Master of Science in Special Education
Advanced Studies Option

The Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in special education, have a special education endorsement on their teaching certificate, or who wish to pursue advanced studies in special education but do not wish to teach P-12 special education. The 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. Candidates studying for this degree must have taken the following prerequisite courses within six years of beginning the master’s program: SPED 260 or SPED 540, SPED 310, SPED 311, SPED 312, SPED 375, SPED 405, and RD 417 or equivalents. Degree completion requires three courses in the Professional Core (9 credits) and ten courses in the Professional Specialization (30 credits). In the area of Professional Practice, candidates may choose with the consent of their faculty advisor the combination of SPED 590 and SPED 597 Internship for 6 credits or SPED 599 Thesis for 6 credits.

Courses	Credits
Professional Core	6
EDF 501 Research Design and Interpretation OR SPED 502 Research in Special Programs	3
EDF 530 Advanced Human Development and Learning	3
Professional Specialization	18
SPED 510 Professional and Legal Issues in Special Education	3
SPED 530 Curricular Adaptations for Special Populations	3
SPED 551 Assessment and Program Planning for Special Populations	3
SPED 574 Data-Based Instruction	3
SPED 600 Facilitating Positive Behaviors in the Classroom Environment	3
SPED 650 Current Practices for Students with Disabilities	3
Professional Practice	9
SPED 590 Internship	3
Choose two of the following courses:
SPED 503 Assistive Technology	3
SPED 504 Collaboration in Education and Human Services	3
SPED 593 Workshop (to be approved by advisor)	3
OR
Thesis	9
SPED 599 Thesis	6
Choose one of the following courses:
SPED 503 Assistive Technology	3
SPED 504 Collaboration in Education and Human Services	3
SPED 593 Workshop (to be approved by advisor)	3
Total minimum credits	33

NEXT: Master of Science in Special Education - Generalist Option