Masters Program Track in Exceptional Children and Youth
The 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). Candidates who are already certified follow the program outlined below. If you are seeking initial certification, on the other hand, follow the link to the program requirements for elementary certification, secondary certification, or certification in severe disabilities/autism. For recommended courses in each specialization, refer to Appendix B of the Program Statement.
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)
Specialization Area Requirements (15 credits)
Students choose a specialization in one of the following areas: elementary, secondary, severe disabilities, and special education technology. Students take 15 credits in their area of specialization including one course in assistive or educational technology.
With permission of their advisor, students may choose to complete a Master's Thesis, which counts for 6 of the required 15 specialization area credits.
Exit Requirement
Students who do not complete a Master's Thesis 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.
