BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Professional Education Course Descriptions

Master of Science--Special 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
   ED 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.
   ED 5620 Teaching the Learner with Specific Learning Disabilities I (3 credits)
   ED 5630 Teaching the Learner with Emotional Behavioral Disorders I (3 credits)
   PHED 5212 Teaching Physical Activities for Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

3. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
   *ED 6609 Diagnosis and Assessment of Learners with Special Needs (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)
   *ED 6608 Language Development and Disabilities (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.
   *ED 6620 Teaching the Learner with Specific Learning Disabilities II (3 credits)
   *ED 6630 Teaching the Learner with Emotional Behavioral Disorders II (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

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

   Subtotal 3 Credits

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

   Subtotal 3 Credits

8. Professionalism and Ethical Practices
   ED 5640 Due Process in Special Education (2 credits)

   Subtotal 2 Credits

9. Scholarly Activity (select one option)

   Option 1: Thesis
   ED 6100 Educational Research (3 credits)
   ED 6160 Educational Statistics (2 credits)
   ED 6990 Thesis (4 credits)

   Option 2: Research Paper
   ED 6100 Educational Research (3 credits)
   ED 6610 Current Issues in Special Education (2 credits)
   ED 6980 Directed Research in Special Education (2 credits)

   Subtotal 7-9 Credits

Total Credits for Common Core 29-32 Credits

II. Electives

Determined in consultation with the advisor.

Subtotal 3-6 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Degree 35 Credits