Graduate Program
Ⅰ. Establishment
Individuals with disabilities require different assistive tools to support their learning, communication, and daily activities. This master’s program in Assistive Technology is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in the field. Graduates will be able to design appropriate assistive tools that enhance learning, daily life, and workplace adaptation for individuals with disabilities.
Beyond training professionals in assistive technology, this program also aims to establish a domestic certification system, addressing the shortage of qualified specialists in this field.
Ⅱ. Program Mission
The mission of this master’s program is to:
- Develop expertise in the application of assistive technology across educational and other fields.
- Train students to design assistive tools that effectively support learning and daily activities for individuals with disabilities.
- Advance knowledge in the development and application of computer-aided assistive technology.
Ⅲ. Courses
- Fundamental Courses – These courses provide students with essential foundational knowledge in assistive technology.
- Methodological Courses – "Educational Research" and "Advanced Statistics in Education" are required courses. Additional research courses may be selected based on the student's thesis topic.
- Electives – Students may choose from a range of elective courses to align with their interests and career goals.
Severe & Profound Disabilities
Ⅰ. Establishment
Among individuals with disabilities, many experience severe or multiple impairments that significantly impact their daily lives. These individuals require early intervention and continuous special education support, making special education teachers and professionals essential in this field. However, there is a shortage of specialists in severe and profound disabilities in Taiwan.
To address this need, our graduate institute established the first master's program in Taiwan specializing in severe disabilities. This program is designed to train educators and practitioners, as well as provide in-service training for special education teachers and professionals. By integrating theory and practical experience, the program aims to develop a more effective care and education system for individuals with severe disabilities.
Ⅱ. Program Mission
The goals of this graduate program are to:
- Prepare students to become educational researchers specializing in severe and profound disabilities.
- Train students to become professional practitioners in the field.
- Develop students into high-level administrators capable of leading and improving special education services.
Ⅲ. Courses
Students in this graduate program must complete 32 credits of coursework and a thesis. The courses are categorized into three groups:
- Fundamental Courses – Provide students with a foundational understanding of severe disabilities.
- Methodological Courses – "Educational Research" and "Advanced Statistics in Education" are required. Additional research courses will be selected based on each student’s thesis topic.
- Electives – Allow students to choose courses based on their areas of interest and research topics.
The course offerings are designed with the following considerations:
- They reflect current trends and needs in special education, with a focus on individuals with severe disabilities and their development.
- They build upon undergraduate coursework, offering in-depth professional learning in this specialized field.
- The program is supported by 10 PhD faculty members, each specializing in different areas of special education, including:
- Intellectual Disabilities (formerly Mental Retardation)
- Hearing Impairment
- Visual Impairment
- Learning Disabilities
- Multiple or Severe Disabilities
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Emotional Disorders