The Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Special Education Emphasis degree plan is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in special education, have a special education endorsement on their educator license, or who wish to pursue advanced studies in special education but do not wish to teach P-12 special education.  This is a non-endorsable plan of study.

This degree prepares candidates to teach in a categorical or cross-categorical area of special education, advance toward administrative positions, pursue positions in related fields, do research in special education, or pursue a doctoral degree.

All students seeking a degree or post baccalaureate program through the Department of Educational Theory & Practice must obtain criminal background reports by submitting fingerprints to the Licensure Office upon application to Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

1. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.  Applicants with a lower GPA may be provisionally admitted but are required to take the GRE within the first semester.  Scores of 145 verbal, 145 quantitative, and 3.5 writing are expected.  Applicants that already have a Master's degree from an accredited institution are not required to meet the GRE requirement.
2. Current resume or CV.
3. Statement of purpose describing the applicant's professional goals and the purpose of pursing the degree program.  One page maximum in narrative format, not bulleted
4. Two academic or professional letters of recommendation.  Recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with the applicant (such as family members, friends, doctors, or clergy) are not accepted.
5. Criminal background report submitted to the College of Education Licensure Officer.

Note:  Only 400-level courses or above and one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies, Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis, and Master of Science in Special Education Generalist.

Note:  Master of Science in Special Education Generalist option PRAXIS in special education is required for exit and special education endorsement.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions the role of a special educator with advanced knowledge and skills
• Follow the ethical codes applicable to their profession
• Implement special education practices that are evidence and researched based
• Understand the need to be a life-long learner in the special education profession

Required Courses 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Professional Core
EDF 501	Research Dsgn & Interpretation	3
or SPED 502	Research in Special Programs
EDF 530	Adv Human Dev & Learning	3
Subtotal		6
Professional Specialization
SPED 550	Tchng Stdnts w Emtnl/Bhvrl Dis	3
SPED 560	EBP:Stdnts with Learning Disab	3
SPED 570	EBP: Intell & Dev Disabilities	3
SPED 600	Facilitating Positive Behavior	3
Subtotal		12
Electives
Select 9 credits from SPED, RD, or EDCI courses.		9
Professional Practice
Select one of the following options:
SPED 590	Internship
and one elective course
OR
SPED 599	Thesis
Subtotal		6
Total Minimum Credits		33

Note:  Only one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to a degree in the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option.

Suggested Plan of Study 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall
EDF 501	Research Dsgn & Interpretation	3
or SPED 502	Research in Special Programs
Elective
Spring
SPED 550	Tchng Stdnts w Emtnl/Bhvrl Dis	3
Elective
Summer
SPED 570	EBP: Intell & Dev Disabilities	3
Fall
SPED 600	Facilitating Positive Behavior	3
Elective
Spring
SPED 560	EBP:Stdnts with Learning Disab	3
Elective
Summer
EDF 530	Adv Human Dev & Learning	3
Fall
Thesis or Elective
Spring
Thesis or Internship