The Masters’ Degree (Track 1) Program is open to all students from a variety of academic backgrounds and careers. Students who have a Special Education Transitional License or hold a current TN teaching license in a field other than special education may apply to the Track I Masters’ Degree program. In addition, students who are interested in acquiring advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in Special Education and who are not seeking initial (apprentice) licensures may apply to the Track 1 Masters’ Degree Program.
The Track 1 Masters’ Degree Program does not result in an initial (apprentice) teaching license unless the student currently holds a valid Transitional License in Special Education. If you are interested in pursuing an initial (apprentice) teaching license in Special Education and have a Baccalaureate’s degree, then please review the Post- Baccalaureate Program.
Interested students also can contact Vicki Church (Phone: 865-974-2321) with TPTE Graduate Admissions regarding admission information about the various Graduate Programs of study and specific admission requirements.
Admission Procedures
Admissions Page
According to the graduate catalog, “Before accumulating 15 hours of course work in graduate non-degree status, the student must apply and be admitted to a specific degree program to continue enrollment. A maximum of 15 graduate hours may be taken in graduate non-degree status. If admitted into a degree program, no more than 15 graduate hours may be applied toward a graduate degree, if approved by the student’s committee. Courses applied toward any graduate degree must fall within the time limit specified for the degree.” See the Graduate Catalog for more information.
Required hours vary depending upon whether students choose thesis or non-thesis options. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 hours and the non-thesis option requires a minimum of 36 hours.
Graduate-level courses also can complete courses for undergraduate credit; however, students are still required to apply to the University of Tennessee (http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/)
Students who have a Special Education Transitional License or hold a current TN teaching license in a field other than special education may apply to the Track I Masters’ Degree program.
Potential students are required to submit a Curriculum Review Request to have transcripts reviewed for an addition endorsement/transitional licensure. To apply for a Curriculum Review Request for additional endorsement or transitional licensure, visit our CEHHS Office of Advising and Student Services. Potential students are required to meet with an advisor and teacher licensure coordinator to ensure they meet admission requirements and to discuss a plan of study before enrolling in courses.
Apply to the Graduate School online.
After meeting with a licensure coordinator and applying to UT and TPTE, students are required to meet with a special education faculty member. For Interventionist (K-8, endorsement code 144; 6-12, endorsement code 145) and Comprehensive (endorsement code 461) Special Education contact Mari Beth Coleman.