Overview
The Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education is designed for persons who are not residents of or teachers in California and who have a bachelor's degree. It is designed for persons who want to become knowledgeable about educational learning problems and strategies to enhance student performance.
To receive a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education, students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work.
A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and if the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experience. All courses are available online.
Program Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students shall be able to:
- Apply research methods including critiquing and synthesizing current educational literature.
- Utilize a variety of methods and technology applications in order to complete action research and thesis projects.
- Demonstrate expertise in use of technology for instruction as evidenced by the development of adaptive devices, videos, toys/manipulatives, and software.
- Summarize federal and state laws, policies, and major court cases regarding exceptional individuals.
- Design and implement positive behavior supports for students with special needs.
- Utilize skills in instructional design including adaptations required to assist special education learners to achieve state standards-based curriculum.
- Demonstrate consultation and collaboration skills, including the ability to implement professional development at sites/districts for service delivery across all curricular areas and disabilities.
- Locate and utilize appropriate resources and practices in advocating for exceptional individuals.
Requirements
Degree Requirements
(12 courses, 54 quarter units)
Prerequisite
(1 course, 4.5 quarter units)
TED 615 The Foundations of Education or a similar course from an accredited university.
Core Requirements
(7 courses, 31.5 quarter units)
EXC 604 Exceptionality and Diversity in the Classroom
EXC 620 Supporting Positive Behavior
EXC 615 Technology for Persons with Disabilities
EXC 644 Reading Methods for Special Education
EXC 650 Consultation and Collaboration for Special Education
EXC 656 Best Practices for Special Needs Students
EXC 657 Community Resources and Transition
Advanced Specialization
(3 courses, 13.5 quarter units)
EXC 660 Instruction of Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
or
EXC 665 Instruction of Learners with Moderate/Severe Disabilities
ILD 680 Research in Education
EXC 637 Action Research
(Prerequisite: ILD 680)
or
EXC 694 Thesis (Note: Although the research courses are listed for two months in the catalog, individual projects may require from 6-12 months for completion.)
(Prerequisite: ILD 680)
Exit Exam
Program Elective
(1 course, 4.5 quarter units)
To complete the Exceptional Student Education program, students can select one elective from the SOE graduate course offerings