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 Courses offered every term (online) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 in Disabilities Studies | 3 |
| Core Courses offered Fall/Spring I terms only | ||
| SPED 531 | Tests, Measurements, and Instructional Planning | 3 |
| SPED 540 | Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Math Disorders | 3 |
| SPED 554 | Advanced Study Teaching Special Populations | 3 |
| Core Courses offered Fall/Spring II terms only | ||
| SPED 535 | Counseling, Collaboration, and Consultation | 3 |
| SPED 536 | Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Reading and Written Language Arts Disorders | 3 |
| Total Core Units | 24 | |
| Emphasis Courses: choose one emphasis (two courses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Interventions | ||
| SPED 504 | Introduction to Behavior Analysis in Applied Settings | 3 |
| SPED 514 | Advanced Behavior Analysis in Applied Settings | 3 |
| Bilingual Education | ||
| SPED 511 | Language Development for All Students | 3 |
| SPED 532 | Bilingual Special Education | 3 |
| Classroom Interventions | ||
| SPED 513 | Literacy and Math Prescriptives with Assistive Technology | 3 |
| SPED 516 | Clinical Experience in Teaching Reading and Writing | 3 |
| SPED 524 | Advanced Topical Study: Applications and Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPED 534 | Single-case Designs: Measurement and Experimental Evaluation of Behavior | 3 |
| Total Emphasis Units | 6 | |
Elective Courses: choose two courses with approval of advisor/site coordinator and/or program director NOTE: 6 semester or 8 quarter units (2 courses) may be transferred in by approval of the graduate registrar. A Transfer Request Form is required. If NOT used as part of emphasis: |
||
| SPED 503 | Behavior Support to Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 511 | Language Development for All Students | 3 |
| SPED 512 | Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice | 3 |
| SPED 513 | Literacy and Math Prescriptives with Assistive Technology | 3 |
| SPED 516 | Clinical Experience in Teaching Reading and Writing | 3 |
| SPED 524 | Advanced Topical Study: Applications and Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPED 534 | Single-case Designs: Measurement and Experimental Evaluation of Behavior | 3 |
| SPED 537 | Theories and Interventions in Behavior Disorders | 3 |
| If candidate also needs CLAD/CTEL Certification: | ||
| EDUC 501 | Language Structure and Use | 3 |
| EDUC 502 | Methods of Bilingual English Language Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 503 | School Practicum in English Language Development | 3 |
| EDUC 544 | Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity in a Pluralistic Society | 3 |
| If candidate also has Preliminary Credential (Level I) and wants to complete Professional Clear Credential (Level II): | ||
| EDUC 500 | Technology and the K-12 Educator | 3 |
| SPED 509 | Technology in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 538 | Special Education Issues: Mild to Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 547 | Implementation of Special Education Legislation | 3 |
| Other Electives | ||
| SPED 530 | Introduction to Individual Differences and Strengths-based Education | 3 |
| SPED 500 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| EDUC 554 | Instructional Principles and Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 574 | Current Issues in Education | 3 |
| Total Elective Units | 6 | |
Other Requirements
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| Final Core Courses (Capstone Project): Can not be taken out of order or during summer terms. | ||
| SPED 584A | Guided Research Project: Procedures | 3 |
| SPED 584B | Guided Research Project: Findings | 3 |
| Total Units for Master’s | 42 | |
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 eight 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.
