PC - Master of Science in Special Education

Job Description

Job Description

The Program Chair for the Master of Science in Special Education provides academic leadership, program oversight, and operational management for Master of Science in Special Education program. This role ensures high-quality curriculum, faculty excellence, strong student outcomes, and compliance with institutional and external standards. The Program Chair collaborates with academic leadership, faculty, and university partners to maintain relevant, rigorous, and practice-focused programs. The Chair reports directly to the Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Provide strategic direction and academic leadership for the Master of Science in Special Education Program.
• Lead the program development to ensure program rigor, relevance, and alignment with institutional standards.
• Ensure course outcomes, assessments, and competencies are current and evidence based.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructional design teams on continuous curriculum improvements.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty teaching in the Special Education program.
• Support faculty in implementing best practices in main campus teaching, online teaching, assessment, and student engagement.
• Facilitate regular faculty meetings and promote a culture of collaboration and academic excellence.
• Monitor student progression, performance, and retention.
• Address academic concerns and collaborate with student services to support student success.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, practice-oriented learning environment.
• Lead program evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
• Collect, analyze, and report data for accreditation, regulatory, and institutional requirements.
• Maintain documentation related to curriculum, assessment, and program outcomes.
• Partner with admissions, advising, marketing, and academic operations to support enrollment growth and program quality.
• Represent the program on university committees and academic initiatives.
• Support cross-department collaboration to enhance student experiences and strengthen program visibility.
• Teach 8 courses in the program annually.
• Other responsibilities will vary by school based on the College’s strategic focus and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS :

A doctoral degree in special education or a related field from an accredited college or university is required. A minimum of five years of experience in higher education or a related professional field is also required, including experience with education program accrediting agencies or state agencies.

COMPETENCIES INCLUDE :

WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS :

The work environment and physical demands are characteristic of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, and typical for those working in an academic and / or office setting.  The employee must be able to read, write and interpret written documents; must be able to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment; must be able to sit, reach with hands and arms, and be able to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.