Coursework
Course Requirements
Candidates should not take more than two courses (six units) per term.
Completion of all requirements, including all examinations and coursework, must be met before a candidate may participate in the graduation ceremony or have their master’s degree posted. An Intent to Graduate Form must be completed by deadlines set by the Office of the Graduate Registrar and fees paid whether the candidate wishes to participate in the ceremony or not.
| Core Coursework | 15 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 581 Historical and Philosophical Perspectives of Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 582 Theories of Learning and Research in Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 583 Current Trends in Curriculum and Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 584A Guided Research Project: Procedures | 3 | |
SPED 584B Guided Research Project: Findings | 3 | |
| Required Advanced Courses* | 15 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 509 Technology in Special Education | 3 | |
SPED 510 Research Based Learning Theories | 3 | |
SPED 538 Special Education Issues: Mild to Moderate Disabilities | 3 | |
SPED 547 Implementation of Special Education Legislation | 3 | |
SPED 558 Advanced Theory and Research-based Practices for Supporting Students with Disabilities | 3 | |
*May use credential courses for advanced course requirements
| Elective Courses | 6 units | |
|---|---|---|
| (Select 6 units from the courses below. Elective units must be approved by advisor.) | ||
EDPY 633 Multicultural and Bilingual Assessment and Intervention | 3 | |
EDUC 500 Technology and the K–12 Educator | 3 | |
EDUC 501 Language Structure and Use | 3 | |
EDUC 503 School Practicum in English Language Development | 3 | |
EDUC 504 Teaching and Cultural Diversity* | 3 | |
EDUC 507 Family, Community, and School Connections | 3 | |
EDUC 574 Current Issues in Education | 3 | |
SPED 500 Special Topics | 1–3 | |
SPED 505 Educational Foundations and Classroom Experiences (K–12) | 3 | |
SPED 509 Technology in Special Education | 3 | |
SPED 511 Language Development for All Students* | 3 | |
SPED 515 Clinical Experiences in Teaching Reading and Writing (K–8)* | 3 | |
SPED 530 Introduction to Individual Differences and Strengths-based Education* | 3 | |
SPED 531 Assessment Issues and Methodologies Related to Student Learning* | 3 | |
SPED 535 Counseling, Collaboration, and Consultation* | 3 | |
SPED 536 Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Reading and Written Language Arts Disorders* | 3 | |
SPED 537 Theories and Interventions in Behavior Disorders* | 3 | |
SPED 538 Special Education Issues: Mild to Moderate Disabilities* | 3 | |
SPED 540 Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Math Disorders* | 3 | |
SPED 547 Implementation of Special Education Legislation | 3 | |
SPED 554 Advanced Study Teaching Special Populations | 3 | |
| Total Elective Units | 6 units | |
| Total Units for Master’s Degree | 42 units | |
| *Preliminary Mild to Moderate Credential courses | ||
|
Other Requirements
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TaskStream ePortfolios
Candidates are required to enroll in TaskStream, which includes an online portfolio assessment system to facilitate candidate evaluation. Candidates create electronic portfolios to showcase and document their competencies and experience, share artifacts or the entire portfolio with instructors and advisors for feedback and review online, submit sections of their portfolio or the entire body of work for evaluation online, and track their progress toward their degree. Courses include assignments, etc. that create the portfolio. A one-time assessment fee is levied at the program’s outset to cover these requirements.
Note: Up-to-date schedule of course offerings can be found through the university’s Web portal, or with the assistance of the SPED site coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units do I take each semester?
Students may take no more than 8 units per nine-week term, which includes a maximum of two methods or education classes and their corequisite field experiences (if appropriate).
How long is a semester?
Each semester has two terms (Fall I and Fall II, Spring I and Spring II). Each term is nine weeks in length. The 18-week student teaching semester covers Fall I and II or Spring I and II.
How many hours does each class session require?
Each class requires that students meet for approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, once a week.
How many evenings per week do I attend classes?
Students meet one night a week for nine weeks, plus a Saturday final exam session.
Does APU require theses, dissertations, or capstone projects?
Students are required to complete a thesis/capstone project for this program.
How soon can I finish this program?
This program can be completed in a year. Depending upon the desired course load, working individuals usually finish this program in 12–18 months.
