The following course must be completed before starting the EI/ECSE program. The program starts at the beginning of summer term each year. The prerequisite course must have been completed within seven years prior to beginning the program.
  • PSY 460/560 Child Psychology (4 credits)

In the chart below each course is described, times offered at PSU, and important notes about the course are provided:

Prerequisite and times offered at PSU Important notes about this course
PSY 460/560 Child Psychology
(4 credits)
Offered at PSU fall, winter, spring and summer terms 		Development of the individual from conception through childhood. Theory and research pertaining to child development.

Registering for the prerequisite courses.
It is advisable to begin prerequisite courses as soon as possible. If you plan on taking eight or fewer credits per term at Portland State University and are not currently a student you may register as a Quick Entry non-admitted student. A first-time registrant must submit a Quick Entry Application Form to the Office of Admissions and Records so that a registration file can be created. The application is available on-line or at the Office of Admissions and Records in 105 Neuberger Hall. There is a one-time $10.00 fee for this process. Quick Entry/Non-Admitted students are not eligible to receive financial aid. Please allow 48-72 hours for your registration record to be created. Consult the Schedule of Classes for course offerings and registration information at: http://www.ess.pdx.edu/adm/sched/


Course Substitutions
You may have previously taken a course(s) that can serve as a substitution for a prerequisite. An approved substitute course must have been completed within seven years prior to beginning the special educator program.

If you want a course you have taken reviewed, in order to determine if it can serve as a substitute for a prerequisite, fill out and submit the Special Education Course Substitution form to the department. You must attach to the form the following documentation:
  • The course syllabus (if available)
  • The official course description from the university or college bulletin/catalog.
  • A copy of your transcript showing when you took and course and course grade (an unofficial copy is OK)

A faculty committee will review and respond to your request in writing. You can pick up a copy of the Special Education Course Substitution Form in room 204 of the Graduate School of Education or we can mail it to you.

If you have taken any of the prerequisites at any Oregon state college or university within the past 7 years they should appear on your transcripts and will not require an equivalency waiver. HOWEVER, if you have taken courses at a private college or out-of-state college or university that you feel would be equivalent to the prerequisites you will need to submit an official Course Substitution Form.

Some of these courses are also offered at area community colleges. In the chart below the locations and courses numbers of equivalent courses are shown.