BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Professional Education Course Descriptions

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

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 Developmental Techniques for Adapted Physical Education (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 (3 credits)

   Subtotal 3 Credits

9. Scholarly Activity (select one option)

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

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