StudyQA — Master: Special Education

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The Bachelor of Special Education program at Qatar University is a comprehensive and innovative degree designed to prepare future educators to effectively support students with diverse learning needs. This program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitudes necessary to foster inclusive education environments that cater to individuals with disabilities and special needs. Throughout their studies, students will explore a wide range of topics including developmental psychology, assessment and diagnosis of disabilities, instructional strategies, behavioral management, and the use of assistive technologies. The program emphasizes the importance of differentiated instruction and individualized education plans (IEPs), ensuring graduates are capable of developing and implementing personalized support strategies for their students.

Students will engage in hands-on training through supervised practicums in various educational settings, providing them with real-world experience in managing diverse classrooms. The curriculum also promotes research literacy, enabling students to critically evaluate educational interventions and contribute to the growing field of special education. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application, the program prepares graduates for careers in inclusive schools, special education centers, and related institutions across Qatar and the wider region. Graduates will be capable of working collaboratively with families, healthcare providers, and other educational professionals to promote the academic, social, and emotional development of learners with special needs. The Bachelor of Special Education program at Qatar University reflects its commitment to advancing inclusive education practices and supporting the rights of individuals with disabilities to access quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

The following courses will be included in this program:

Issues, Policy and Practice in Special Education
Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities
Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
Assessment of Students with Disabilities
Collaboration with Family of Children with Disabilities
Motor Development & Learning
Methods of Teaching Learners with Severe/Profound Disabilities
Characteristics of Severe/Profound Disabilities
Literacy Assessment & Remediation
Methods of Teaching Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Characteristics of with Mild/ Moderate Disabilities
Educational Research Methodologies

Two internships are also included.

Admission Requirements for the M.Ed. Programs. Completed a Bachelor or a higher level degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 out of 4.00 from a university or college accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education or comparable authority in that country may be admitted to the program.

Applicants meeting all other admission requirements with a GPA below 2.8 but not lower than 2.5 may be admitted to the program but must meet the following criteria to remain in the program:

Attain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first semester
Register for a minimum of two regular courses in the field of study in the first semester.

If a student fails to meet the above criteria, the student will be automatically dismissed from the program.

Achieved a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based TOEFL or equivalent test, taken within two years of the start of the intended semester of admission OR earned a previous degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a Program where English was the language of instruction.
A satisfactory performance in the personal interview.
Complete online application via www.qu.edu.qa during admission period

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education program at Qatar University is primarily funded through the country's national educational budget, which allocates resources to higher education institutions to support a range of academic disciplines, including special education. Students enrolled in this program benefit from subsidized tuition fees provided by the Qatar Government, which aims to promote accessible education for all segments of the population, especially those pursuing degrees that contribute to the country's development and social inclusion initiatives. The program's financing also includes funding from Qatar University’s own budget, which is derived from government grants, research funding, and tuition fees.

Additionally, the university offers various scholarships and financial aid packages to qualified students, including merit-based scholarships and needs-based grants, to reduce the financial burden on students pursuing a degree in Special Education. These scholarships are funded both from government sources and university-specific funds, aiming to encourage more students to enroll in undergraduate programs that are crucial for Qatar’s national strategy in developing inclusive education policies.

Research grants and special projects related to special education may also provide additional funding opportunities within the program. These grants support faculty and students engaged in research activities that aim to improve educational practices and policies for learners with disabilities. Private sector partnerships and collaborations with international organizations may occasionally contribute to funding specific initiatives or conferences related to the program, enhancing the academic environment and providing practical training opportunities for students.

Overall, the financing of the Special Education program at Qatar University is characterized by a combination of governmental support, institutional funding, scholarships, research grants, and occasional external partnerships. This diversified financial support system ensures the program’s sustainability, accessibility, and ability to continually update curriculum and resources aligned with modern educational standards. Funding policies are regularly reviewed to maintain the program’s excellence and to expand opportunities for students and faculty involved in special education research and practice.

The Program Plan consists of (a) Core courses and (b) a set of Concentration courses in one of two concentrations: