Program of study
Program Structure
The special education licensure and master’s degree is a two-year program of study including in-person coursework and field experiences in schools. Classes are held in the late afternoon and evening during fall, winter, and spring terms. Summer term coursework is held during daytime hours. Many of our students maintain work in schools during their program.
Beyond academic coursework, students complete three field experiences and student teaching. The field experiences are part-time and students should expect to spend one or two days per week in their placement. Student teaching occurs in your final term in the program and requires a full-time commitment. For students already working in schools, we will work with you to determine what aspects of the field experience and student teaching can be completed in your school.
Field experiences
Field experiences and student teaching are supervised by your professor, a cooperating teaching, and an on-site supervisor. These layers of support create an environment of learning and growth.
Required Classes
| Year One | Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
| 10 credits | 7 credits | 6 credits | 6 credits |
| SPED 511: Foundations of Special Education (3) | SPED 548: Positive Behavior Support in the Classroom (3) | SPED 522: Comprehensive Individualized Assessment and Curriculum I (3) | SPED 523: Comprehensive Individualized Assessment and Curriculum II (3) |
| SPED 514: Legal and Ethical Foundations of Special Education (3) | SPED 537: Reading Assessment and Instruction (Elementary) (4) | SPED 526: IEP and Collaborative Teaming (3) | SPED 533: Math Assessment and Instruction (3) |
| SPED 516: Classroom Assessment, Instruction, and Behavior Management (4) | | | |
| Year Two | Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
| 8 - 11 credits | 7 - 10 credits | 7 - 10 credits | 13 credits |
| SPED 530: Families and Advocacy (3) | SPED 538: Reading Assessment and Instruction (Secondary) (4) | SPED 512: Diagnostic Assessment (4) | SPED 525: Student Teaching (12) |
| SPED 532: Inclusive Practices (2) | SPED 509: Professional Practices Practicum Seminar I (3) | SPED 509: Professional Practices Practicum Seminar II (3) | SPED 507: Student Teaching Seminar (1) |
| SPED 509: Professional Introduction to the School Year (3) | | | |
| SPED Master's Core | SPED 596: Research in Special Education (3) | SPED 597: Issues and Practices in Special Education (3) | SPED 506: Special Project (3) | |
Students may complete the master's core coursework in their second year of the program or after completion of their licensure coursework.
Course descriptions
For course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.