MA Learning Disabilities

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