Program Director: Dr. Sharon Ishii-Jordan
Phone: 402-280-2553
Email: sij@creighton.edu

• Website
• Program Synopsis (PDF)

This 40-hour program is designed for the individual who would like more knowledge about and expertise in working with the special populations of students in today’s schools.  This program contains three sections of courses that provide knowledge and skills in a) working with students with special education needs; b) working with students with English language learning needs; and c) understanding the issues, needs, and background that impact diverse students and communities.  In addition, the student must take an educational research course. Access website here.

This master’s degree program is a “build-your-own-expertise” designed to meet the needs of the individual.  As part of the degree, the student must choose to complete all the coursework in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (25 credit hours) or English as a Second Language (ESL, 15 hours), which will provide eligibility for a supplemental teaching endorsement in the chosen area.  As a pre-requisite for admission to this program, one must possess a teaching certificate and complete the application process for both the Special Populations in Education program and the Graduate School.  This program of study must be planned with the consent of the program director.

Types of Degrees: MS

Duration: Two years

Number of Credits Required: 40

Cost: 50% tuition discount - $325 per credit hour, 2009/2010 rate, plus university and technology fees.

Stipend/Fellowship: Full-time teachers receive 50% tuition remission and teachers in Catholic schools receive 75% tuition remission. No fellowships.

Program Start: August, January or summer

Preferred Application Deadline: Domestic: August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring and May 1 for summer entry. International students should apply at least three months in advance of anticipated start date in order to get all paperwork processed.

Admissions Requirements:
Applicants for the M.S. in Special Populations in Education must possess a teaching certificate and complete the application process for both the Special Populations in Education program and the Graduate School.

An application should include:

1. Completed application and application fee (deadline is February 1)
2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
3. Three letters of recommendation (please use the electronic rec. process with the online application!). The recommendations should be completed and submitted by persons other than family members who are capable of assessing an applicant's performance in an academic or work setting.
4. Writing sample
5. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
6. Notarized Felony Convictions/Mental Capacity Statement Form
7. Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) passing scores (the scores are sent directly to the Education Department)
8. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) acceptable scores.
9. Personal interview with program director