| Total credits | Estimated resident cost | Estimated Washington border cost | Estimated non-resident cost |
|---|
| Master's Degree - 64 | $36,488 | $36,588 | $36,488 |
| Graduate Certificate - 21 | $12,272 | $12,272 | $12,272 |
Program cost estimates are based on 2025/26 PSU tuition and fees only. This chart is provided to help you estimate the minimum tuition and fees for program completion. Additional fees may apply depending on the course of study that you choose to pursue and the specific courses for which you enroll, so you may also find it useful to review detailed tuition and fee information and the full cost of attendance for PSU programs. Financial aid and scholarship options may be available to offset program costs. Visit COE Scholarships for specific details on how to qualify and apply. |
Curriculum
The coursework provides a strong foundation in the historical, social, and legal contexts of early intervention and early childhood special education, emphasizing evidence-based, culturally and contextually relevant practices in collaboration with families and professionals. Routine-based intervention is the cornerstone of the program, preparing students to embed meaningful learning opportunities into children’s everyday activities. Students learn the eligibility process and how to develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs). Students develop skills in authentic assessment, strengths-based planning, inclusive practices, progress monitoring, and transition planning. Advanced study highlights the importance of tiered developmental and behavioral supports, early literacy, augmentative and alternative communication, and environmental and material adaptations to foster child engagement, social-emotional growth, independence, and meaningful participation across home, school, and community settings.
Course descriptions
For full course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.
Program format
Modality
Online, no scheduled meetings: This program is held entirely online with no required meeting times.
Part-time
Time to completion: two years
Scheduling
All courses are delivered fully online with no scheduled meeting times. Students will complete coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning platform. While there are no live sessions, students should expect weekly or biweekly assignment deadlines.
Weekly Estimated Time Commitment
The PSU Credit Hour Policy defines 1 credit hour as requiring a minimum of 3 hours of student time per week over the course of the term. PSU operates on the quarter system, and terms last 10 weeks.
Graduate school is a big commitment; please consider this information as a starting tool to help you gain a sense of the time commitment. Students learn differently and you may find that it takes you more time to complete the coursework on a weekly basis. Generally, a graduate program is more intensive and should require more time on homework than undergraduate courses; therefore, we recommend planning for more time than the minimum.
Students in this program generally take 6-8 credits per term and should expect to spend at least 18-24 hours per week outside of classroom time on homework and related activities.
As the program progresses, students engage in experiential learning through two practicums and a student teaching, which takes additional time to complete. Generally, a student teaching requires 40 hours per week. Field experiences include classroom settings, home visiting, and consultation in childcare models.
Program of Study
Cohort: This program operates as a cohort model, meaning that students follow a set program of study with a group of peers, learning together and providing a peer-support network. The program of study below outlines these classes term-by-term.
| Year 1 | CR |
|---|
| Summer |
| SPED 580 Introduction to EI/ECSE **** | 3 |
| SPED 520: Families and Community | 3 |
| SPED 583: Communication | 3 |
| Fall |
| SPED 584: Assessment **** | 3 |
| SPED 585: Instructional Strategies I **** | 3 |
| Winter |
| SPED 586 Instructional Strategies II **** | 3 |
| SPED 581 Family Guided Early Intervention **** | 3 |
| Spring |
| SPED 509 Practicum I ECSE **** | 3 |
| SPED 510 Inclusive Early Childhood Models | 3 |
| Year 2 | CR |
| Summer |
| CI 571: Play Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| SPED 596 Research in Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education | 3 |
| Fall |
| SPED 597 Special Issues in Research | 3 |
| SPED 509 Practicum II: Infants and Toddlers **** | 3 |
| Winter |
| SPED 506 Culminating Research Project | 3 |
| SPED 579 Literacy in Early Intervention | 3 |
| SPED 582: Specialized Techniques Early Intervention | 3 |
| Spring |
| SPED 507: Student Teaching Seminar | 1 |
| SPED 525: Student Teaching Experience | 15 |
| Total Program Credits | 64 |
*** The only courses that are required for those who already hold a license and are adding an EI-ECSE endorsement. Endorsement students must also take the Praxis test. Students must complete 509 ECSE and EI placements.