Traditional Masters Program Track in
Exceptional Children and Youth
The traditional M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth requires a minimum of 33 credits of graduate-level coursework, including 6 Core courses (18 credits) and 5 Specialization courses (15 credits).
Core Course Requirements (18 credits)
- EDUC 623: Applied Human Development in the Schools
- EDUC 680: Educational Diagnosis
- EDUC 681: Techniques for Behavior Change
- EDUC 682: Research in Special Education
- EDUC 745: Collaborative Teaming in Special Education
- and one methods course aligned with program specialization:
- EDUC 679: Instructing Learners with Mild Disabilities (elementary) or
- EDUC 674: Instructional Methods in Secondary Special Education (secondary) or
- EDUC 625: Methods in Severe Disabilities/Autism (severe/autism)
Focus Area Requirements (15 credits)
Students choose a focus area in one of the following: elementary, secondary, autism/severe disabilities, and special education technology. Students take 15 credits in their focus area including one course in assistive or educational technology. For recommended courses in each specialization, refer to Appendix B of the Program Statement.
Exit Requirement
Students must write a case study final paper as the exit requirement for the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth. In this final paper, students demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge gained in the program to educational practice. This final paper will require integration of scholarly knowledge with practical expertise and problem solving.
Instead of the case study final paper and with approval from the program faculty, students may choose to complete a Master's Thesis research project, which counts for 6 of the required credits.
