Special Education, M.Ed.

Program Goals

The primary purpose of the program is to provide quality graduate studies that will enable educators to be successful in having a positive impact upon the overall education of students with disabilities. Educators completing this program will acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills that will enable them to be successful in effectively teaching students with disabilities.

The program is designed to prepare educators to accomplish the following: 

1. Utilize foundational knowledge to address rights and responsibilities related to students with disabilities.
2. Work positively with families, colleagues, and community agencies to develop collaborative relationships that improve learning for students with disabilities and their families.
3. Plan, implement, and manage appropriate instructional environments that provide opportunities that are adapted to individual learners’ needs and characteristics, including cultural and linguistic diversity.
4. Apply current research and best practice in quality assessment and instruction to enhance the overall development of students with disabilities.
5. Apply knowledge and skills and demonstrate competencies that produce  a candidate who qualifies for an endorsement in special education.
6. Apply leadership skills in the demonstration of high standards of competence and integrity in the practice of the profession.
7. Meet state, federal, and other applicable standards for teaching students with disabilities.

• ED 511 - Multicultural Education 2 credits
• ED 553 - Research Methods 3 credits
• ED 584 - Measurement & Evaluation 2 credits
• SPED 520 - Instructional Methods in Early Childhood 2 credits *
• SPED 530 - Introduction to Special Education 3 credits *
• SPED 533 - Behavior Management & Positive Behavior Support 3 credits *
• SPED 538 - Assessment & Evaluation of Students with Disabilities 3 credits *
• SPED 536 - Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Students with High Incidence Disabilities 3 credits *
• SPED 537 - Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities 3 credits *
• SPED 564 - Differentiated Instruction in Content Areas 2 credits *
• SPED 568 - Special Education Law 2 credits *
• SPED 570 - Collaboration & Communities in Special Education 2 credits *
• SPED 572 - Practicum 1 credit *
• SPED 595 - Special Project 3 credits *

Total Credits: 34

*Special Education Endorsement

Candidates must pass the specifically required WEST-E and any required pedagogical assessments before any endorsement will be recommended.