Graduate and Adult Learning

Master of Arts Education

ACCELERATED INTERVENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM: JUMPSTART
Master of Arts Education

ONLINE ACCELERATED INTERVENTION SPECIALIST LICENSE

The Accelerated Online Intervention Specialist License Jumpstart Program at Muskingum University offers a fast, flexible pathway to add your Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist (ISMM) credential to an existing teaching license. With 100% online coursework and a summer intensive, you can be ready to teach by the next school year.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Accelerated timeline: start in spring and complete licensure by the next school year
  • 100% online courses with a 7-week summer intensive session
  • Coursework can be applied toward the Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
  • Over 95% of Jumpstart candidates are hired or retained while completing the program
  • Individuals seeking a first teaching license can complete Jumpstart and then the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in as few as 16 months

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS LICENSE?

  • Serve as a Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist (K–12)
  • Support students with learning and behavioral needs in inclusive classrooms
  • Qualify for high-demand special education positions in Ohio and beyond
  • Build a pathway toward completing your master’s degree

CAREER OUTCOMES

Graduates often work as:

  • K–12 Intervention Specialists (Mild/Moderate)
  • Resource or inclusion teachers
  • Intervention or RTI coordinators
  • Specialists in literacy and behavioral support

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Jumpstart Special Education Licensure Program?

Muskingum University’s Jumpstart Intervention Specialist Licensure Program is an accelerated Ohio-approved pathway designed for currently licensed teachers who want to earn the Ohio K–12 Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist license in one intensive summer. The program prepares experienced educators to support students with learning, behavioral, and developmental needs in special education and inclusive classroom settings.

Program Highlights

  • Fast-track licensure in one summer (7-week intensive)
  • Designed for licensed teachers seeking additional credentials
  • Evidence-based special education practices aligned with Ohio standards
  • Hands-on clinical experiences integrated with coursework
  • Stackable pathway toward a Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
Who is this program designed for?

The Jumpstart Program is ideal for:

  • Ohio-licensed teachers seeking an additional K–12 Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist license
  • Educators responding to high-demand special education roles in Ohio schools

Teachers who want a summer-only, accelerated format without stepping away from their current position

How much does the Jumpstart Program cost?

Tuition

  • $595 per credit hour
  • 21 credit hours total
  • Total program cost: $12,495

Literacy Coursework Requirement (Ohio Requirement) Ohio requires 12 semester hours in the teaching of reading for Intervention Specialist licensure. Many licensed teachers have already completed equivalent literacy coursework during their initial teacher preparation program.

  • A FREE transcript review determines whether additional literacy courses are required
  • If needed, up to 12 additional credit hours may be required
  • Maximum additional cost: $7,140
  • Literacy coursework may be completed before or after the summer intensive
What financial aid options are available?

Eligible students may access several funding options:

  • Federal student loans
  • Federal TEACH Grant (for qualifying students)
  • Flexible payment plans

An advisor can help you explore funding options and determine eligibility.

What is the program timeline?

Coursework Duration

  • 7 weeks (June–July)

Coursework Start Date

  • June 8, 2026

Field Experience Options (Required for Licensure)

  • Option 1: May 4, 2026
  • Option 2: August 24, 2026

This flexible structure allows teachers to complete required fieldwork before or after the summer intensive.

What does a typical day look like?
  • Monday–Friday virtual instruction
  • Approximately 8 hours per day of combined activities, assignments, and coursework
  • Interactive online learning environment with real-time collaboration

This immersive format is designed to keep students focused and on track for summer completion.

How are courses structured?

Each one-week intensive course includes:

  • Scheduled synchronous online class meetings
  • Daily assignments with practical classroom applications
  • Faculty-guided instruction from experienced special education educators
  • Collaboration with a cohort of fellow licensed teachers
What field experiences are required?

The Jumpstart Program includes two required field experience components to ensure readiness for Ohio licensure.

Summer Tutoring Experience (20 clock hours)

  • Occurs during the final two weeks of the summer intensive
  • Tutor one student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • In-person sessions, Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
  • Apply coursework strategies in real time
  • Record and submit sessions for faculty evaluation
  • Participate in weekly instructor conferences
  • Students may be self-identified or assigned

Additional Clinical Experience (30 clock hours minimum)

  • Completed before or after the summer intensive
  • Conducted in a traditional Ohio K–12 school setting
  • Required for Ohio licensure eligibility
  • Provides expanded exposure to intervention specialist roles
What careers can I pursue with an Intervention Specialist license?

Graduates of the Jumpstart Program are prepared for high-demand special education roles, including:

  • K–12 Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist
  • Special education teacher in inclusive classrooms
  • Support roles for students with learning disabilities and behavioral needs

Benefits include:

  • Strong employment demand across Ohio and the region
  • Increased career flexibility and earning potential
  • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success
Can I apply these credits toward a master’s degree?

Yes. The Jumpstart Program offers a direct pathway to a master’s degree.

  • Jumpstart coursework: 21 credit hours
  • Additional credits needed for MAE: 13 credit hours

This creates an affordable and efficient route to earning a Master of Arts in Education from Muskingum University.

What if I don’t currently hold a teaching license?

If you are seeking your first teaching license, Muskingum University offers an initial licensure pathway that combines Jumpstart coursework with additional requirements.

This pathway leads to:

  • Ohio K–12 Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist license
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree
  • Completion in approximately 18 months

Contact [grubaugh@muskingum.edu] Graduate Teacher Education Director Dr. Jessica Grubaugh to explore this option and determine eligibility.

How do I know if I need additional literacy coursework?

Ohio requires 12 semester hours in the teaching of reading for Intervention Specialist licensure.

Next Step: Schedule a FREE transcript evaluation with an advisor to determine whether your previous coursework meets this requirement. If additional courses are needed, they may be completed before or after the summer program.

REQUEST INFORMATION TODAY
Ready to Jumpstart your career with an intervention specialist license?
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Contact Information

Dr. Jessica Grubaugh
Director of Graduate Teacher Education Programs
Muskingum University
260 Stadium Drive
New Concord, OH 43762
PH: 740-826-8470
E-mail: grubaugh@muskingum.edu

 

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