Master of Science in Special Education
Generalist Option

The Master of Science Degree in Special Education Generalist Option is designed for individuals with teaching degrees who have had no undergraduate training in special education and who wish to pursue an endorsement in special education while also achieving a master’s degree.  Individuals receiving this degree are prepared to teach special education, advance toward administrative positions, do research in the field, or prepare for a doctoral degree.  The degree may be added as an endorsement to a teaching licensure in either elementary or secondary education.  Candidates pursuing this degree must have taken either SPED 260 or SPED 540 within six years of beginning the master’s program.  Completion of the degree requires 3 courses in the Professional Core (9 credits).  Before beginning the Professional Specialization, candidates must complete 6 courses (18 credits) in Professional Preparation.  These elective courses are designed to provide the background necessary to do graduate level specialization in special education.  On completion of the Professional Preparation courses, candidates are required to complete 9 courses in Professional Specialization (27 credits).  To achieve an endorsement in special education for licensure purposes, candidates must take 9 credits of SPED 584 Student Teaching.

Courses	Credits
Professional Core	9
EDF 501 Research Design and Interpretation	3
EDF 530 Advanced Human Development and Learning	3
SPED 504 Collaboration in Education and Human Services	3
Professional Preparation	18
SPED 310 Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities	3
SPED 311 Teaching Students with Emotional Disturbance	3
SPED 312 Teaching Students with Developmental Disabilities	3
SPED 405 Assessment of Students with Disabilities	3
RD 417 Diagnostic Teaching of Reading	3
SPED 600 Facilitating Positive Behaviors in the Classroom Environment	3
Professional Specialization	27
SPED/RD/EC 502 Research in Special Programs	3
SPED 503 Assistive Technology	3
SPED 510 Professional Issues in Special Education	3
SPED 530 Curricular Adaptations for Special Populations	3
SPED 543 Supporting Families of Persons with Disabilities	3
SPED 550 Theory and Practice: Emotional Disturbance	3
SPED 551 Assessment and Program Planning for Special Populations	3
SPED 560 Theory and Practice:  Learning Disabilities	3
SPED 570 Theory and Practice:  Developmental Disabilities	3
Professional Practice	9
SPED 584 Student Teaching	9
Total minimum required credits for Generalist Option	63

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