OSEP Funded Personnel Preparation Programs in Secondary Transition
Auburn University
Auburn University offers a M.Ed. degree in Secondary Transition. This program is designed to advance
knowledge and understanding of research-based transition practices associated with improved outcomes
for high-need youth with disabilities. Full-time or part-time enrollment is permitted. Funding for current
grant ends December, 2014. For additional information visit their website by
clicking http://education.auburn.edu/catts
The George Washington University
The George Washington University is currently accepting applicants for their 12-credit Transition Special
Education Certificate Program Spring 2013 cohort. Students who have enrolled in this program will be
given priority when being considered for admission to the Master's program. All credits earned
are transferable. To apply, please click GWU Transition Certificate. The deadline to apply is
December 1st. For additional information, please contact Michael Ward at mjward@gwu.edu.
We are pleased to announce our on-line Youth Transition, Career, and Vocational Services Master's
degree program. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded us a five-year grant to support the online Master's program. Funding will cover a large portion of student tuition costs. Students are expected
to register for at least 2 courses (6 credits) per semester. For more information about the Master's
program or tuition award, please email Bridget Green at greenb@gwu.edu or Dr. Michael Ward at
mjward@gwu.edu. Additional information may be found by clicking Youth Transition, Career, and
Vocational Services: A Distance Education Master of Arts Program.
University of Illinois
The aim of Project SET is to prepare highly qualified special educators with knowledge, skills, and
leadership to earn a state certification in secondary transition and improve transition processes for highneed youth with disabilities and their families in the Chicago area. Scholars complete a three-semester,
six-class sequence of coursework and experiences that include (a) use of program curriculum and
assessments that draw on key components for transition personnel preparation, (b) instruction about
evidence-based practices for transition taught by university and regional agency partners, (c) expansion
of the purposes and outcomes of clinical practica to deliver transition services to youth with disabilities in
high need schools, (d) provision of ongoing in-classroom support, and (e) further development of
innovative opportunities to work collaboratively with regular education secondary personnel. In addition,
program graduates will become part of a network called "Specialists in Residence" as they begin their
new roles as Illinois state-certified Transition Specialists. For additional information, please contact Dr.
Lisa Cushing lcushing@uic.edu or Dr.Michelle Parker-Katz mparker@uic.edu
University of Kansas
The transition program at the University of Kansas provides instruction in an online mode of
delivery. Students enrolled in this program will earn a Graduate Certificate or Master's degree to provide
special education and transition services for students with disabilities in the context of the general
education setting. Funding for current grant ends September 2014. For additional information, visit their
website by clicking http://www.transitioncoalition.org
University of Maryland
For more information about the transition program at the University of Maryland, please contact Philip
Burke at pjburke@umd.edu
University of Massachusetts Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston is currently seeking enrollment for Transition Specialist
Scholars. Financial assistance is available to support pre-service candidates in Massachusetts seeking a
master's in special education with a certificate in secondary transition for students with disabilities. A fivecourse certification in secondary transition for students with disabilities is available to currently licensed
professionals in fields such as special education, rehabilitation counseling, school guidance, or school
psychology. Funding for the current grant ends in 2016. For more information, contact Maria
Paiewonsky, Director, Transition Program, (617) 287-7697, maria.paiewonsky@umb.edu.
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma Transition Scholars Education Program is a new OSEP funded project to
recruit and train 40 masters level scholars in secondary transition education over the next five years. The
aim of this project is to increase the quantity and quality of transition education specialists to address the
shortage of secondary education teachers in Oklahoma and surrounding states knowledgeable in
transition education practices. Financial support is available for up to eight scholars per year. Coursework
consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours, with 18 credit hours specifically focusing on transition
education. For more information, please contact Dr. Kendra Williams-Diehm klwd@ou.edu or Dr. Jim
Martin jemartin@ou.edu
University of Oregon
Students selecting this program may earn a Master's degree in Secondary Special Education and
Transition. This program focuses on transition services needed for disadvantaged youth to have more
positive outcomes. A full-time program, completion takes 1-2 years. Funding for current grant ends
December, 2014. For additional information visit their website by clicking
http://sset.uoregon.edu/people.html
Portland State University
For more information about the transition program at Portland State University, please contact Ann
Fullerton at fullertona@pdx.edu
San Diego State University
For more information about the transition program at San Diego State University, please contact John
Johnson at johnson7@mail.sdsu.edu
University of South Carolina
Preparation of Secondary Transition Specialists (Project POSTS) is a 2-year, full-time transition program
that prepares special educators to facilitate integrated adult life outcomes for individuals with
disabilities. Students will have the opportunity to work with youth and adults with disabilities in high
school, in college settings, and through adult service agencies. Project POSTS grants either an MAT or
M.Ed. with a certification in either learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, intellectual disability,
or severe and multiple disabilities. Additionally, they will receive a specialization in secondary education
and transition programming for students with disabilities. For additional information about POSTS, click
University of South Carolina
Utah State University
The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Utah State University offers a two-year, 39credit program that leads to a M.S. or M.Ed in Special Education with a concentration in transition. This
program prepares special education teachers licensed at the bachelor's level and other eligible graduate
students to be interdisciplinary transition service providers equipped with skills and knowledge necessary
to work collaboratively with youth who have disabilities, their families, and other agencies towards
successful post-school outcomes. This program is based on a true interdisciplinary
partnership. Disciplines represented in coursework, practica, and other experiences include general and
special education, rehabilitation counseling, applied behavior analysis, vocational education, and adult
education. Please visit the following website to learn more about our program:
http://www.transitionspecialist.org