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Master of Science in Education Special Education Teaching courses
Special Education Teaching coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 46
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 4 courses
- Specialization 5 courses
- Elective 1 course
- Capstone 1 course
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5700
Specialization Course Foundations of Special Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the historical, conceptual, and cultural foundations of special education. Learners examine current issues relevant to the education of students with disabilities and analyze the social construction of disability. In addition, learners analyze how culture and context influence their work with their students. Learners develop an ethical decision-making framework needed to advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5706
Specialization Course Assessment and Planning for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
Learners study referral, assessment, placement, and planning procedures for students with disabilities. Learners evaluate the use of formal and informal assessments, design individual education plans, and examine appropriate methods for reducing bias in assessment. Learners also apply methods and strategies used within the Response to Intervention framework with P - 12 students. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district. Prerequisite: ED5700
4 quarter credits
ED5707
Specialization Course Instruction for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners study ways to develop differentiated academic lesson plans (e.g., reading, writing, calculation, or mathematical reasoning). Learners examine how research-based instruction can support students with disabilities. Learners also develop methods of managing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5712
Specialization Course Communication, Consultation, and Collaboration for Special Education
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate communication and interaction among children, families, teachers, and the community to support the learning and well-being of students with diverse learning needs. Learners assess methods of consulting and collaborating with teachers, agencies, support personnel, and other professionals to provide effective special educational services. Learners identify culturally responsive collaboration and communication practices that improve programs, services, and outcomes for diverse learners. Prerequisite: ED5700
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
Core RSCH7860: Survey of Research Methods - Core
4 quarter credits
ED5503
Core Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply strategies for managing diverse and challenging student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Elective Choose one from the following recommended courses - Specialization
4 quarter credits
ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Core course requirements
Choose 16 program points with a minimum of 2 program points from each category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
EDT5122
Core Digital Citizenship and Technology Applications
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners evaluate the ways that students and teachers become responsible digital citizens as framed by the Children's Internet Safety Act, Children's Online Protection Act, and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. Learners apply best practices for responsibly accessing, evaluating, and using online resources and social media, and analyze the nine elements of digital citizenship, cyber-safety, and cyber-bullying. In addition, learners evaluate ways that teachers align their lessons, objectives, and outcomes to ISTE standards and subject area standards, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Learners build proficiency scales using the Marzano framework to guide students and to evaluate student work and implement standards-based digital instruction that incorporates best practices from the Charlotte Danielson Framework, National Board Teacher Standards, and Professional Teacher Standards. Learners also explore structures and systems that can be implemented to manage a variety of devices and instructional time in a 1:1 environment. Finally, learners institute routines to increase student achievement and motivation to learn, selecting and creating a secure digital learning environment for students.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5503
Core Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply strategies for managing diverse and challenging student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5504
Specialization Elective Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps within the contexts of gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language difference. Learners also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement disparities. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5728
Specialization Elective Methods, Curriculum, and Materials for English Language Learners
4 quarter credits
This course presents ways in which the theoretical model of communicative competence guides the instruction of English Language Learners (ELLs). Learners examine and apply various differentiation strategies in the planning and delivery of appropriate instruction to ELLs and evaluate ways to use instructional technology in the teaching, learning, and assessment of ELLs. Prerequisite(s): ED5726.
4 quarter credits
ED5700
Specialization Course Foundations of Special Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the historical, conceptual, and cultural foundations of special education. Learners examine current issues relevant to the education of students with disabilities and analyze the social construction of disability. In addition, learners analyze how culture and context influence their work with their students. Learners develop an ethical decision-making framework needed to advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
4 quarter credits
ED5712
Specialization Course Communication, Consultation, and Collaboration for Special Education
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate communication and interaction among children, families, teachers, and the community to support the learning and well-being of students with diverse learning needs. Learners assess methods of consulting and collaborating with teachers, agencies, support personnel, and other professionals to provide effective special educational services. Learners identify culturally responsive collaboration and communication practices that improve programs, services, and outcomes for diverse learners. Prerequisite: ED5700
4 quarter credits
ED5706
Specialization Course Assessment and Planning for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
Learners study referral, assessment, placement, and planning procedures for students with disabilities. Learners evaluate the use of formal and informal assessments, design individual education plans, and examine appropriate methods for reducing bias in assessment. Learners also apply methods and strategies used within the Response to Intervention framework with P - 12 students. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district. Prerequisite: ED5700
4 quarter credits
ED5707
Specialization Course Instruction for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners study ways to develop differentiated academic lesson plans (e.g., reading, writing, calculation, or mathematical reasoning). Learners examine how research-based instruction can support students with disabilities. Learners also develop methods of managing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Capstone courses
In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 6 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.