The educational specialist with a specialization in gifted education focuses on training educators to develop and administer gifted education programs. This specialization provides educators with the skills to design curriculum, evaluate programs, and instruct gifted students, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Course content is research-based and infuses best practices in education.
practicing gifted education teachers who wish to obtain a graduate degree and increase their expertise in their current field
individuals with a master’s degree in an education field who wish to obtain a graduate degree and increase their knowledge and skills in teaching gifted education
completed admission application packet, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
official transcript indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average required)
official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
(36 CREDITS)
EDU 708 Research Design in Education
EDU 5000 Orientation to the Graduate Teacher Education Program
EDU 702 Curriculum Trends and Innovation
EDU 714 Families, Schools, and Communities: Ethical Issues and Practices
EDU 719 Current Research in Human Development
EDU 729 Evaluation and Assessment Practices
EDU 756 Administration of Gifted Programs
EDU 759 Critical Thinking for Gifted Students
EDU 761 Independent Study for Research on Gifted
EDU 757 Designing Curriculum for the Gifted
EDU 762 Applied Research Project in Gifted Education
EDU 760 Gifted Students in the Regular Classroom
APR 750 Educational Field-Based Project
The field-based project is one of many practical applications included in the gifted education specialization. This culminating experience is the final step in the completion of the program. The purpose of the field-based project is to engage the student in a problem-solving experience designed to improve or enhance an educational situation. The process is systematic and involves submission of a formal practicum proposal; active participation, implementation, and/or research; evaluation of the activities; and submission of a final portfolio.
satisfactory completion of all required coursework
successful completion of the field-based project
cumulative maintained grade point average of 3.0 or higher
completed application for degree
Coursework for the gifted education specialization is available online and at many of the university’s Student Educational Centers throughout the state of Florida. The online program allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. The site-based program allows students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in a location near their homes. The distance delivery option allows busy professionals to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
Faculty members for the educational specialist are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition, many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.
Courses in the gifted education specialization may meet state department of education requirements for certification and/or recertification. It is the responsibility of each student to contact his or her state department of education regarding certification, recertification, and/or endorsement requirements.