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Special Education (MSE) Programs of Study

Special Education Initial Certification

Students who do not currently hold a teaching certificate but wish to pursue initial certification as a special education generalist will be required to meet all MSE program requirements, plus all required benchmarks for becoming a teacher candidate, including taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (commonly known as the Core test) before being allowed to advance beyond 15 hours on the MSE program. Initial certification requires completion of 100 hours of practicum experience plus one full semester (12 credit hours) of clinical practice, which includes participation in all seminars. Field endorsement level is K-12.

Professional Education Core Courses: 12 hours

  • EDU 603 Introduction to Educational Research and Design (3)
  • EDU 626 Advanced Educational Psychology (3)
  • EDU 627 Current Issues and Trends in Education (3)
  • EDU 658 Fundamentals of Curriculum Development PK-16 (3)

Special Education Core Courses: 27 hours

  • SPD 520 Best Practices in Special Education Methods (3)
  • SPD 522 Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Classrooms (3)
  • SPD 545 Assessment Guiding IEP Development (3)
  • SPD 561 Practicum in Special Education (3) (100 hours)
  • SPD 565 Differentiated Methodology (3)
  • SPD 611 Organization/Administration of Special Education (3)
  • SPD 630 History and Characteristics of Exceptionalities (3)
  • SPD 636 Social/Emotional Behavior (3)
  • SPD 652 Collaboration and Co-Teaching in the Field (3)

K-12 Field Endorsement Courses: 12 hours

  • SPD 658 Clinical Practice for Special Education K-6 (6)
  • SPD 660 Clinical Practice for Special Education 7-12 (6)

Total: 51 hours

View Benchmarks for Successful Advancement in Educator Preparation - MSE Special Education Certification.