What are the admission requirements?
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
* 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate work;
* scores from the GRE General Aptitude test;
* passing scores from the Praxis I: Pre-professional Skills Assessment (Reading 172, Writing 171, Math 174)
* two letters of recommendation;
* a well-written Statement of Purpose;
* TOEFL score of 600 paper / 250 computer for all international students whose first language is not English.
How do I apply?
Online applications can be completed through the CAS Graduate Admissions website (http://american.edu/cas/admissions/apply.cfm). Applications may also be downloaded and submitted via mail. Please note that although our program has a rolling admission policy, the deadline to be considered for a merit fellowship is February 1.
Is there a form that needs to go with my letters of recommendation?
Each letter of recommendation should be submitted with a form which outlines directions for the recommender and a short questionnaire. This form is available at the following link: http://www.american.edu/cas/admissions/docs/recommendation_form.pdf
Where can I find information about taking the Praxis I Exam?
Students are required to submit passing scores on the Praxis I exam with their application to the program (Reading 172, Writing 171 and Math 174). Find information about test dates, locations, and preparation at www.ets.org/praxis.
Where can I find information about taking the GRE?
Find information about test dates, locations, and preparation at www.ets.org/gre
Does the program have a field experience component?
All students intern at The Lab School of Washington for a full academic year. The Lab School (www.labschool.org) is an arts-based private school for students with average to above-average intelligence and moderate to severe learning disabilities. Graduate students work under a master teacher and learn how to creatively and systematically teach academic subjects and how to effectively manage groups and individuals.
What are graduates from the Special Education: Learning Disabilities program doing now?
Our graduates go on to work in many different settings related to the special education field, including:
* Public schools
* Private schools
* Independent schools
* Clinics
* Treatment centers
* Government
* Research institutions
They are working in a number of capacities, including:
* Classroom teachers
* Learning specialists
* Professors
* Adult educators
* Bilingual teachers
* Tutors
* Researchers
* Program heads
* Policy makers
* Arts coordinators
* Curriculum specialists
* Educational game designersI'm not sure if this is the right program for me.
Can I start taking classes and then decide to apply later?
Students may take classes in non-degree status before enrolling into a degree program. Non-degree classes carry the same credit and cost the same amount in tuition as any degree class. Non-degree students can complete up to 12 credits before formally applying to the graduate program. Any coursework over 12 credits will not be counted towards the degree and will need to be retaken once the student has been officially accepted into the program. Contact educate@american.edu for details about how to start as a non-degree student.
How do I plan out when to complete each course? Is there an order?
Please contact educate@american.edu with specific questions regarding programs of study.
Is financial aid available?
Students interested in financial aid should apply through American University's financial aid office (http://admissions.american.edu/public/contentPage/contentPage.asp?navID=21&parId=5784&docID=5705). There is a limited number of merit fellowships awarded each year, and there is a place on the application where students may indicate if they'd like to be considered. Please note that although our program has a rolling admission policy, the deadline to be considered for a merit fellowship is February 1.
When are classes held?
Most classes are held from 5:30-8:00 on the campus of The Lab School of Washington.
What is the average number of students in the classes?
Most classes have between 8 and 15 students.
What is the cost of tuition?
The current cost of tuition per credit hour is $1,178. Full-time graduate study at 9 credits per semester (18 credits per year) is $21,204. (Nominal fees, books, and living expenses not included.)
