The M.Ed. in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum and Autism is designed for candidates who already hold, or are eligible for, a teaching certificate and who have earned a B.S.Ed. from an accredited university. This program provides advanced preparation for educators to effectively support students with significant disabilities and autism through evidence-based practices.
The program includes two tracks to meet the needs of diverse educators: • Initial Preparation Track (Online): For certified teachers with a background in an area other than special education (e.g., general education) who seek to develop foundational knowledge and applied skills in adapted curriculum, behavior support, and instructional strategies for students with low-incidence disabilities. • Advanced Practice Track (In-Person): For certified special educators with a background in adapted curriculum who wish to deepen their expertise in adapted curriculum, behavior support, and instructional strategies for students with low-incidence disabilities.
Graduates of both tracks will be equipped to engage in evidence-based practice for students with moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disabilities and moderate to severe autism following an adapted curriculum. This adapted curriculum may include teaching functional academics, lifelong personal and social skills, vocational skills, recreational and leisure skills, and community involvement. It emphasizes training in behavior management, instructional strategies, technology-based support, and transition skills.
All candidates are required to complete and pass a written comprehensive examination during the final semester of the program.
This major is part of a Double Dawgs pathway: Special Education BSEd(Adapted Curriculum)/Special Education Med (Adapted Curriculum and Autism) For more information, go to doubledawgs.uga.edu
Program Coordinator Rachel Cagliani rcagliani@uga.edu Director of Graduate Studies Jennifer Brown jbrown8@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator Danielle Mitchell dpmit@uga.edu 706-542-4561