BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Professional Education Course Descriptions

Master of Science – Special Education (M.S.)

Note: New students are no longer being accepted into the Master of Science in Special Education (M.S.) program. Students will now be admitted into the Master of Special Education (M.SpEd.) program beginning in Spring semester 2014. For more information, please contact Judy Olson in the Department of Professional Education.

An undergraduate degree in education and a valid teaching license are required. Applicants who are not licensed teachers or the equivalent may be admitted into the program with the consent of the Coordinator of Special Education.

Note: A minimum of 50 percent of courses in this M.S. program must be at the 6000 level.

I. Common Core

Note: Asterisked (*) courses have prerequisites not required in this program.

1. Philosophical, Historical, and Legal Foundation of Special Education
   SPED 5600 Study of the Learner with Special Needs (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

2. Characteristics of Learners
   Select one course; the remainder may be used as electives.
   PHED 5212 Developmental Techniques for Adapted Physical Education (3 credits)
   SPED 5620 Teaching the Learner with Specific Learning Disabilities I (3 credits)
   SPED 5630 Teaching the Learner with Emotional Behavioral Disorders I (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

3. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
   *SPED 6609 Due Process in Special Education II: Individual Education Planning (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

4. Instructional Content and Practice
   Select one course; the remainder may be used as electives.
   *ED 6237 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties (2 credits)
   *SPED 6608 Reading Difficulties: Diagnosis and Intervention (3 credits)

   Subtotal 2-3 Credits

5. Planning and Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment
   Select one course; the remainder may be used as electives.
   *SPED 6620 Teaching the Learner with Specific Learning Disabilities II (3 credits)
   *SPED 6630 Teaching the Learner with Emotional Behavioral Disorders II (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

6. Managing Student Behavior and Social Interaction Skills
   SPED 5715 Curriculum Techniques with Special Populations (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

7. Communication and Collaborative Partnerships
   SPED 5650 Collaborative Techniques for Special Educators (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

8. Professionalism and Ethical Practices
   SPED 5640 Due Process in Special Education I: Assessment and Reporting (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

9. Scholarly Activity (select one option)

   Option 1: Thesis
   ED 6160 Educational Statistics (2 credits)
   SPED 6680 Single Subject Research in Special Education (3 credits)
   ED 6990 Thesis (4 credits)

   Option 2: Research Paper
   SPED 6610 Current Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
   SPED 6680 Single Subject Research in Special Education (3 credits)
   ED 6980 Directed Research in Special Education (2 credits)

   Subtotal 8-9 Credits

Total Credits for Common Core 31-33 Credits

II. Electives

Determined in consultation with the advisor.

Subtotal 2-4 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Degree 35 Credits