Fairleigh Dickinson University's program is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities – Teacher of Student with Disabilities is a 36 credit, graduate level program designed for individuals who possess a Standard Teaching Certificate or a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing in a general education instructional area(s). Individuals completing this program obtain the Jersey Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification, while pursuing a Master of Arts Degree. Program Completers are certified to teach students with disabilities in general education classrooms and/or resource centers/special class programs in the subject area(s) for which they earned their general education certification(s).

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educators Preparation (CAEP).

Admission requirements

All candidates who want to be considered for admission must meet the following criteria:

  • Evidence of Certification of Eligibility with Advanced Standing  (CEAS) or standard teaching license (A Certificate of Eligibility will not be considered unless the candidate also holds a CEAS or Standard Certificate in another area)
  • Transcripts with a minimum 3.25 GPA
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Evidence of successful completion of Praxis Exam in another content area (Currently, there is no Praxis for TSD in New Jersey)

Student Outcomes

The Master of Arts Learning Disabilities Program produces candidates who are:

  • Qualified to teach subject matter;
  • Competent in pedagogical knowledge;
  • Caring professionals;
  • Technologically proficient;
  • Culturally responsive to the diverse needs of students;
  • Reflective about what they have learned and what they need to learn;

Degree Plan

TSD Certification Courses (21 credits)

These courses are required for the TSD Certification.

EDUC6740 is the first course in the sequence of courses and must be completed as a prerequisite or corequisite upon admission to the program.

  • EDUC6740    Introduction to Students with Disabilities Including Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • EDUC6744     Foundations: Historical, Philosophical, & Legal Issues Related to Disabilities
  • EDUC6745     Principles & Practices of Collaboration and Inclusion
  • EDUC6746     Learning Environment and Effective Management of Teaching & Learning
  • EDUC6747     Multisensory Reading Instruction for Students with Reading Disabilities
  • EDUC7623     Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities
  • EDUC7624     Correction of Learning Disabilities

Note 1:  EDUC6740 is a prerequisite for all other courses.

Note 2:  EDUC6745 or EDUC6746 are prerequisites for both EDUC7623 and EDUC7624

Additional Required Courses to Complete the MA Degree (15 credits)

  • EDUC6627    Orientation for School Testing
  • EDUC6792    Assistive Technology for the Inclusive Classroom
  • EDUC6793    Education of Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
  • EDUC6797    Clinical Teaching: Multisensory Math
  • EDUC7674    Master’s Seminar:  Research in Specialization

MACT Option

For candidates who wish to complete just the TSD certification courses and additionally the Core courses for Supervisor, there is an option as shown below.  Admission requirements are the same as for the MA in Learning Disabilities.

TSD Certification Courses (21 credits)

These courses are required for the TSD Certification.

EDUC6740 is the first course in the sequence of courses and must be completed as a prerequisite or corequisite upon admission to the program.

  • EDUC6740    Introduction to Students with Disabilities Including Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • EDUC6744    Foundations: Historical, Philosophical, & Legal Issues Related to Disabilities
  • EDUC6745    Principles & Practices of Collaboration and Inclusion
  • EDUC6746    Learning Environment and Effective Management of Teaching & Learning
  • EDUC6747    Multisensory Reading Instruction for Students with Reading Disabilities
  • EDUC7623    Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities
  • EDUC7624    Correction of Learning Disabilities

Note 1:  EDUC6740 is a prerequisite for all other courses.

Note 2:  EDUC6745 or EDUC6746 are prerequisites for both EDUC7623 and EDUC7624.

CORE Courses for MACT (12 credits)

These courses are for the Supervisor’s Certification.

  • EDUC6702     Curriculum and Instruction: Theory and Practice
  • EDUC6703     Supervision of Instruction & Personnel Evaluation
  • EDUC6704     Curriculum/Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
  • EDUC6718     Change: Curriculum Development & Program Improvement

To complete the MACT (3 credits)

  • EDUC6584     Computer as a Teacher’s Aid