M.S. in Education: Special Education K-12

Courses

Overview Application Courses Cost Faculty

MSEd: Special Education curriculum overview:

The Special Educator initial endorsement program prepares teachers to work with students with mild disabilities and students with severe disabilities. The Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requires each student to be authorized to teach at one of two age-level authorizations: (1) early childhood/elementary or (2) middle school/high school. All endorsement course work taken at the 500 level can be included in the M.S. in Education: Special Education degree.

The Special Educator I program is designed for teachers who hold or are eligible to hold a valid initial teaching license. Six quarters of full-time training are required to complete the program.

The Special Educator II program is designed for students who do not hold a teaching license. Six quarters of full-time training are required to complete this program.

Your plan of study:

Once admitted to Master of Science in Education: Special Education, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.

Course of Study Options:

This program requires a minimum of 45 graduate credits of which the majority are in special education.

Students entering this program may include content from licensure/endorsement programs such as the special educator or the early intervention special education programs. Candidates may have, but are not required to have, prior teaching licensure. Typically the MSED: Special Education program is part of the preliminary license or endorsement in special education generalist credential.

Core Courses

Professional Education Core

SPED 607 Seminar Credits: 1-6 Credits: 3
SPED 616 Evaluating Special Education Research Credits: 3
or ED 612 Quantitative Research in Education Credits: 3
or ED 633 Educational Research Credits: 3
SPED 682 Contemporary Issues in Special Education Credits: 3

Special Education Content Core

SPED 607 Seminar Credits: 1-6 Credits: 3
SPED 618 Introduction to Special Education Credits: 3
SPED 622 Literacy Methods for the Diverse Learner Credits: 3
SPED 623 Behavior Support Credits: 3
SPED 625 Assessment for Instruction Credits: 3
SPED 628 Math Methods for the Diverse Learner Credits: 3
SPED 630 Instructional Methods for Learners with Extensive Support Needs Credits: 3
SPED 642 Standardized Assessment Credits: 3
SPED 646 Law and Special Education Credits: 3
SPED 670 Collaboration: Supporting Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
SPED 649 Clinical Experience III Credits: 3
SPED 689 Clinical Experience IV Credits: 6

Those candidates without a teaching license will also complete the following courses:

ED 681 Principles and Practices of ESOL and Bilingual Education Credits: 3
SPED 617 Theory and Philosophy of Teaching Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
SPED 647 Clinical Experience I Credits: 3
SPED 648 Clinical Experience II Credits: 3

Total Credits: 48-60

Note

Note: Completion of the Special Education MS.Ed. program along with all state licensure requirements will result in a masters degree and a special education K-12 Generalist endorsement/license.

CONTACT US:

If you haven’t found the information you need or are still not sure where to direct your question, contact Olivia Flores at floreso@wou.edu or 503-838-8675

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"Being a student in the M.S. in SpEd program at Western Oregon University gave me the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that equipped me to become an effective teacher. The professors in this program provide both challenge and motivation in the classroom setting through the support, knowledge, and enthusiasm that they exhibit in their teaching practices. Aside from establishing positive relationships with the professors, I also had the opportunity to build relationships with mentors in a nearby school district, while completing my field experience requirements. Receiving mentorship and guidance in the special education field before beginning my teaching career, helped me apply the knowledge that I had gained in my classes to support students in their academic and/or functional development. Overall, this program helped me grow so much as a person and a teacher, and I know it will do the same for you."

Nicolette Wise
M.S. In Ed. Special Education

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