Program Admission and Getting Started

Program Information

Financial Information

 

What are the admission requirements for this program?  Is there an application deadline date? When will it begin?

 The program will launch January 13, 2014.  To review admission requirements go to MSE admission page. 

Do I need to complete a FAFSA application?

Yes – if you want to apply for federal student loans or grant programs.

What is the length of the program? 

The licensure program can be completed in five semesters with 24 credits. Completion of the Master of Arts degree is accomplished in six semesters with a total of 37 credits.

Who is eligible for this program?  

Anyone with an Ohio teaching license.

Will the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) be required for this program?  

Yes, if your GPA from your undergraduate college/university is below a 3.0.

When does the next cohort start?   

January 13, 2014.

Is there an orientation for new students?

Yes, contact the department for more details. 

How do I get registered?

Our Advising Center will register you into the courses each semester, once you have been accepted into the program.

I have applied online.  What do I do now?

Request that your official transcripts be sent to the Office of Admission ATTN: Online Programs 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45233.  Refer to the Transcript Request page for additional help requesting transcripts.

In addition, your resume, letter of intent, contact information for two references and a copy of your current Ohio teaching license can be e-mailed to the Admission Counselor for Online Programs at Jack.Ballman@msj.edu.

If I have a current BCII/FBI background check on file at my school, will I need to complete a new background check?

If you had a background check completed within the past 24 months, your employing school/district can forward the report to the program director.

How does Multi-cultural Special Education differ from a traditional Special Education program?

Graduates of the MSE program are prepared to work with children in grades K-12 who come from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and who are in need of special education services.  Unlike other special education/intervention specialist programs, MSE provides teachers with both multicultural and special education pedagogy.  Graduates of the program are proficient in culturally responsive teaching within the context of special education.  In addition, the program provides an optional international opportunity to allow students a global understanding of cross-cultural education.

Can educators with a teaching license outside of Ohio be accepted by this program?

No.  The program accepts only Ohio licensed teachers.

Are prerequisite courses required for this program?

While there is not a prerequisite to apply to the program, 6 credit hours of reading methods coursework from your first license may transfer to the second license.  The program director will review your transcripts prior to admission.

If I currently have a master’s degree, can I earn just the second licensure?

Yes.

Are there pre-assignments?

No.

What online platform is used?

Blackboard.

Can I complete the practicum field hours at my current school?

Yes, if your school principal is in agreement, the special education program offered at your school meets our criteria, and a qualified classroom mentor is available.

Are there additional endorsements I can earn after I complete the MSE program?

Yes, you can also earn the PreKindergarten Special Needs Endorsement and/or the K-12 Reading Endorsement.

Is there an Ohio content test required for the second license?

Yes, a Pearson Ohio Assessment Evaluation (OAE) test over special education is required by the Ohio Department of Education.

Is financial aid available for this program?  

Yes. Students must register for six graduate credits each semester to be eligible for student loans.  For more information about financial aid, contact the financial aid office at 513-244-4418.  

How many credit hours are required for the online MSE program?  

24 credits for the K-12 special education second license only; 37 credits for the second license + Master of Arts degree. 

Can I transfer in any completed graduate credits?

Students can transfer in no more than 9 credits hours from a regionally accredited institution. The program director will evaluate your transcripts to approve previous graduate coursework.

What is the cost of the program?  

Based on the 2013-2014 rates, tuition is $550 per credit hour. Rates are subject to change each new academic calendar year. 

How will I be billed? 

Students will receive billing statements by mail.

Is there a payment plan available?

The Mount offers students several options for payment, including a payment plan and tuition deferment plan. 

Are there any graduate scholarships or grants available to students?  

No scholarships currently are available. 

Students teaching in a high needs school may qualify for the Federal Teach Grant Program, and the Federal Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program.