The Master of Science in Special Education (MSE) program requires 30 units, including prerequisite coursework, core courses, electives, and a culminating experience.
Prerequisite (1 unit)
SPED 501 – Introduction to Graduate Studies (1 unit)
This course is required prior to or at the start of the program and is typically offered during the summer before enrollment.
Required Courses (18 units)
-
SPED 510 – Research Methods and Statistics (3 units)
-
SPED 551 – Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education: Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction (3 units)
-
SPED 586 – Current Trends and Issues in Special Education (3 units)
-
SPED 504 – Advanced Proficiency in Educational Technologies (3 units)
-
SPED 529 – Collaborative and Consultative Seminar (3 units)
-
SPED 502 – Advanced Autism (3 units)
Electives (9 units)
Students select three courses (9 units) based on their area of focus:
-
SPED 415 – Preschool Assessment and Intervention (3 units) (
EC only)
-
SPED 430 – Assessment in Special Education (3 units) (
MMSN and ESN only
)
-
SPED 421 – Working with Parents of Individuals with Disabilities (3 units)
-
SPED 423 – Positive Behavior Support (3 units) Culminating Experience (6 units)
Culminating Experience (6 units)
Students complete one of the following options with advisor approval:
-
SPED 595 – Culminating Seminar in Special Education (Comprehensive Exam)
OR
-
SPED 597 – Project
SPED 595 or SPED 597 must be completed with a minimum grade of “B” or better
Total Program Units: 30 units
Course Descriptions
SPED 501 – Introduction to Graduate Studies (1 unit)
Prepares graduate students to develop study plans and explore key issues in secondary education.
May be taken before or during the first semester.
SPED 421 – Working with Families of Individuals with Disabilities (3 units)
Focuses on understanding family systems, including assessing family needs, concerns, and priorities. Emphasizes effective communication, collaboration, and connecting families with community resources.
Prerequisite: SPED 371 or graduate standing
Note: Select 400-level courses are available for graduate credit
SPED 502 – Teaching Students with Autism (3 units)
Overview of evidence-based strategies for teaching students with autism spectrum disorders.
SPED 415 – Preschool Assessment and Intervention (3 units)
Assessment and program planning for young children at risk for developmental delays.
SPED 430 – Assessment in Special Education (3 units)
Application of measurement and data analysis to inform instruction in K–12 settings.
SPED 423 – Positive Behavior Support (3 units)
Strategies for promoting positive behavior across school and community settings. Includes training aligned with Hughes AB 2386.
SPED 504 – Technology Integration in Education (3 units)
Use of multimedia and digital tools to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment for diverse learners.
SPED 551 – Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education: Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction (3 units)
Prepares educators to teach students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Focuses on curriculum development, assessment practices, and instructional needs.
SPED 529 – Collaborative and Consultative Seminar (3 units)
Develops communication and leadership skills for working with teams and designing professional growth plans.
SPED 586 – Issues and Trends in Special Education (3 units)
Explores current challenges and developments shaping special education practice.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; SPED 501
SPED 595 – Culminating Seminar (3 units)
A capstone course that prepares students for the comprehensive examination.
Prerequisites: SPED 510 and SPED 586
SPED 597 - Project (3 units)
Independent research project completed under faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: SPED 510 and SPED 586; instructor approval required
