Master of Science in Education
Special Education (1-6 or 5-9)
Designed with the diverse needs of tomorrow’s students in mind.
The Purpose of the Program-To provide the academic requirement for professional certification for initially certified professionals (1-6 or 5-9) in the area of special education. Certification can be provided in childhood or middle childhood special education, as well as professional certification in childhood or middle childhood education. To provide a Master of Science in Education for those who have already achieved a baccalaureate degree.
The Goal of the Program - To produce graduates who can effectively teach students with special needs, modify existing curriculum and materials for a variety of learners, and work collaboratively with community and professional personnel.
Program Format- Each 15 week semester is divided into two 7 week sessions with a one week break in the middle. Each class taken in the 7 week format meets one night per week from 6:00 – 10:00 pm and the first and last Saturdays of the session for four hours per Saturday. Classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings allowing students to take up to two classes per session. Each class is 3 credit hours.
Some classes are better suited to run in a 15 week format. Classes that run over the entire semester meet one night per week for 3 hours per night from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Full semester classes meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings and each class is 3 credit hours.
New cohorts will begin in the fall and spring semesters only. Courses will be predetermined by the faculty for each cohort. Students enrolled in this program will attend full time.
Special Education (1-6 or 5-9) Course Offerings
Core Courses
ECI 510Research in Education
ESP 600 Foundations of Special Education
ESP 601 Learning Disabilities: Theory and Practice
ESP 602 Strategies for Working with Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities
ESP 603 Identification, Assessment and Treatment Models for At-Risk Readers
ESP 604 Educating Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
ESP 605 Educating Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
ESP 606 Assistive Technology for Special Needs Learners
ESP 607 Professional, Family & Community Collaboration in Schools and Schooling
ESP 608 Assessment of Students with Disabilities at the Childhood and Middle Childhood Level
ESP 610/611 Integrative Practicum Seminar: Childhood/Middle Childhood
ESP 677/678 Student Teaching in Special Education: Childhood/Middle Childhood
ESP 695 Seminar: Teacher as Researcher
Total credits: 37
A 37 Credit Program Format:
Eight core courses in literacy, theory and development.
Two courses in clinical experience (Early Intervention/Elementary level).
One course in action research and a capstone project that integrates and summarizes the program.
