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/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 Advanced Computer Education | 3 | |
EDUC 501 Language Structure and Use | 3 | |
EDUC 502 Methods of Bilingual English Language Teaching | 3 | |
EDUC 503 Practical Approaches and Methods to Literacy Development for English Learners | 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 Management (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/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 | 42–45 units | |
| *Preliminary Mild/Moderate Credential courses | ||
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Other Requirements
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TaskStream
All School of Education degree, credential, and non-degree candidates must register for and establish an electronic portfolio account through TaskStream for the duration of their studies. The candidate’s electronic portfolio will be contributed to throughout the program of study and will include the course signature assignments and other key assessments as required by the candidate’s degree or credential program. The signature assignments are critical to program improvement efforts and to the School of Education’s continuing accreditation. A candidate’s final course grade for courses with a signature assignment cannot be submitted until all necessary assessments have been uploaded to TaskStream. Successful evaluation of the electronic portfolio is required for degree completion and/or recommendation for a credential to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
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.
