Online Master of Science in Education in Special Education - Curriculum

The online MSEd in Special Education at Purdue University focuses on mild intervention with the option for additional coursework in intense intervention. There are several tracks to match your current teaching status, your interests and your career goals.

  • Master’s only (31 credit hours): Intended for those who are seeking knowledge in the area of special education. No practicum is required, an additional elective course is taken in its place.
  • Master's with initial special education licensure — mild intervention (36 credit hours): Intended for those who are seeking a master’s degree as well as an initial special education teaching license in mild intervention. This track requires practicum and student teaching field experiences.
  • Master's with initial special education licensure — mild and intense intervention (45 credit hours): Intended for those seeking a master's degree as well as an initial special education teaching license in mild and intense interventions. This track requires practicum and student teaching field experiences.
  • Master's with additional special education licensure — mild intervention (32 credit hours): Intended for those who already have initial (teaching) licensure and looking for additional licensure in mild intervention. This track requires practicum experiences.
  • Master's with additional special education licensure — mild and intense intervention (41 credit hours): Intended for those who already have initial (teaching) licensure and looking for additional licensure in mild and intense intervention. This track requires practicum experiences.
  • Master's with additional special education licensure — intense intervention only (35 credit hours): Intended for those who already have initial special education teaching licensure in mild intervention and looking for additional licensure in intense intervention. This track requires practicum experiences.

Required Courses (All Tracks)

EDPS 53300 - Introduction to Educational Research
(3 credit hours)

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.

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EDPS 51500 - Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
(3 credit hours)

Application of learning theory, measurement procedures, verification of functional relationships, and developing knowledge of current significant research in applied behavior analysis.

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EDPS 56300 - Identification, Evaluation and Assessment of Exceptional Individuals
(3 credit hours)

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.

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EDPS 56500 - Intervention Strategies and Research
(3 credit hours)

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)

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EDPS 56800 - Social, Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education
(3 credit hours)

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.

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EDPS 57100 - Advanced Assistive Technology
(3 credit hours)

Introduction and overview of assistive technology for communication, education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities.

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EDPS 57701 - Advanced Characteristics of Children with Mild Disabilities
(3 credit hours)

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.

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EDPS 56510 - Collaboration and Transition
(3 credit hours)

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.

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EDPS 59000* – Foundations of Online Learning
(1 credit hour)

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.

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Required for Licensure tracks only

EDPS 59000* – Foundations of Clinical Practice and Licensure
(1 credit hour)

This course is designed to help you to understand and navigate the licensure process in the Online MSEd in Special Education program.

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Required for Intense Intervention Licensure tracks only

EDPS 57600 — Intense Methods in Special Education
(3 credit hours)

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)

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Elective Courses

For Master's only track and Intense Intervention Licensure tracks, both are required; For Mild Intervention Licensure tracks, choose one.

EDPS 52000 - Advanced Severe Characteristics
(3 credit hours)

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 for 57600)

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EDPS 57300 - Medical and Physical Management of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
(3 credit hours)

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.

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Practicum

Licensure tracks only.

EDPS 56010M - Mild Intervention Practicum in Special Education
(3 credit hours)

Assessment and teaching of individuals with varying disabilities.

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EDPS 56010I - Intense Intervention Practicum in Special Education
(3 credit hours)

Assessment and teaching of individuals with varying disabilities.

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Student Teaching

Initial + Special Education Licensure track only.

EDPS 56600 - Student Teaching
(3 credit hours)

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.

Link to Course Detail Page

*Course numbers are subject to change.

Advance Today

Learn more about the online MSEd in Special Education at Purdue. To learn more fill out the request more information form or call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.