COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Special Education requires a total of 30 units and is designed to provide comprehensive training in supporting students with diverse learning needs. The program includes 24 units of core coursework covering key areas such as language development and disability, autism spectrum disorders, teaching emergent bilingual students with disabilities, collaboration and transition, assistive and instructional technology, and positive behavior support. Students also complete assessment-focused coursework by choosing between evaluating students with disabilities or young children, along with a methods course tailored to specific populations such as students with extensive support needs, young children with disabilities, or inclusive pedagogy. In addition, students take a 3-unit research course, Introduction to Action Research in Special Education, which fulfills the GWAR requirement and prepares them for conducting applied research. The program concludes with a 3-unit culminating experience, where students choose between Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (project). The thesis option involves original research under faculty supervision, while the project option requires a substantial research paper demonstrating independent analysis and practical application. Overall, the program integrates theory, research, and practical strategies to prepare educators to create inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments.