Master of Arts in Special Education

This degree program is designed primarily for individuals seeking a career or advancement opportunities in special education. It should be noted that candidates completing Option #1 will not have met the requirements for the Preliminary Education Specialist (Level I) Credential. Candidates completing Option #2 will meet the course requirements for the Level II Credential. Additional requirements for both the Level I and Level II credentials can be found under the specific credential programs provided elsewhere in this catalog. Candidates need to discuss these options with their academic advisor.

Admissions Requirement

Admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Special Education program are the same as those listed for the Master of Arts in Education degree. Note: candidates selecting Option 2 must hold a valid Preliminary Education Specialist (Level I) credential prior to admission.

Option #1


prerequisites (6 credits)
students must hold a valid teaching credential
or
EDUU 510	Introduction to Teaching		3
and
EDUU 395	Education Field Experience		3
core courses (18 credits)
EDUU 519	Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities		3
or
EDUU 560	Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities		3
EDUU 511	Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling		3
EDUU 600	Research & Evaluation Methods		3
EDUU 601	Assessment and IEP Development		3
EDUU 602	Positive Behavioral Supports		3
EDUU 603	Communication, Language, and Literacy		3
general education electives (12 credits)
select from the following
EDUU 512, 526, 527, 528, 540, 570
EDMU 520, 521, 522, 523
EDSU 530, 531, 532, 533
advanced electives (9 credits)
select from the following
EDUU 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 638, 650, 660, 661, 688
CSPU 639
total program credits		39

Option #2


prerequisite
students must hold a valid Preliminary Education Specialist (Level I) credential
core courses (18 credits)
EDUU 519	Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities		3
or
EDUU 560	Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities		3
EDUU 511	Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling		3
EDUU 600	Research & Evaluation Methods		3
EDUU 601	Assessment and IEP Development		3
EDUU 602	Positive Behavioral Supports		3
EDUU 603	Communication, Language, and Literacy		3
general education electives (6 credits)
select from the following
EDUU 512, 526, 527, 528, 534, 535, 536, 563, 564, 565, 570, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 619, 620, 622, 623;
EDMU 520, 521, 522, 523
EDSU 530, 531, 532, 533
advanced electives (15 credits)
select from the following:
EDUU 688		Professional Induction Planning and Assessment	6
EDUU 650		Transitions Across the Lifespan	3
CSPU 639		Advanced Positive Behavior Support	3
EDUU 638		Advanced Assessment & Instructional Support for Persons with Mild/Moderate Disabilities	3
or
EDUU 660		Seminar on Instructional Supports for Persons with Moderate/Severe Disabilities	3
Total program credits (not including prerequisite)			39

Demonstration of Mastery - Comprehensive Examination

Candidates who have advanced to candidacy, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have completed all prerequisite courses to meet the minimum eligibility requirements, are eligible to sit for the comprehensive examination. (See the Academic Policies and Procedures section for additional guidelines.)

Candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination that covers all of the required coursework. The examination may be attempted upon completion of the program prerequisites and 30 credits in the program including all required coursework. (See the Academic Policies and Procedures section for additional guidelines.)

The Special Education Master's Degree Program is offered at select University College campuses.