Online Master of Science in Education in Special Education — Courses
Choose the Track That’s Right for You
Gain Career-Based Skills
The online MSEd in Special Education at Purdue University focuses on mild intervention with the option for additional coursework in intense intervention.
Choose From 6 Concentrations
Earn your master’s degree and match a concentration below to your current teaching status and career goals.
MSEd in Special Education — Non-Licensure (Master's Only)
Earn your master’s in special education. No practicum is required; an additional elective course is taken in its place.
31 credit hours
MSEd in Special Education — Initial Mild Only Licensure
Earn your master’s degree as well as an initial special education teaching license in mild intervention. This concentration requires a practicum and student teaching field experiences.
36 credit hours
MSEd in Special Education — Initial Mild & Intense Licensure
Earn your master's degree as well as an initial special education teaching license in mild and intense interventions. This concentration requires a practicum and student teaching field experiences.
45 credit hours
MSEd in Special Education — Additional Mild Only Licensure
Intended for those who already have an initial (teaching) license and want a master’s degree and additional licensure in mild intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
32 credit hours
MSEd in Special Education — Additional Intense Only Licensure
Intended for those who already have initial special education teaching licensure in mild intervention and want additional licensure in intense intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
35 credit hours
MSEd in Special Education — Additional Mild & Intense Licensure
Intended for those who already have initial (teaching) licensure and want additional licensure in mild and intense intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
41 credit hours
MS in Education in Special Education Core Courses
Take all core courses listed below.
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EDPS 53300 — Introduction to Educational Research
An introductory course in educational research and evaluation methodology that considers the various methods of educational research, the formulation of research hypotheses, and the preparation of research reports.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 51500 — Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
Application of learning theory, measurement procedures, verification of functional relationships, and developing knowledge of current significant research in applied behavior analysis.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56300 — Identification, Evaluation, and Assessment of Exceptional Individuals
Advanced procedures for educational assessment of exceptional individuals: norm-referenced and curriculum-based measurement, error analyses, and observational ratings. Adaptations and selections of tests for sensory impairments, behavioral styles, different intelligence levels and ages.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56500 — Intervention Strategies and Research
Analysis of intervention strategies and research with individuals with varying disabilities. Reading comprehension, written composition, mathematics, mnemonic strategies, metacognitive strategies, self-monitoring, social problem solving and transitional instruction are discussed. (prerequisite EDPS 56300 & 57701)
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56800 — Social, Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education
Survey of differences and similarities of children with exceptionality, including their nature and characteristics related to their developmental and educational needs. Analysis and practical application of social, legal, and ethical issues in the field of special education.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 57100 — Advanced Assistive Technology
Introduction and overview of assistive technology for communication, education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 57701 — Advanced Characteristics of Children with Mild Disabilities
Advanced study of persons with learning disabilities. Topics include historical development; theoretical models; etiological factors; characteristics; assessment and intervention; technological advances; issues and trends; and legislation and litigation.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56510 — Collaboration and Transition
Three modules related to collaboration and transition practices in special education are addressed. Included are theoretical frameworks and assessment for consultation and collaboration involving paraeducators and families.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 59000* — Foundations of Online Learning
Explore what online learning entails and reflect on how you can best set yourself up to succeed in your studies. You will also learn about various learning strategies and online resources that you can utilize in your courses.
Total Credit: 1
*Official course number will be assigned upon approval from the Graduate School.
Licensure Concentrations — Required Coursework
See which courses you need for your chosen licensure concentration.-
EDPS 59000* — Foundations of Clinical Practice and Licensure (This course is for all licensure concentrations.)
This course is designed to help you to understand and navigate the licensure process in the Online MSEd in Special Education program.
Total Credit: 1
*Official course number will be assigned upon approval from the Graduate School.
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ESPS 56010M — Mild Intervention Practicum in Special Education (This practicum is for all licensure concentrations excluding the Additional Intense Only concentration.)
Assessment and teaching of individuals with varying disabilities.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56010I — Intense Intervention Practicum in Special Education (This practicum is for all Intense Licensure concentrations.)
Assessment and teaching of individuals with varying disabilities.
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 57600 — Intense Methods in Special Education (This course is for all Intense Licensure concentrations.)
This course focuses on best practices for instruction of functional academics, employment skills, independent living skills and social skills to elementary and secondary students with intense disabilities. Course content will include information on assessment, activity planning and instruction. (prerequisite: EDPS 52000)
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 56600 — Student Teaching (This experience is for those in the Initial + Additional Licensure concentrations.)
Demonstration of ability to function independently in special education setting by appropriately planning for student needs, implementing and evaluating plans, establishing appropriate classroom discipline, and interacting professionally with staff and parents.
Total Credits: 3
Elective Courses
For Master’s Only or any Intense Intervention concentration, take both electives, otherwise, choose one.
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EDPS 52000 — Advanced Severe Characteristics
Characteristics and issues encountered by individuals who experience severe and profound levels of mental retardation and/or autistic spectrum disorders. Characteristics include: learning, behavioral, social, emotional, and communicative abilities. (prerequisite EDPS 57600)
Total Credits: 3
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EDPS 57300 — Medical and Physical Management of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
Medical and physical aspects of severe disabilities and implications for educational models of intervention and service delivery. Topics include nature of disorders/conditions, recent research findings, advanced methods for individual adaptations, and procedures for structural modification.
Total Credits: 3
Get Started Today
To learn more about the online MSEd in Special Education curriculum from Purdue University, including Student Teaching call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor or request more information.