Master’s in Special Education
University Service Center for Students with Special Needs
General Information about the Program | ||
1 | Program Title and Final Award | Master’s in Special Education |
2 | Awarding Body/ Institution (Faculty / Center/ Institute) | Vice Rector’s Office for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research |
3 | Teaching Institution/ Responsible Department | University Service Center for Students with Special Needs (USCSSN) |
4 | Other departments involved in teaching the program | USCSSN solely |
5 | Medium of Instruction | Arabic |
6 | Program Start Year (for Newly Specified Programs) | 2022/2023 |
7 | Study Mode (Regular/ Distance Learning/ etc.) | Regular |
8 | Type of Program (Courses & Thesis/ Courses & Research Project/ Thesis) | Courses & Thesis |
9 | Place of Study (on or outside Campus) | USCSSN Headquarters – Sana’a University Campus |
10 | System of Study (Credit Hours, Semester-based, Annual, etc.) | Credit Hours, Semester-based System |
11 | Duration of the Program (Total Years and Credit Hours for the Award) | Two Years |
12 | Possible Future Career Options for Graduates: | Master’s in Special Education |
13 | Levels of Award/ Final Award (Type of Certificate Awarded to Students Who Have Not Met the Requirements for the Award of Master’s Degree) | Graduate Diploma reflecting the scores earned in their completed courses. |
14 | Prerequisite Qualifications | Bachelor’s Degree |
15 | Required GPA/ Average Grade for Admission | Minimum (Good) |
16 | Other Requirements | Requirements Stipulated in the Graduate Studies Regulations |
17 | Program Coordinator | Dr. Hadi Al-Serabi + Dr. Mutahhar Oqaidah + Dr. Qais Al-Mohammadi |
18 | Date of Program Specification/
| 2021 |
Program Vision, Mission and Aims | |
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| To elevate the Master’s Program in Special Education to a position of leadership and distinction among special education programs in Yemen. |
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| To provide educational expertise in special education and equip qualified personnel with knowledge and research skills, enabling them to enhance the educational process for disabled groups with utmost professionalism, in alignment with international university standards, to serve individuals with special needs and their related institutions, contributing to comprehensive national development through a distinguished academic program that adheres to the latest educational and professional practices. |
| § Program Aims |
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| 1- To provide an accredited program within a stimulating educational and research environment to prepare professionally and educationally qualified personnel in special education. 2- To prepare specialized competencies and enhance professional performance among practitioners in the field of special education, addressing the existing needs in the local community and the wider Arab region. 3- To endow students with essential knowledge and skills in special education, fostering attitudes aligned with ethical and professional values, as well as principles of academic integrity. 4- To develop students’ research skills, enabling them to employ appropriate methodologies to identify disabled groups and their special needs, the services available to them, and to resolve issues pertinent to special education. 5- To train and qualify students in designing specialized programs tailored to the needs of individuals with special needs. 6- To contribute to enhancing the skills of personnel in institutions serving individuals with disabilities, thereby ensuring the provision of appropriate services to this group. 7- To improve practices in the field of special education through the development of students’ skills and engagement in individual and collective research projects. |
Program Benchmarks |
The program establishment process adhered to the laws and regulations established by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research and Sana’a University. Subsequently, the development of the program’s learning outcomes was guided by comparisons with standards and academic plans from specialized or professional institutions. This process was implemented to ensure that the program’s intended learning outcomes align with the standards for professional practice delineated by the overarching professional framework. The program’s learning outcomes underwent comparison with similar programs offered at prominent local and Arab universities. In particular, the process was informed and guided by: 1. Guide to Graduate Studies Standards for the First Level, Council for Academic Accreditation & Quality Assurance, Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Republic of Yemen. 2. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations, June 2017. https://undocs.org/pdf?symbol=ar/CRPD/CSP/2017/4 3. Master’s Program in Special Education: Graduate Programs, Arab East Colleges, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2018. https://arabeast.edu.sa/masters-programs/program/master-of-arts- in-special-education 4. Master’s Program in Special Education: Graduate Programs, Islamic University of Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2019. https://iu.edu.sa/site_page/165338 5. Master’s Program in Special Education (Online): The University of Hawaii at Manoa https://coe.hawaii.edu/sped/programs/med 6. Master’s Program in Special Education: Vancouver Island University (VIU), Canada https://www.viu.ca/programs/education/master-education-special-education 7. Master’s Program in Special Education (Infancy & Early Childhood Special Education): The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA ، https://education.illinois.edu/sped/programs-degrees/ecse/edm 8. Master’s Program in Special Education: University of Texas at Austin, USA https://umaine.eduhttps://education.utexas.edu/departments/special-education/graduate-programs/autism-developmental-disabilities/autism-developmental-disabilities-master%E2%80%99s-degree-programs 9. Master’s Program in Special Education (Online): University of Maine USA. https://umaine.edu/ |
Program Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs) | ||
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First: Knowledge and Understanding | ||
| Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to: | |
A1 | Explain the concepts and services of special education, identifying suitable methods and approaches for teaching and training individuals with disabilities. | |
A2 | Demonstrate knowledge of the sciences and laws pertinent to individuals with disabilities, as well as the ethics and behavior of interacting with them. | |
A3 | Display an understanding of contemporary developments in special education, including management, technology, psychological counseling, and the needs of individuals with disabilities across all various groups. | |
A4 | Exhibit proficiency in scientific research methodologies and the application of the scientific method to formulate and develop research plans. | |
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Second: Intellectual Skills | ||
| Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to: | |
B1 | Interpret laws, rules, and procedural guidelines concerning individuals with disabilities and evaluate their implications, empowering them to address special education challenges within the community. | |
B2 | Explore methods and means of special education administration, as well as strategies and programs used in addressing special education issues. | |
B3 | Differentiate between appropriate scientific research methodologies in the field of special education, effectively discuss research topics, and articulate the significance, problems, and objectives of research endeavors. | |
B4 | Efficiently collect and evaluate information related to the issues of individuals with disabilities, fostering their creativity and enhancing the services available to them. | |
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Third: Professional and Practical Skills | ||
| Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to: | |
C1 | Employ appropriate pedagogical, ethical, and psychological methods and techniques when working with individuals with disabilities. | |
C2 | Select a research topic, design its structure, develop its hypotheses, and prepare a Master’s thesis using a suitable educational and scientific research methodology. | |
C3 | Develop administrative, service, and training strategies, projects, and programs for empowering individuals with disabilities psychologically and materially. | |
C4 | Successfully manage, teach, and engage with individuals with disabilities, contributing to enhancing their skills and providing them with optimal services. | |
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Fourth: General and Transferable Skills | ||
| Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to: | |
D1 | Effectively collaborate and communicate within teams, employing appropriate interpersonal skills when interacting with stakeholders. | |
D2 | Exercise professional responsibilities, uphold ethical values, and exercise leadership and managerial competencies, enabling them to execute assigned tasks with professionalism. | |
D3 | Engage in self-directed learning using technological advancements in their specialized field, enabling them to pursue professional certifications and advanced studies in the future. |
Program Structure
The program structure comprises the following types of courses and requirements:
Courses and Requirements | No. of Courses | Credit Hours | Weight (%) |
University Requirements | 1 | 3 | %10 |
Core/ Compulsory Courses | 10 | 27 | %90 |
Thesis | – | 6 |
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Elective Courses |
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Total | 11 | 36 | 100% |
The program structure courses and requirements are detailed as follows:
First: University Requirements:
Course Title | Credit Hours Credit Hours | Prerequisites | ||||
Th. | Pr. | Tut. | Total C.H. | |||
MSE 101 | Research Methods | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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Total of credit hours | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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Second: Core/ Compulsory Courses:
Course Title | Code/ no. | Credit Hours | Number of Study Days
| Total of credit hours | Prerequisites | ||||
Th. | Pr. | Tut. | Total C.H. | ||||||
1 | Introduction to Special Education | MSE 102 | 2 |
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| 2 |
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2 | Developmental Psychology | MSE 103 | 2 |
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| 2 |
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3 | Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs | MSE 104 | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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4 | Professional Ethics in Special Education | MSE 105 | 2 |
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| 2 |
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5 | Assessment and Diagnosis in Special Education | MSE 106 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 |
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6 | Technology and its Applications in Special Education | MSE 107 | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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7 | Guidance for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families | MSE-101 | 2 |
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| 3 |
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8 | Recent Trends in Special Education | MSE 109 | 3 |
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| 3 |
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9 | Behavior Modification and Development | MSE 110 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 |
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10 | Management of Special Education Programs | MSE 111 | 3 |
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| 3 |
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Total of credit hours | 21 | 2 | 3 | 27 |
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Third: Elective Courses
According to the policy adopted by Sana’a University and USCSSN
Fourth: Program Mission:
A student is required to prepare and defend a thesis, which carries a weight of (6) credit hours.
1. | Curriculum Map | |||||||||||||||
MSE-112 | MSE-111 | MSE-110 | MSE-109 | MSE-108 | MSE-107 | MSE-106 | MSE-105 | MSE-104 | MSE-103 | MSE-102 | MSE-101 | Program Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs) | ||||
Master’s Thesis | Management of Special Education Programs | Behavior Modification and Development | Recent Trends in Special Education | Guidance for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families | Technology and its Applications in Special Education | Assessment and Diagnosis in Special Education | Professional Ethics in Special Education | Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs | Developmental Psychology | Introduction to Special Education | Research Methods | Course Title | ||||
| Knowledge and Understanding | A | ||||||||||||||
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| * | * | * | * | * | Explain the concepts and services of special education, identifying suitable methods and approaches for teaching and training individuals with disabilities. | A1 | ||
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| * | * | Demonstrate knowledge of the sciences and laws pertinent to individuals with disabilities, as well as the ethics and behavior of interacting with them. | A2 | ||
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| * | * | Display an understanding of contemporary developments in special education, including management, technology, psychological counseling, and the needs of individuals with disabilities across all various groups. | A3 | ||
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| * | Exhibit proficiency in scientific research methodologies and the application of the scientific method to formulate and develop research plans. | A4 | ||
| Intellectual Skills | B | ||||||||||||||
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| * | Interpret laws, rules, and procedural guidelines concerning individuals with disabilities and evaluate their implications, empowering them to address special education challenges within the community. | B1 | ||
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| * | * | * | * |
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| Explore methods and means of special education administration, as well as strategies and programs used in addressing special education issues. | B2 | ||
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| * | Differentiate between appropriate scientific research methodologies in the field of special education, effectively discuss research topics, and articulate the significance, problems, and objectives of research endeavors. | B3 | ||
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| * | Efficiently collect and evaluate information related to the issues of individuals with disabilities, fostering their creativity and enhancing the services available to them. | B4 | ||
| Professional and Practical Skills | C | ||||||||||||||
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| * | Employ appropriate pedagogical, ethical, and psychological methods and techniques when working with individuals with disabilities. | C1 | ||
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| * | Select a research topic, design its structure, develop its hypotheses, and prepare a Master’s thesis using a suitable educational and scientific research methodology. | C2 | ||
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| Develop administrative, service, and training strategies, projects, and programs for empowering individuals with disabilities psychologically and materially. | C3 | ||
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| Successfully manage, teach, and engage with individuals with disabilities, contributing to enhancing their skills and providing them with optimal services. | C4 | ||
| General and Transferable Skills: | D | ||||||||||||||
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| * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| * | * | * | Effectively collaborate and communicate within teams, employing appropriate interpersonal skills when interacting with stakeholders. | D1 | ||
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| * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | Exercise professional responsibilities, uphold ethical values, and exercise leadership and managerial competencies, enabling them to execute assigned tasks with professionalism. | D2 | ||
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| * | Engage in self-directed learning using technological advancements in their specialized field, enabling them to pursue professional certifications and advanced studies in the future. | D3 |
Teaching Strategies | ||
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SN | Teaching Strategy | Description of how it will be used |
1 | Lectures | Delivered theoretically and using PowerPoint presentations |
2 | Discussion | Facilitated through active engagement with students in the classroom |
3 | Practical lesson | Involved applying theoretical concepts to selected cases |
4 | Working in a team | Involved assigning panel discussions and conducting workshops |
| Brainstorming | Entailed asking questions about specific problems |
| Self-directed learning | Involve students conducting related research on topics covered in certain courses |
| Clarification | Giving examples to identify ambiguous instructions, concepts, etc. |
استراتيجيات التقييم | Assessment Strategy | |
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SN | Assessment Strategy | Its description (in which course it will be used and in which rate) |
1 | Written exams | During the semester |
2 | Oral exams | During the semester |
3 | Seminar | A limited scientific seminar to present, discuss, and evaluate a research topic in certain courses |
4 | Research papers | Assigning mini- or complementary research, both individually and collaboratively |
Study System and Mode | |
Program Study Plan | Credit Hours, Semester-based System |
Study Mode | Regular |
Duration of the Program | 2 Years |
Total Credit Hours Required for Program Completion: | 36 C.H. |
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Program Study Plan
| First Semester | ||||||
Course Title | Code / No | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | ||||
Th. | Pr. | Tut. | Total C.H. | ||||
1 | Introduction to Special Education | MSE 102 | 2 | 2 |
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2 | Developmental Psychology | MSE 103 | 2 | 2 |
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3 | Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs | MSE 104 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
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4 | Professional Ethics in Special Education | MSE 105 | 2 | 2 |
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5 | Assessment and Diagnosis in Special Education | MSE 106 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
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6 | اTechnology and its Applications in Special Education | MSE 107 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
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| Total C.H. | 12 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
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| Second Semester | ||||||
Course Title | Code / No | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | ||||
Th. | Pr. | Tut. | Total C.H. | ||||
1 | Guidance for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families | MSE 108 | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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2 | Research Methods | MSE 101 | 2 |
| 1 | 3 |
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3 | Recent Trends in Special Education | MSE 109 | 3 |
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| 3 |
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4 | Behavior Modification and Development | MSE 110 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 |
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5 | Management of Special Education Programs | MSE 111 | 3 |
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| 3 |
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| Total C.H. | 12 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
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Third & Fourth Semesters
Course Title | Code / No | Credit Hours |
Master’s Thesis | MSE-112 | 6 |
Admission Requirements for the Program | |
Determination of the program admission requirements will only specify the conditions that are not outlined in the unified regulations for graduate studies and their executive rules at Sana’a University. | |
Required Specializations: | An original bachelor’s degree issued by a public or private university recognized and accredited by the official authorities in the country. |
Required Specializations: | 1. Attainment of a minimum grade of “good” in the undergraduate studies. 2. Successful completion of the admission test or participation in a personal interview in accordance with the relevant regulations. 3. Completion and submission of the application form for admission to graduate studies. 4. Admission to two study programs simultaneously is not permitted. 5. The Graduate Studies Council, in alignment with the USCSSN recommendation, reserves the right to introduce additional conditions deemed necessary. |
Attendance or Program Completion Requirements
| • USCSSN at Sana’a University operates on the credit hours system (course system). The academic or university year consists of two mandatory semesters, each lasting 16 weeks, along with an optional summer semester lasting no less than 12 weeks. • Credit hours are calculated as no less than (15) actual teaching hours per semester. • The program’s minimum credit hours requirement is 36, comprising 30 credit hours for study courses and 6 credit hours allocated to the thesis. |
Language Proficiency TOEFL / IBT |
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Computer Skills (ICDL) |
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Other Requirements Such as (entrance test/ personal interview) | Successful completion of the admission test or participation in a personal interview in accordance with the relevant regulations. |
| – Completion and submission of the application form for admission to graduate studies. – Admission to two study programs simultaneously is not permitted. – The Graduate Studies Council, in alignment with the USCSSN recommendation, reserves the right to introduce additional conditions deemed necessary. |
Graduation Requirements |
Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: (36) |
The study duration ranges from two to three years. |
Completion of qualifying courses in the Master’s Program in Special Education as required by the program. |
Successful completion of specified courses in the program with an average grade of no less than “good” (75%). Failure to achieve this grade (less than 75%) will result in the student being awarded a graduate diploma, and their enrollment in the Master’s Program will be terminated. |
The student may not register for a Master’s thesis until all credit hours are completed according to the established course plan and a cumulative average grade of no less than 75% is obtained in the program courses. |
Resources & Equipment Required to Achieve the Program |
Learning resources – Textbooks – Reviewed journals and periodicals – Theses + Dissertations (Master’s + PhD) – Electronic resources |
Facilities, Equipment and Learning Devices: – Classrooms and training halls equipped with display screens. – An integrated library at the University or USCSSN, offering access to various knowledge sources and facilitating their utilization. – Internet service available in the library or USCSSN, with subscription activation for researchers at both local and international levels. – Collaboration and coordination agreements with relevant institutions to facilitate the implementation of research and applied aspects of the study. |
Teaching Staff | |||
| Professor | Associate Professor | Assistant Professor |
Teaching Staff Required | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Teaching Staff Available |
| 1 | 1 |
Note: | Outsourcing specialists, whether from within or outside Sana’a University, as needed. |
Assessment of learning outcomes cycles | |||
Assessment Tool | Program Targeted Learning Outcomes |
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Tracking graduates | General knowledge, understanding and skills |
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Data survey | General knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills |
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Program Assessment and Enhancement | |||
Target Group | Assessment Method | Sample | |
Final semester students | Questionnaire | Sample of final semester students |
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Graduates | Interview | Sample of graduates |
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Employers | Questionnaire | Sample of graduates working for employers |
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External assessor | Report | Quality and accreditation experts |
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Quality Assurance Unit at USCSSN | Self-assessment tools + reports | Program teaching staff + sample of students from all levels |
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Description of Program Courses:
Attendance: 1. Adherence to the scheduled start and end times for lectures, maintaining regular attendance, and attending at least 75% of the hours designated for educational meetings or virtual classes. 2. If student’s absences exceed 25% of the specified hours, they will be prohibited from attending the course unless their absence is due to illness or a compelling excuse accepted by the USCSSN administration, supported by official and certified documents, but, in all cases, the absence shall not exceed 50% of the course hours. |
Late Attendance: 1. Students are expected to attend educational meetings or virtual classes punctually according to the scheduled times and dates, actively participating in discussions on course topics as appropriate. 2. Students arriving late may be permitted to enter the lecture if no more than fifteen minutes have elapsed and with an excuse deemed acceptable by the course professor. |
Exam Regulations: 1. Students must arrive at the exam hall at the specified time. 2. Entry to the exam hall will not be permitted more than 15 minutes after the start of the exam. 3. Students are prohibited from leaving the exam hall during the first half of the exam. 4. Students who miss an exam due to a valid excuse may be eligible for a makeup exam with full grade. 5. Absence from a semester exam will result in the student being considered to have failed that course. |
Tasks/ Assignments: Students must adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Assignments must be submitted on time via email or through the course content management webpage for students enrolled in virtual classes. For those attending direct educational meetings, assignments should be delivered directly to the course professor. In case of any difficulties in submitting assignments, students must contact the course professor to arrange an alternative submission date. Based on the professor’s instructions, adjustments can be made and another submission date can be determined. 2. Students are required to provide a comprehensive presentation outlining the steps and fundamental concepts incorporated in the assignment. 3. If a student fails to submit their assignment by the assigned deadline of two weeks, the assignment will not be accepted unless the professor agrees to extend the deadline due to circumstances of force majeure, provided they are explained in writing. Projects: At the onset of the academic year, a list of research project titles will be provided, from which each student will select one. For titles demanding extensive research, a team-based approach may be adopted, distributing the workload among team members to ensure active participation. Each student or team is required to submit a report on their chosen topic and deliver a presentation before their colleagues.
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Cheating Policy: 1. Students are expected to uphold the principles of academic integrity, which necessitate honesty with themselves, their colleagues, and their instructors. 2. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. This includes attempting to cheat by speaking, looking at another student’s answer sheet, gesturing, or employing any other means of cheating. 3. Engaging in cheating or attempting to cheat during an exam will result in automatic failure in the course. 4. If a student is caught cheating during an exam, they will be deprived of two courses: The course in which the cheating occurred and the subsequent course. If the cheating incident happens in the last course of the exam sequence, the student will be deprived of both this course and the course immediately prior to it. 5. If a student is found to have cheated multiple times in the same semester, they may face expulsion from their studies. |
Plagiarism Policy: 1. Plagiarism is defined as “copying or appropriating another person’s words or ideas without proper attribution and presenting them as one’s own”. 2. Students are expected to uphold academic integrity and ethical standards in scientific research. They must refrain from engaging in cheating or plagiarizing the work of others. 3. Any student found to have presented the ideas of others without proper citation will have their grade revoked and will face disciplinary action, without being publicly shamed in front of their colleagues. |
Other Policies: Students’ duties, responsibilities and rights encompass the following: 1. Demonstrating tolerance and acceptance of diverse opinions during discussions and group work. 2. Maintaining a commitment to positive discussion and constructive dialogue with fellow students. 3. Prohibiting the use of mobile phones inside lecture halls or during exams. 4. Any student engaging in unacceptable behavior will be reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action, accompanied by a detailed report. |
Appendixes:
Appendix 1: Course Specifications
Appendix 2: A Simplified Comparison
It includes a simplified comparison between the prescribed courses and credit hours of the Master’s Program – implemented in Special Education at the University Center for Services of Students with Special Needs (UCSSSN), Sana’a University – and similar programs both locally and internationally.