Online M.Ed. in Special Education

Total Cost M.Ed. in Special Education
Total Tuition 34 semester credits x $235 per credit	$7,990
Fees $50 Application Fee $100 Conferral Fee $1360 Technology and Library Fee (34 Semester Credits X $40 per Credit)	$1,510
Total Program Cost	$9,500*

CI5503	Principles and Practices of Classroom Management	3 Semester Credits
This course prepares educators to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The evidenced-based PBIS components are designed to guide educators to teach preK-12 learners competencies in social, emotional, and behavioral self-management for consistent application in classrooms and school-wide.
RES5333	Research and Applied Behavioral Analysis in the Special Education Classroom	3 Semester Credits
In this course students will learn about the science and research methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how applying principles of behavior analysis can affect student behaviors. Students will be introduced to the history of ABA as well as the various strategies that fall under ABA. While ABA is a part of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) used in many schools today, there are other applications that are relevant to teachers, such as how to use ABA as a way to maintain skills that have been learned, how to use principles of ABA to observe student behaviors, how to determine which behavior to focus on, how to generalize behaviors to settings outside the classroom, and how to use ABA strategies as a teaching tool for both students with exceptionalities and their typically developing peers. Students will apply action research methods to support the utilization of ABA in the classroom.
SPED5013	Strategies for Teaching Diverse Learners	3 Semester Credits
Student diversity impacts learning, the environment, and classroom behavior. This course examines the legal definitions, characteristics, prevalence, and educational adaptations for each primary category of exceptionality. Emphasis is placed on the accommodation and selective modification of curricula, materials, and procedures to meet the needs of diverse learners.
SPED5023	Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education	3 Semester Credits
Data-driven instructional decision-making is critical to improve student outcomes for diverse learners across the continuum of disability in special and general education settings. This course focuses on conducting and analyzing ongoing student assessment and utilization of current research and theory as the foundation for driving instructional decisions and professional practices.
SPED5033	Law and Policy in Special Education	3 Semester Credits
Basic knowledge of statutory requirements, policy, and values are prerequisite to successful teaching in special education. This course focuses on federal legislation regarding identification, service provision, and current issues. Legal rights of students with exceptionalities and their parents, and the responsibilities of educators in addressing those rights are emphasized. Organizational policies and values associated with serving diverse learners also are emphasized.
SPED5043	Building Collaborative Relationships	3 Semester Credits
Collaboration between or among instructional personnel, student’s home/family and the community is increasing in importance in meeting the diverse learning needs of students. This course addresses strategies and tools to build collaborative relationships between general and special education instructors, families, the community, advocacy, and other outside organizations to positively impact student outcomes.
SPED5053	Developmental Characteristics of Exceptional Learners	3 Semester Credits
Students investigate developmental issues experienced by individuals across transitional stages throughout the life span. Characteristics of individuals demonstrating patterns of thought or behavior potentially contributing to the identification of learning disabilities are examined. Neurological impairments, which change the functionality of the brain, are surveyed for factors creating unique risks across cognitive and sensory, social and emotional, and behavioral areas and conditions which impact academic learning.
SPED5091	Capstone Experience for Special Education	1 Semester Credits
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of studies related to the Integrated Curriculum: Special Education program.
SPED5103	Ethical Practices and Standards in Special Education	3 Semester Credits
In this course students will be presented with an overview of current special education professional standards and guidelines. They will also learn the 12 Special Education Professional Ethical Principles outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Students will discuss challenging ethical dilemmas in which they will have to practice professional ethics and sharpen their skills as advocates for students with disabilities and their families.