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 8 courses (24 credits) in Professional Preparation.  These basic 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 credits in Professional Specialization.  To achieve an endorsement in special education for licensure purposes, candidates must take 6 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	24
RD 417 Diagnostic Teaching of Reading	3
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 400 Legal and Current Issues in Special Education	3
SPED 405 Assessment of Students with Disabilities	3
SPED 415 Individualizing Curriculum (Preschool-12th Grade)	3
SPED 600 Facilitating Positive Behaviors in the Classroom Environment	3
Professional Specialization	9
Choose 2 of the following courses:
SPED 550 Theory and Practice: Emotional Disturbance	3
SPED 560 Theory and Practice:  Learning Disabilities	3
SPED 570 Theory and Systems:  Developmental Disabilities	3
Choose 1 of the following courses:
SPED 503 Assistive Technology	3
SPED 530 Curricular Adaptations for Special Populations	3
SPED 551 Assessment and Program Planning for Special Populations	3
SPED 550, 560, or 570, if not chosen above	3
Professional Practice	6
SPED 584 Student Teaching	6
Total minimum required credits for Generalist Option	48

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