This master's degree can be taken to gain expertise in a variety of areas. These include but are not limited to:

• Assistive Technology and Autism - Contacts: Dr. Debra Bauder or Dr. Thomas Simmons
• Orientation & Mobility - Contact: Dr. Bill Penrod
• Visual Impairment - Contact: Dr. Bill Penrod or Mary Ann Reynolds

The goal of the program is to offer a  Master's degree that will advance one’s knowledge and further their expertise in a specialty area.

Non-Teaching

This degree is designed for master's degree candidates whose professional goals are in areas other than teaching or whose goals are in the area of early childhood/special education, specifically comprehensive-care centers, institutions, clinics, day care centers, preschools, and community programs.

Prerequisites for Admission:  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and admission to Graduate School and EDSP 540: Introduction to Special Education.

Degree Requirements:  A minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate coursework; at least 18 hours of courses numbered 600 or above; and a culminating course, either EDSP 639 or EDSP 687, to be taken at the end of the program and requiring a major paper.

ELFH   600     Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                                              3

Introductory Courses Select three courses from the following:

EDSP   537     Language Learning for Exceptional Children                                                    3

EDSP   594     Teaching Student with Physical Disabilities                                                      3

EDSP   624     Seminar in Psychological & Social Implications of Handicaps3

EDSP   634     Introduction to Mental Retardation                                                                  3

EDSP   640     Introduction to Learning Disabilities                                                                3

EDSP   674     Theories of Behavior Disorders                                                                        3

EDSP   697     Applied Behavior Analysis                                                                                3

EDSP   670     Introduction to Autism                                                                                     3

Mid point assessment: Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Needs Improvement

Advanced/Related Courses:  Courses will be selected, with advisor’s approval, to provide the necessary background to meet the candidate’s professional goals

Advanced courses                                                                                          9

Related Electives                                                                                           9

Exit Requirement:

EDSP   639     Research Analysis in Special Education                                           3

Minimum total hours                                                                                                            33

Master of Education in Special Education in Orientation and Mobility Non-Teaching (leading to ACVREP certification)

Admission Requirements:This degree is designed for master's degree candidates whose professional goals are in areas other than teaching and whose goal is to be certified in orientation and mobility.

Prerequisites for Admission:  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and admission to Graduate School and EDSP 540: Introduction to Special Education and EDSP 619: Orientation and Mobility/daily Living Skills for Teachers and a computer (at least 300 MHZ with 64 RAM, sound card, and speakers, at least 56.6 modem or higher capacity) and be able to send/receive email and access to Internet, with printer. Instructor may require access to additional equipment for some courses.

Degree Requirements:  A minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate coursework. Maintain a 3.0 or above grade point average. Students must make at least a B in the following courses: EDSP 624, EDSP 625.  Participants whose academic performance falls below the grade point average will be asked to develop a plan for improvement. Failure to meet the objectives of this plan will result in dismissal from the program.

Orientation and Mobility Entry Courses (To be completed the first 9 hours of EDSP coursework)

EDSP   624     Characteristics and Needs of Students Who are Visually Impaired or Blind         3

EDSP   625     American Braille Codes                                                                   3

The following courses may be taken in any sequence/combination upon completion of the “ Orientation and Mobility entry courses.”

EDSP   634     Characteristics and Needs of Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities      3

EDSP   620     Introduction to Orientation and Mobility                                         3

EDSP   623     Orientation and Mobility for Infants, Preschool, and Multiply Impaired               3

Mid Point Evaluation

EDSP   621     Advanced Methods in Orientation and Mobility I                             3

EDSP   622     Advanced Methods in Orientation and Mobility II                            3

Orientation and Mobility Exit Courses (completed sequentially as the last six hours of the program)

EDSP   630     Practicum: Observation and Participation in O&M                           3

EDSP   631     Internship                                                                                       3

MASTERS IN EDUCATION IN ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS (6 hours)

ELFH   600     Introduction to Graduate Studies                                                    3

EDSP   639     Research in Special Education                                                         3

Minimum total hours                                                                                            33

Exit Requirements: Completion of EDSP 630: Practicum in O&M and EDSP 631: Internship and Pass Comprehensive Specialty Exam

Concentration in Learning Disabilities

Admission Requirements:  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, certification in elementary education, and certification in learning disabilities.

ELFH   600     Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                            3

ELFH              (Historical, sociological, or philosophical foundations of education to be selected from EDFD620,625,630,640,681)                                                                                   3

Learning Disabilities Specialization

EDSP   693     Consulting with Parents and Teachers of Exceptional Children       3

EDSP   697     Topical Seminar in Special Education                                               3

Special Education Core

EDSP   641     Curriculum Methods: Special Education                                           3

EDSP              To be selected with advisor                                                            6

Related Electives (may be taken outside Education)                                           9

Exit Requirement

EDSP   639     Research Analysis in Special Education                                           3

Minimum total hours                                                                                            33

Notes

1. Minimum of 18 hours in 600-level courses is required.
2. Maximum of 2 workshops allowed in total program.
3. Final acceptance of transfer credit (a maximum of six hours) is dependent upon receipt of transcript.
4. Program must be approved by advisor and filed at the beginning of the program.
5. A maximum of six hours taken in non-degree status can be applied toward a master's degree (upon approval of advisor).
6. All courses must be completed within6 years of admission of program.
7. This program is considered tentative unless signed by both the advisor and student.
8. A portfolio is required for successful completion of this program.
9. To complete the program, students must have minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.  No credit shall be accepted for carrying a grade lower than "C".
10. To complete the program, students must have minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.  No credit shall be accepted for carrying a grade lower than "C".

Master of Education in Special Education and/or Rank II/Rank I Program Leading to Certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders

Candidates for this program mush have a valid regular education teaching certificate.  The courses listed below may, with advisor’s approval, be applied toward a Rank II or Rank I program.  Teachers certified only in Music, Physical Education or Home Economics (at any level) or regular classroom teaching at the 5-8 or 7-12 level(s) must complete the EDTP 610 and EDTP 620 (pending review by the LBD Screening committee) with grades of C or better in each prior to enrolling in the Special Education Entry Courses.

EDAP   610     Literacy: Research and theory                                                         3

EDAP   620     Introduction to Teaching Elementary Mathematics Education          3

Special Education Entry Courses: (To be completed as the first nine hours of EDSP course work)

EDSP   540     Introduction to Exceptional Children                                                3

EDSP   640     Introduction to Learning Disorders                                                  3

EDSP   675     Management of the Behavior Problem Child                                    3

The following six courses may be taken in any sequence/combination upon completion of the “Special Education entry Courses”:

EDSP   537     Language Learning for Exceptional Children                                   3

EDSP   594     Problems and Methods of Teaching the Physically Handicapped/Sensory Impaired                                                                                          3

OR

EDSP   638     Educational Management:  Physical Disabilities                               3

EDSP   618     Instructional Technology for Students with Special Needs              3

EDSP   681     Early Childhood Education of Exceptional Children                          3

EDSP   614     Transition Services                                                                           3

Mid-point Assessment: Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Needs Improvement

Special Education Exit Courses (Completed sequentially as the last nine hours of the program)

EDSP   642     Assessment Procedures for LBD                                                       3

EDSP   643     Instructional Procedures for LBD                                                      3

EDSP   645     Student teaching:  Learning and Behavioral Disorders (If waived, another three hour course approved by advisor)                                                                                              3

Minimum total hours                                                                                          33-39

Master of Education in Learning and Behavior Disorders Requirements

(The M.Ed. includes all courses listed in the Rank II program above and the following requirements of6 additional hours.)

ELFH   600 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                                  3

EDSP   639 Research in Special Education                                                              3

Minimum total hours                                                                                             39-42

NOTE:

1. Students who make a grade of C or below in any Special Education course leading to teacher certification are required to repeat the course before being admitted to Student Teaching (EDSP 645).
2. Successful completion of the following PRAXIS Exams are required for Learning and Behavior Disorders teacher certification:  The Application of Core Principles Across Categories of Disability (either 352 or 353 and Teaching Students with Emotional/Behavior Disorder (either 371 or 542).
3. Successful completion of midpoint evaluation of program and performance.
4. A portfolio is required for completion of this program.
5. The Certification Program requires development of a Professional Portfolio and a Midpoint Performance Review, both of which must be successfully completed before the participant will be recommended for certification by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Concentration in Moderate & Severe Disabilities

Admission Requirements:

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
2. Certification in elementary education.
3. Certification in moderate and severe disorders.
4. EDSP 540 or introduction/survey course in Special Education.
5. Computer (at least 300MHZ with64SDRAM, sound card and speakers, CD-ROM, at least 56.6 modem or higher capability) able to send/receive email and access to internet, with printer. *Instructor may require additional equipment for some courses.

EDFD   600     Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                             3

EDFD              (Historical, sociological, or philosophical foundations of education to be selected from EDFD620,625,630,640,681)                                                                                    3

Moderate & Severe Disabilities Specialization

EDSP   6XX     Orientation and Mobility for Teachers                                               3

EDSP   600     Assessment of Students with Disabilities                                         3

EDSP   624     Char. & Needs of Blind & Visually Impaired Students                       3

EDSP   627     Applications of Assistive Technology                                                3

EDSP   634     Char. & Needs of Students w/ Moderate and Severe Disability       3

EDSP   637     Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Inclusion                                    3

EDSP   636     Diag. & Prescriptive Teaching of Individuals with Dis.                      3

EDSP   670     Introduction to Autism                                                                     3

EDSP   638     Ed. Manage. of Health, Physical, and Multiple Disabilities                3

Exit Requirement

EDSP   635     Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum                                    3

Minimum total hours                                                                                            36

Notes

1. Minimum of 18 hours in600-level courses is required.
2. Maximum of two workshops allowed in total program.
3. Final acceptance of transfer credit (a maximum of six  hours) is dependent upon receipt of transcript.
4. Program must be approved by advisor and filed at the beginning of the program.
5. A maximum of six hours taken in non-degree status can be applied toward a master's degree (upon approval of advisor).
6. All courses must be completed within six years of admission of program.
7. This program is considered tentative unless signed by both the advisor and student.
8. A portfolio is required for successful completion of this program.

Master of Education in Special Education or Rank I/II Leading to P-12 Certification in Moderate/Severe Disabilities

1. Certification in P-5, 5-9, or 8-12.
2. BA/BS degree from an accredited university/College of Education and Human Development.

3. Admission to Graduate School for Certification or Master of Education program.

4. Introduction or Survey Course in special Education.
5. Computer (at least 300MHZ with64SDRAM, sound card and speakers, CD-ROM, at least 56.6 modem or higher capability) able to send and receive email and access to Internet, with printer.  *Instructor may require access to additional equipment for some courses.

EDSP   627     Applications of Assistive Technology                                                3

EDSP   634     Characteristics and Needs of Students w/Moderate & Severe Disabilities        3

EDSP   636     Diagnostic an Prescriptive Teaching of Individuals with Disabilities  3

EDSP   614     Transition Programs and services for youth with Disabilities            3

EDSP   619     Orientation and Mobility for Teachers                                               3

EDSP   670     Introduction to Autism                                                                      3

Mid-point Assessment: Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Needs Improvement

EDSP   637     Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Inclusion                                     3

EDSP   638     Educational Management of Health, Physical, and Multiple Disabilities             3

EDSP   646     Augmentative Communication                                                           3

EDSP   635     Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum                                      3**

**NOTE: This class can be waived with three successful years of teaching in the field of Moderate/Severe Disabilities and a STRONG letter of recommendation from your Principal.  If this is done, then the replacement course would be EDSP644: Applied Behavior Analysis                         3

For Masters:

ELFH   600     Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                               3

EDSP   639     Research in Special Education                                                            3

Minimum total hours                                                                                            36

Requirements

1. Develop professional portfolio.
2. Maintain a 3.0 (B) or above grade point average with no grade lower than a B.
3. Successful completion of PRAXIS Exam.
4. Successful mid-point, certificate and/or degree assessment
5. Successful completion of the following PRAXIS Exams are required:  The Application of Core Principles Across Categories of Disability and Teaching Students with Mental Retardation

NOTE:

1. Students who earn a grade of C or below in any Special Education course leading to teacher certification are required to repeat the course before being admitted to Student Teaching (EDSP635).
2. Successful completion of the following PRAXIS Exams is required for Moderate Severe teacher certification:  The Application of Core Principles Across Categories of Disability and Teaching Students with Mental retardation.
3. Successful completion of midpoint evaluation of program and performance.
4. A portfolio is required for completion of this program.
5. The Certification Program requires development of a Professional Portfolio and a Midpoint Performance Review, both of which must be successfully completed before the participant will be recommended for certification by the Kentucky Department of Education
6. This program is considered tentative unless signed by both the advisor and student.

Master of Education in Special Education with Concentration in Vision Impairment

Admission Requirements:  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, admission to Graduate School, and certification in elementary education.

Prerequisites in Special Education (nine (9) hours)

(Courses required as preparation for graduate work but not counted in 31-hour minimum total for master's degree)

EDSP   505     Introduction to Blindness and Visual Impairment                               3

EDSP   509     Standard English and Nemeth Braille Codes                                      3

EDSP   540     Introduction to Exceptional Children                                                  3

Graduate Core Requirements (6 hours)

EDFD   600     Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics                               3

EDFD              Historical, sociological, or philosophical foundations of education to be selected from one of the following:

                        EDFD620, 625,630,640,681                                                              3

Visual Impairment Specialization (15 hours)

EDSP   510     Educational Procedures for Blind Children                                          3

EDSP   512     Orientation, Mobility, and Daily Living Skills for the Visually Impaired               3

EDSP   525     Educational Procedures for Low Vision Children                                 3

EDSP   594     Problems and Methods of Teaching Physically Handicapped and Sensory Impaired      3

EDSP   628     Seminar:  Assessment of the Visually Impaired Students                  3

Related Electives (six (6) hours)

The student will select courses numbered 600 or above with advisor's approval (may be outside Education)          6

Exit Requirement (4 hours)

EDSP   629     Practicum n Visual Impairment                                                           4

Minimum total hours                                                                                               31

NOTES:

1.        Students who make a grade below "C" in any Special Education course leading to teacher certification are required to repeat the course and earn a minimum grade of "C" prior to being admitted into student teaching.

2.        This degree requires an exit evaluation.  The exit evaluation may consist of a research paper or project in EDSP639 at the end of the program.

3.        Successful completion of the PRAXIS Exam is required for teacher certification.  The Application of Core Principles Across Categories of Disability and Teaching Students with Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances must be taken.

Peter Alter

Debra Bauder

Monica Delano

Nicole Fenty

Lisa Kemmerer

Amy Lingo

Bill Penrod

Terry Scott

Thomas Simmons