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. Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |
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) Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |
EDPS 57100 - Advanced Assistive Technology (3 credit hours) Introduction and overview of assistive technology for communication, education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities. Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |
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. Link to Course Detail Page |