Full Description

The Mild to Moderate Special Education minor provides students with valuable knowledge related to meeting the special educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities in schools. Mild to moderate disabilities include learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders without accompanying intellectual impairment.

The minor allows students to learn effective practices for differentiating instruction, behavior management, collaboration and supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education classrooms.

This minor is particularly relevant for students seeking to work in the K-12 academic environment, including those with a major or interest in education, special education, psychology, public health, sociology and human development and family studies.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Students declared in the Special Education major, Mild/Moderate concentration, are not permitted to declare this minor.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Students will identify effective practices for differentiating instruction for exceptional learners.
2. Students will describe classroom management strategies to support the engagement and learning of exceptional learners.
3. Students will develop lesson plans tailored to the strengths and needs of exceptional learners in general education classroom settings.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade is required in all courses.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Early Intervention minor primarily is intended for individuals interested in working with young children — from birth to age three — who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities across a variety of settings.

The minor provides students with the skills and knowledge specific to contemporary and recommended practices in early intervention, typical and atypical development, teaming, family professional collaboration, assessment, legislation, ethical professional conduct, advocacy and inclusive practices.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must be at least a sophomore status and have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.750 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze contemporary philosophical and theoretical orientations about young children and families.
2. Demonstrate empirically-based and ethical practices of early intervention in natural environments.
3. Collaborate with families, caregivers, and professionals to enhance children's growth and development.
4. Identify state and federal legislation related to early intervention.

Program Requirements

¹

Students must contact the faculty advisor for the Early Intervention minor to be able to register for SPED 44951.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Autism Spectrum Disorders minor is an interdisciplinary program, between special education and speech pathology and audiology. The minor prepares students to understand and address the needs of individuals with autism across the spectrum, across the lifespan and in varied contexts, including general and special education classrooms and community settings.

Students gain knowledge and skills related to the following:

• Diagnostic and learning style characteristics
• Causes and medical intervention
• Early signs and assessment protocols
• Social-communicative development and disorders
• Theoretical models and the implications of those models for intervention
• Family characteristics
• Evidence-based intervention practices

The minor is particularly relevant for students with a major or interest in special education, speech pathology, audiology, occupational and physical therapy, psychology and human development and family science.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.750 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the diagnostic and learning style characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
2. Identify early signs of autism spectrum disorder and identify and evaluate instruments used to screen for and diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children and adults.
3. Identify neurobiological and environmental factors implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder.
4. Describe medical and complementary and alternative medical interventions used by individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
5. Compare the social-communicative development of individuals with autism spectrum disorder to that of neurotypically developing individuals.
6. Describe different theoretical models for understanding autism spectrum disorder.
7. Implement evidence-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

A Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Special Education prepares students to become special education teachers (also referred to as intervention specialists) or to work with individuals with disabilities in non-school settings.

Special educators teach individuals with many kinds of disabilities including learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD/other health impairments, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairments and multiple disabilities.

Special educators may co-teach with general education teachers in academic classrooms, teach small groups of students in a resource room, or teach students individually in highly specialized classrooms or programs designed specifically to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Special education majors who do not want to become teachers often will work with adolescents and adults with disabilities in community, residential and/or vocational settings.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Deaf Education concentration prepares candidates to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students across inclusion, itinerant, resource room and self-contained public and residential classroom settings. Extensive field and teaching lab experiences optimize this preparation in combination with coursework in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies that help prepare students to take specific assessments to become designated as "highly qualified" teachers in deaf education, reading and mathematics. Instructional methods are comprehensive in nature and provide the unique strategies necessary to address issues concomitant with hearing loss, including language development in both English and American Sign Language, use of bilingual-bicultural methodologies and various assistive and instructional technologies. The hierarchical coursework sequence concludes with thematic unit instruction that prepares graduates to work with the core curriculum to address all academic content areas, as well as transition and students with additional needs. Graduates are eligible to apply for Ohio licensure to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing students in prekindergarten to 12th grade.
• The Disability Services concentration prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities who have a wide variety of support needs in a broad array of settings (e.g., vocational, residential, community). Students in this concentration progress through highly-structured coursework and field experiences to learn evidence-based practices to teach leisure, social, adaptive and life skills to individuals with disabling conditions. Students who complete this program are not eligible for licensure as special educators/intervention specialists in the state of Ohio.
• The Mild to Intensive Dual License concentration prepares candidates to work with individuals (kindergarten through age 21) who have a wide variety of support needs in a broad array of settings (e.g., general education classrooms, self-contained classrooms, alternative schools and community-based programs). Candidates in this concentration progress through highly-structured coursework and extensive field experiences to learn evidence-based practices to teach academic, social adaptive and life skills. Successful completion of this program enables candidates to be eligible for licensure in both Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (e.g., learning disabilities emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD) as well as Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs (e.g., intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities) through the State of Ohio.

Students in the Disability Services concentration may apply early to the M.Ed. degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this major is selective. To be admitted directly into the Special Education major, freshmen must have a minimum 2.750 high school GPA, and transfer students must have a minimum 2.750 overall GPA in all previous undergraduate coursework. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement at the time of admission for this major will be admitted to the EHHS General non-degree program until which time they have established a Kent State GPA of 2.750. They may then submit a change of program to declare this major.

Current Kent State and Transfer Students: Active Kent State students who wish to change their major must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and meet all admission criteria listed above to be admitted. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Engage in professional learning and practice within ethical guidelines.
2. Understand and address individual developmental and learning needs.
3. Demonstrate subject matter content and specialized knowledge.
4. Use assessment to understand the learning and the learning environment for data-based decision making.
5. Support learning using effective instruction.
6. Support social, emotional and behavioral growth.
7. Collaborate with team members.
8. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful special educational teachers or professionals.
9. Demonstrate their preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessments required for their Special Education License type or being admitted to a graduate degree program or obtaining employment in a disability services field.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Teacher candidates are only permitted to repeat a field experience course once. Please see Repeating Field Experience Courses in Teacher Education Programs policy for details.

Deaf Education Concentration Requirements

¹

Teacher candidates are only permitted to repeat a field experience course once. Please see Repeating Field Experience Courses in Teacher Education Programs policy for details.

Disability Services Concentration Requirements

Mild to Intensive Dual License Concentration Requirements

¹

Teacher candidates are only permitted to repeat a field experience course once. Please see Repeating Field Experience Courses in Teacher Education Programs policy for details.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged but not required.

Students must apply for State of Ohio Licensure (defined by completion of all licensure program requirements) within 12 months of program completion. After 12 months, applicants must meet State-approved program/licensure requirements that are in effect at the time of application. This means that students who apply after the 12-month deadline may have to take additional coursework if the content, methods courses, program requirements, or licensure requirements have changed from the catalog in force.

Students completing the Disability Services concentration will not be eligible for licensure.

Progression Requirements

For students seeking teacher education licensure, admission to advanced study is required prior to enrolling in select upper-division education courses. Students must meet all professional requirements for admission to advanced study and have a minimum 2.750 overall GPA¹.

For students in the non-licensure concentration, admission into the professional phase is required prior to enrolling in select upper-division courses. Successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum 2.750 overall GPA¹ is required for admittance into the professional phase of the major.

To manage enrollment and deliver high-quality programs, the faculty will select the most qualified applicants for admission based upon evaluation of academic success (overall GPA¹) at Kent State University, non-academic criteria and other specific program criteria.

Please be aware that reapplication may be necessary if postponing advanced study coursework or if withdrawing for one year or more.

¹

Undergraduate students who have not completed a minimum of 12 Kent State University credit hours will be evaluated for advanced study and professional phase based on their high school GPA for new freshmen or transfer GPA for transfer students.

Graduation Requirements

• To graduate, students in the Deaf Education concentration must pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the intermediate level or receive a minimum Level 2 on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI).

Roadmaps

Deaf Education Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Disability Services Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Mild to Intensive Dual License Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (Deaf Education and Mild to Intensive Dual License concentrations only)

Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problem solvers. The program operates from an eco-behavioral orientation and emphasizes the delivery of school psychological services from a consultative framework to prevent and remediate learning, behavioral and social-emotional concerns in individuals from birth to 22 years.

Students in the program gain competencies, not only in the provision of services to individual children in schools, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic educational reform. Graduates of the Ed.S. degree are highly prepared to be leaders and innovators of comprehensive support services in a variety of educational settings.

Students who do not hold a master's degree in school psychology must apply to the M.Ed. degree in School Psychology. After completing the M.Ed. degree, students may then matriculate into the Ed.S. degree.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved college or university
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum graduate 3.250 GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Sample of written work
• School Psychology Supplemental Data form (online document)
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Program faculty evaluate applicants' background, evidence of high scholastic achievement, a high level of verbal ability and positive letters of recommendation

¹

Students who do not have a prior NASP-approved master's degree must apply to the Kent State's M.Ed. degree in School Psychology. Students' applications will still be reviewed for admission into the Ed.S. degree. If admitted, students will matriculate into the Ed.S. degree following successful completion of the M.Ed. degree within the first year.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and May 1
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.
    Applications submitted by May 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the summer. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the fall semester.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the fall semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the spring semester.
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills associated with the National Association of School Psychologist's (NASP) Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice, which allows them to gain the credential of 'school psychologist' at the state and national levels (i.e., through both the Ohio Department of Education and NASP's national certification program [Nationally Certified School Psychologist, NCSP]).
2. Demonstrate positive impact on students in applied settings as related to assessment, planning/supports and implementation of interventions related to academic and behavioral needs as identified by key stakeholders in a variety of internship placement settings (i.e., within public schools).

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students must complete SPSY 77792 for two semesters, 3 credit hours each.

²

SPSY 77971 is required for students who complete an internship in the State of Ohio. If taken, students must complete two semesters, 3 credit hours each, for a total of 6 credit hours. All other students complete 6 credits of faculty-approved coursework.

³

Student must complete SPSY 77992 for two semesters, 6 credit hours each. Students are required to undertake an academic year of internship under supervision of the faculty and a qualified school psychologist in public schools. Course requirements need to be successfully completed prior to the internship.

Graduation Requirements

• Upon admission to the Ed.S. degree program, students will be assigned an advisor.
• Annual State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking School Psychologist licensure are required to pass the ETS Praxis II School Psychologist test or the domain specific School Psychology Ohio Assessment for Educators test.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

The Ed.S. degree in School Psychology is recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problems solvers and transmitters of psychological knowledge and skill. As such, students draw upon the scientific literature as a primary basis for professional practice and focus their research agendas so as to have meaningful implications for practice. In addition, functioning as a scientist-practitioner meas that professional practice is conducted in ways that are consistent with the scientific method.

Emphasis in training is placed on the provision of services through research-based practice and data-based decision making. Doctoral students gain competencies, not only in the provision of school psychological services to individual children and youth, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic, preventative educational and mental health systems. Since the program's emphasis is on the application of psychology in applied educational and mental health settings, students are required to demonstrate competence in the substantive content areas of psychological and educational theory; the scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of practice in school psychology; data-based decision making; intervention design and evaluation; and cultural and individual diversity.

The school psychology doctorate prepares students to work as leaders in applied practice in educational and mental health settings.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Sample of written work
• School Psychology Supplemental Data Form (online document)
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and May 1
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.
    Applications submitted by May 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the summer. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the fall semester.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the fall semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the spring semester.
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills associated with both the National Association of School Psychologists' Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice and those domains related to advanced psychological foundations knowledge and research skills as identified by the American Psychological Association (APA).
2. Demonstrate an appropriate level of professional deportment.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Upon admission to candidacy, each doctoral candidate must register for SPSY 80199. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter, SPSY 80299 each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Graduation Requirements

• The total number of required credit hours in each student's Plan of Study/Residency Plan will vary based on previous graduate coursework, point of entry into the program, program area advisor input and the school psychology program requirements. The minimum requirement for a doctoral degree is 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree. Given the requirements of the accreditation bodies governing Kent State's school psychology degree program, the typical number of required credit hours for the doctoral degree will exceed that of the minimum college requirements.
• Students who enter the program without recent and comprehensive training in school psychology (from a NASP-approved program) and without a school psychology license must complete relevant coursework. The total number of required hours will vary based on point of entry into the program, previous coursework and program advisor input.
• State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences.

Candidacy

Once the student has successfully completed and orally defended their comprehensive exams, they are recommended for doctoral candidacy in line with all other program and college requirements.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking School Psychologist licensure are required to pass the ETS Praxis II School Psychologist test or the domain specific School Psychology Ohio Assessment for Educators test.

The Ph.D. degree in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).