disabilities. Sponsored by the Departments of Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education (CHSE), and Human Development and Quantitative Methodology (HDQM), this evidence-based program integrates research on child development, learning, pedagogy, and disabilities to prepare educators for diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts. The program leads to teacher licensure.

The Elementary/Middle Special Education Bachelor of Science program is geared toward providing tailored support and opportunities for children with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child has access to an equitable and quality education. The program has been designed for educators who are committed to nurturing the potential of those students, to maintaining high expectations for all learners, and to partnering with families for success. With a focus on evidence-based practices, intervention and collaboration, graduates emerge prepared to make a significant impact in today’s classrooms, advocating for the success and well-being of all students. This program leads to teacher licensure. Certification follows one of two tracks, with an emphasis on either inclusive general education settings, or special education service delivery: - Track 1: Special Education Certification: Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8) and Severe Disability Endorsement (Birth-21) - Track 2: Elementary General and Special Education Certification: Elementary Education Certification (Grades 1-6) and Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8)

The nationally recognized Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Master of Arts graduate concentration prepares students for leadership roles in higher education institutions and policy organizations, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in diverse career paths. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking and promoting social mobility. With practical experience and advanced research skills gained through internships and coursework, graduates are empowered to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in higher education, driving positive change and transformation. Focus areas include: - Policy and Finance - ������Ů and Student Experiences - Leadership and Organization - Academic Professions

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–International Education Policy Concentration, Ph.D. program is comprised of a community of faculty, students and development professionals who strive to improve cross-cultural and multicultural understanding and bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners. In a 21st century marked by the rapid pace of global change, international education has become of paramount importance. This program addresses needed improvements in equity, social justice, and the ability to promote sustainable development and international peace at a global level, which requires transforming our educational and social institutions. Connect with a passionate group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni as you work to better yourself and transform education for good.

The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Master of Arts program underscores the vital role of student affairs professionals in shaping inclusive, supportive campus environments that foster academic achievement, personal growth and social justice. Through the curriculum, students come to understand the complexity, challenges, and inequities that are endemic throughout student affairs and higher education. This is a rigorous program, driven by research and scholarship. We don’t stop at “what’s wrong.” We encourage students to envision how the world could be different, and push for change where it’s needed. The M.A. program requires a thesis. We also offer an M.Ed. version with non-thesis options.

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Ph.D. program offers a dynamic pathway for aspiring scholar-practitioners to lead transformational change in higher education. With a focus on social justice, diversity and rigorous research, students delve into advanced coursework and engage in mentorship opportunities with experienced faculty. Through personalized concentrations and teaching experiences, graduates emerge equipped to address complex issues in student development, administration and policy, making meaningful contributions to transform education for good.

As a nationally recognized graduate program, the Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Ph.D. program is designed to address the critical importance of higher education. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking and promoting social mobility. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience, students delve into the complex issues facing colleges and universities, such as access, equity, diversity, organizational change and leadership. By preparing students for faculty positions, leadership roles in higher education administration, and policy analysis, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform education for good. Focus areas include: -Policy and Finance -������Ů and Student Experiences -Leadership and Organization -Academic Professions

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–International Education Policy Concentration, M.A. program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for an interdisciplinary understanding of today's educational policy and practice. We examine the relationship of education to economic, political, and social development in both developing and developed countries at local, national, regional, and global levels. If you're a forward-thinker eager to tackle complex challenges, collaborate with diverse communities, and drive positive social impact, then our program may be a great fit. Connect with a passionate group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni as you work to better yourself and transform education for good.

The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Master of Education program underscores the vital role of student affairs professionals in shaping inclusive, supportive campus environments that foster academic achievement, personal growth and social justice. Through the curriculum, students come to understand the complexity, challenges and inequities that are endemic throughout student affairs and higher education. This is a rigorous program, driven by research and scholarship. We don’t stop at “what’s wrong.” We encourage students to envision how the world could be different, and push for change where it’s needed. The M.Ed. program does not require a thesis. Instead, it has options for a seminar paper or a seminar project. We also offer an M.A. version of this program with a thesis option.

The versatile Leadership Studies Minor and Certificate program is ideal for undergraduate students who are passionate about making a difference and eager to develop their leadership potential. Through critical analysis and introspection, students develop a robust leadership philosophy, empowering them to effect positive change in various contexts. With a blend of theoretical foundations, practical applications and experiential learning opportunities, the program prepares students to lead authentically, advocate for social justice, and engage as global citizens in a rapidly evolving landscape. This can be taken as a Minor (15 credits) or as a Certificate (21 credits).

By equipping passionate educators and school counselors in training with the necessary skills to transform schools through their leadership, advocacy, equity, and data-driven interventions, the School Counseling, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program trains individuals to close opportunity gaps and promote inclusive educational opportunities. School counselors are unique professionals within the school building who collaborate with stakeholders to develop interventions that target academic, personal/social and college/career needs in schools. They play a vital role in shaping a future in which all students have equitable access to a quality education and the support they need to thrive. This is a cohort model program, meaning students are accepted into a cohort group and take all of their classes together in a sequence.

The highly ranked School Psychology Ph.D. program prepares individuals to tackle the numerous mental health, academic, and social challenges faced by students. Our faculty bring diverse expertise in areas such as emotions in education, bullying prevention and cultural resilience. They mentor students in rigorous research methodologies and evidence-based practices, preparing them to excel in academia, research institutions, and clinical settings dedicated to improving educational outcomes and mental health services for students and schools.

Note: This program is not currently accepting applications. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, Specialty: Early Childhood Birth to Age 5, Shady Grove (MSPEC) is a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum that addresses the developmental and learning needs of our youngest ages birth-5. Graduate work addresses the developmental and learning needs of our youngest ages birth-5 including those with physical, sensory (e.g., deaf-blindness, cortical visual impairment, etc.), and multiple disabilities. The program focuses on providing the graduate student the knowledge, skills and abilities that support efforts to achieve equitable developmental and academic achievement for all. The program is designed for professionals who already hold an early childhood special education teacher license/certification, professionals interested in expanding their knowledge, skills, and abilities with those with special needs from Birth-Age 5, and for professionals interested in working in an early childhood special education context outside of the classroom.

This 30-credit hour Special Education, Master of Education (M.Ed.) Specialty Autism Spectrum Disorders (ONLINE) program is designed for professionals interested in increasing their skills and expanding their knowledge to better serve the increasing number of students with ASD with high intensity needs. This M.Ed program is interested in recruiting members from underrepresented groups, including applicants with disabilities, multilingual applicants and applicants from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.