MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (M.S.)

The Master’s of Science in Exceptional Student Education offers three specializations: ESOL, Gifted or Reading. The core courses are designed to prepare students to teach exceptional children in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12). The curriculum consists of courses in theory, practice, and specific areas of specialization. The completion of twelve courses of three credit hours each are required for graduation (36 credit hours). The program may be completed in one year.

Admission Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to this program must file an application form with the University’s Office of Admissions. A department faculty member reviews each complete application and makes a recommendation on admission to the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions notifies applicants of the decision on their applications.

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with submitted transcripts of all colleges and universities attended.
2. A completed application file
3. Take a writing examination to determine proficiency in written language. Based upon performance, the applicant may be admitted fully, admitted probationally pending completion of a writing seminar, or denied admission.
4. An intake interview with the program faculty member.

Core Courses (27 Credits)

EEX 500 Survey of the Education of the Exceptional Child
EEX 501 Assessment of the Exceptional Child
EEX 502 Language Development & Language Disabilities
EEX 503 Educational Management of Students with Exceptionalities
EEX 504 Vocational & Functional Life Skills
EEX 505 Education of Students with Mild Handicaps
EEX 514 Instructional Strategies for Students with Mental Handicaps
EEX 524 Instructional Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities
EEX 534 Instructional Strategies for Students with Emotional Handicaps

ESOL Specialization (9 credits)
Select any three courses from the following below to complete the degree requirements. (Note: All five courses are needed for an ESOL Endorsement.)

EDU 506 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
EDU 511 Cross Cultural Communication
EDU 512 ESOL Curriculum & Materials Development.
EDU 516 Testing & Evaluation of ESOL
EDU 555 Applied Linguistics

Gifted Education Specialization (9 credits)
Select any three courses from the list below to complete the degree requirements. (Note: All five are needed for Gifted Endorsement.)

EEX 540 Nature & Needs of Gifted Students
EEX 541 Educating Special Populations of Gifted Students
EEX 542 Theory & Development of Creativity
EEX 544 Curriculum & Strategies for Teaching Gifted Students
EEX 546 Guidance & Counseling of Gifted Students

Reading Specialization (9 Credits)
Select any three courses from the list below to complete the degree requirements. (Note: All five are needed for Reading Endorsement.)

EDU 521 Effective Reading Instruction (K-12)
EDU 522 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Disabilities
RED 500 The Reading Process in the Content Area*
RED 505 Techniques of Remedial and Corrective Reading*
RED 510 Reading Practicum*
Pre-requisites: EDU 521, EDU 522, RED 500, RED 505

Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in academic good standing. Students must complete all required courses with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 to graduate.