The School of Education at Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive Master of Science (MS) in Education with a concentration in Gifted Education, designed for educators and administrators seeking to excel in the field of gifted education. This program emphasizes research-backed strategies and the practical application of current best practices to effectively teach and lead in gifted education settings.
Rooted in the standards of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Johns Hopkins Gifted education master’s program equips candidates with essential knowledge and skills in curriculum development, instructional strategies, program development, and assessment techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of academically advanced learners. A distinctive feature of this program is its specialization in twice exceptionalities, allowing educators to develop focused expertise in supporting gifted students with learning differences.
Throughout the program, candidates will engage in valuable observational experiences with gifted students, design innovative lesson plans, and learn to create comprehensive programs that address both the cognitive and emotional needs of gifted learners. The Johns Hopkins gifted education program holds recognition from the Maryland State Department of Education, fulfilling the requirements for Gifted and Talented Education Specialist certification in Maryland and aligning with endorsement standards in numerous other states.
Curriculum and Program Structure
The MS in Gifted Education at Johns Hopkins is structured for completion in six semesters, with a typical course load of two courses per semester. The program is delivered fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals.
Required Courses:
The curriculum includes a series of core courses designed to build a strong foundation in gifted education:
- The Gifted Learner: In-depth exploration of the characteristics and needs of gifted learners.
- Social, Emotional, and Psychosocial Development of the Gifted: Understanding the unique social and emotional landscape of gifted individuals.
- Twice Exceptional Learners: Focusing on the identification and support of gifted students with co-existing learning differences.
- Creativity in Education: Cultivating creative thinking and innovative instructional approaches for gifted students.
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Advanced Learners: Designing and implementing specialized curriculum and assessments for gifted classrooms.
- Seminar I & II in Gifted Education and Talent Development: Engaging in critical discussions and advanced topics in the field.
- Leadership of Gifted Education and Talent Development Programs: Developing leadership skills for program development and advocacy.
- Practicum in Gifted Education and Talent Development: Applying learned knowledge in a practical setting (may be replaced by a research course for out-of-state students or those without teaching certificates).
In addition to the required coursework, students will select two elective courses in consultation with their advisor to further specialize their knowledge. Students focusing on twice exceptionalities will replace these electives with specialized special education courses.
Program Goals
The Johns Hopkins gifted education program is committed to developing leaders in the field who can:
- Understand the multifaceted factors involved in identifying and supporting gifted and twice-exceptional K-12 students.
- Cultivate safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that cater to the diverse social, emotional, and cognitive needs of gifted K-12 students.
- Utilize assessments effectively to identify gifted, talented, and twice-exceptional learners, monitor their progress, adjust interventions, and provide comprehensive data on their development.
- Embody reflective and ethical professionalism, advocating for gifted K-12 students through collaborative partnerships with families and colleagues, leveraging community resources, and engaging in continuous professional growth.
- Serve as influential leaders in the creation and implementation of impactful gifted education and talent development programs.
- Spearhead initiatives to address and bridge excellence gaps within K-12 educational settings.
Please note: The School of Education is not accepting or admitting new students into the MS in Gifted Education program for the academic year 2024-2025.
