Exceptional Children and Youth - Autism/Severe Disabilities - (MEd)

Program Educational Goals:

These goals are derived from the Council for Exceptional Children’s Professional Preparation Standards. By the end of the program, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to:

Engage in professional learning and culturally responsive practice that adheres to ethical guidelines.
Understand and address the developmental and learning needs of students with autism and severe disabilities.
Develop instructional plans for students with autism and severe disabilities that demonstrate subject matter content and specialized curricular knowledge.
Engage in data-based decision making based on assessments conducted to understand the strengths and needs of students with autism and severe disabilities.
Make evidence-informed instructional decisions to support student learning.
Support the social, emotional, and behavioral growth of all students.
Collaborate with families and other team membersto plan programs and to access services for students with autism and severe disabilities.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements in the M.Ed. degree-only track include:

1. Students choose one of the following three concentrations:

Elementary special education, secondary special education, or autism/severe disabilities. In consultation with their advisors, students in this track may choose to pursue an elective focus area in special education technology.

2. Required Core Courses (18 credit hours):

EDUC 623 - Applied Human Development in the Schools Credit(s): 3
EDUC 754 - Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Elementary Credit(s): 3
or
EDUC 625 - Special Education Instruction/Curriculum: Autism/Severe Credit(s): 3
or
EDUC 674 - Special Education Instruction & Curriculum: Secondary Credit(s): 3
EDUC 680 - Educational Evaluation: Exceptional Children & Youth Credit(s): 3
EDUC 681 - Techniques for Behavior Change and Positive Behavior Support Credit(s): 3
EDUC 682 - Special Issues in Special Education Credit(s): 3
EDUC 745 - Collaborative Teaming in Special Education Credit(s): 3

3. Concentration/Focus Area Coursework (15 credit hours):

Students take 15 credits in their concentration/focus area, including one course in assistive or educational technology. With approval of the faculty, students may choose to complete a Master’s Thesis for 6 credits and 9 credits of coursework to satisfy the focus area requirement.