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WELCOME: Welcome to the Emphasis in Assistive Technology home page. The Department of Special Education offers a Specialist in Education Degree with an emphasis in assistive technology (AT). This emphasis was created because of the growing need for AT specialists throughout the country. Individuals with disabilities are benefiting from the use of AT in ever greater numbers but many more professionals are needed to assess needs, match AT to those needs, and help individuals, families, and educational professionals implement AT effectively. The emphasis in AT at UNLV was created at the Educational Specialist level because so many professionals who wish to specialize in AT come to us with Master's degrees in related fields. Importantly, the coursework for this degree is delivered online via WebCT, a web-based classroom. This allows working professionals to access course content and activities anytime and anywhere. The information on this page should help you learn more about the degree and the application process. As coordinator of the emphasis in assistive technology, I would be happy to discuss the AT emphasis with you and help you decide if this is the right degree for you. Sincerely,
GOAL: The goal of the Specialist in Education Degree
with emphasis in Assistive Technology is to provide graduate training in
assistive technology for application in school, clinic and community settings.
AUDIENCE: Individuals with backgrounds in special education or a related field
with a desire to acquire expertise in assistive technology. Special
educators, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and
other assistive technology professionals will find this program of interest.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Timeline
YEAR 1: FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
YEAR 2: FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
*All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.
Available from:
For downloadable forms go to: http://www.unlv.edu/Colleges/Graduate/admissions/download_app_forms.htm For the UNLV Graduate Catalog go to: http://www.unlv.edu/pubs/catalogs/graduate/ Indicate your interest in applying for the Specialist in Education Degree in Special Education (Ed.S) with an emphasis in Assistive Technology.
Q. Does the Department of Special Education offer a doctoral degree online? No, our doctoral degree requires two semesters of residency. See the graduate catalog. Q. Is the Educational Specialist degree a Doctoral degree? No, the Educational Specialist degree is a degree earned after a Master's degree but before a Doctoral degree. It does require a professional paper which must be defended to a committee. Q. Can I really take all the assistive technology coursework online? Yes, all of the courses are offered online. Q. How do I get hands-on experience with AT that I need? Courses require the purchase of multi-media learning kits that incorporate videos, CDs, and some hands-on activities such as making a single switch. In addition, you are required to do a practicum in a local setting that must provide hands-on experience. Q. Can I transfer in previous coursework in assistive technology? It MAY be possible to transfer in some previous coursework if it was taken as a graduate credit and NOT part of a previous degree. You may NOT transfer continuing education units. Contact Dr. Babbitt to discuss this possibility in detail. Q. When is the best time to start? Fall semester which begins in August is the best time to begin because we start the sequence of AT coursework in the fall. Apply for admission to the graduate college by May 10. Q. Do I get application forms from Dr. Babbitt? No, you can obtain application forms from the UNLV Graduate College or online. Q. Do I apply to the Department of Education? No, you apply to the UNLV Graduate College, however, some documents such as transcripts are sent to both the Graduate College and to the Department of Special Education. Read the Graduate College application carefully to determine which documents must be sent to both. Q. Do I really have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)? Yes, the Department of Special Education requires the GRE for the Educational Specialist and Doctoral programs. Q. How old can my GRE scores be? No more than 5 years old. Q. Is a particular GRE score required? No, the GRE is considered along with the other required application documents to make an admission decision. Q. Do I need to provide proof of immunization in order to register for classes? Yes, this requirement applies even if you live thousands of miles away. Don't ignore it or you won't be able to register. I'm trying to get this requirement changed for distance students but have so far been unsuccessful. Q. What is a professional paper? A professional paper can take one of two forms. It can be an extensive review of the literature on a topic related to assistive technology. It requires an extensive analysis and synthesis of the research literature in the field of AT written in APA style. A professional paper can also incorporate field research, in which case, its organization more closely resembles a thesis.
Program Coordinator
Dr. Beatrice Babbitt
Assistive Technology Home Page
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