Special Education, M.S.Ed.

Mission

Prepare special education professionals who are grounded in knowledge about disabilities, issues regarding the provision of special education and related services and the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive practices and policies.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence and leadership through the practice of ethical behavior and integrity via professional learning communities and a formal research paper.
Facilitate the education, independent living, school and community integration and personal adjustment of individuals with disabilities taking into account diverse cultural backgrounds via a class presentation and a formal research paper.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the field of special education and related services that includes knowledge of theories, policies and instructional practices that influenced the field.

Candidates may have, but are not required to have, prior teaching licensure. The program requires a minimum of 45 graduate credits for candidates with a prior teaching license and 57 credits for candidates without a prior teaching license.

Core Courses

Professional Education Core

SPED 607 Seminar Credits: 1-6 Credits: 3
SPED 616 Evaluating Special Education Research Credits: 3
or ED 612 Quantitative Research in Education Credits: 3
or ED 633 Educational Research Credits: 3
SPED 682 Contemporary Issues in Special Education Credits: 3

Special Education Content Core

SPED 607 Seminar Credits: 1-6 Credits: 3
SPED 618 Introduction to Special Education Credits: 3
SPED 622 Literacy Methods for the Diverse Learner Credits: 3
SPED 623 Behavior Support Credits: 3
SPED 625 Assessment for Instruction Credits: 3
SPED 628 Math Methods for the Diverse Learner Credits: 3
SPED 630 Instructional Methods for Learners with Extensive Support Needs Credits: 3
SPED 642 Standardized Assessment Credits: 3
SPED 646 Law and Special Education Credits: 3
SPED 670 Collaboration: Supporting Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
SPED 649 Clinical Experience III Credits: 3
SPED 689 Clinical Experience IV Credits: 3

Those candidates without a teaching license will also complete the following courses:

ED 681 Principles and Practices of ESOL and Bilingual Education Credits: 3
SPED 617 Theory and Philosophy of Teaching Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
SPED 647 Clinical Experience I Credits: 3
SPED 648 Clinical Experience II Credits: 3

Total Credits: 45-57

Note

Note: Completion of the Special Education MS.Ed. program along with all state licensure requirements will result in a masters degree and a special education PK-12 Generalist endorsement/license.