IEEP Course of Study

Master's degree

As part of the Inclusive Elementary Educators Program, students complete a master's core of courses (12 credits beyond initial licensure) and a capstone experience that leads to earning a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree. The MA degree requires a demonstrated proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Foreign language proficiency is not required for the M.S. degree.

To earn a master's degree, a student must complete a capstone experience, choosing between the completion of a master's research project or a master's thesis. In addition to the completion of a written product the student must present his/her project/thesis to the faculty. Students are required to enroll in six credits of special project (SPED 506) coursework during the last term of the program while completing the capstone experience.

Undergraduate degree

Classroom teaching and special education teaching at the elementary level both require broad subject area preparation. Candidates are encouraged to complete undergraduate degree programs with course work in psychology, literature, biological and physical sciences, math, social sciences, health, art, music and physical education. PSU advisors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (Fariborz Maseeh Hall, room 491E, 503-725-3822) and in the College of Education (FAB 200, 503-725-4619) during general advising sessions can offer recommendations for undergraduate experiences.

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants should have a strong academic record; a minimum of 3.0 cumulative (or upper division/graduate) GPA is necessary for admission.

In addition to completing the BS/BA degree, there are three types of activities that applicants must complete and document as part of their application. These are:

1. Completion of specific prerequisite undergraduate courses,
2. Volunteer or paid experience with children with and without disabilities, and
3. Completion of test requirements as set by the State of Oregon.

Applicants usually pre-plan and work on these activities one or more years before applying to the program. It is also assumed that applicants have a basic knowledge of computer skills.

Program of study

Master's degree

A Master of Science or Master of Arts in Special Education degree is completed in conjunction with the initial licensure program (an MA requires proficiency in a second language). The master's core coursework includes the following courses:

Course descriptions

For course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.

Program features

The Portland State University Inclusive Elementary Educators Program is a fulltime two-year (six terms) graduate program that prepares candidates for teaching in elementary schools (grades K-8), special education grades K-8, and students of all abilities, ages three to five. The program has a mix of coursework and practica experiences spread throughout those six terms. The field experiences and most of the graduate classes are scheduled during the day. However, each term there may be one late afternoon/early evening class. The program includes a master's research project that is completed in the sixth term and culminates in a master's degree.

Students in the Inclusive Elementary Educators Program are admitted in cohorts - groups of students who take coursework and field experience assignments together under the guidance of faculty at PSU and master teachers in area schools. The cohort remains together for the two years it takes to complete the program. The cohort strategy uses group processes to develop professionalism and collegiality, provide support for classroom performance, and encourage reflective practice. The cohort is named the Inclusive Educators Program to reflect the belief that schools are places where all students belong.

Students in the Inclusive Elementary Educators Program are placed, as much as possible, in schools that implement inclusion - where students with disabilities are included in their neighborhood schools. Field experience begins during the first term of the program. In these settings, special education services and support often occur within the regular classroom. Students in the Inclusive Educators Program complete field experiences/student teaching in at least two different age/grade levels or multi-age groups. They train with special education teachers in both resource room settings and in inclusive settings and with classroom teachers at preschool, primary, and/or intermediate grade levels.

Students work with faculty from both the Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education Departments at PSU. These faculty periodically co-teach courses in which they provide students with a variety of perspectives and methods of teaching.

The Inclusive Elementary Educators Program at PSU is at the forefront of the national educational reform movement. The curriculum reflects the contributions of professors, teachers, administrators, and counselors in the field who have pioneered inclusive education through their teaching and research. The Inclusive Elementary Educators Program is only one of a handful in the country offering both dual licensure and an inclusive focus.

Licensure

For general inquiries around licensure, please contact the Licensure office.