Learning Disabilities

Master of Science Degree

The MS degree program consists of the coursework required for LD certification/licensure plus three Research Core Courses (SPED 600, 610, and 694). All courses except SPED 548 and SPED 605 can be applied towards the 36 graduate level credits required for the Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities. Application to the Master’s degree program and submission of transcripts and other materials is made through MSU’s Graduate Studies and Research office at http://grad.mnsu.edu/applying/

Admission Requirements: 3.2 overall GPA

Courses Required for Initial Teacher Licensure (16 cr):For those without a teaching license
SPED 509: Learning and Human Development for Diverse Learners (4)
SPED 511: Differentiation and Accommodation in an Inclusive Classroom (4)
SPED 513: Advanced Pedagogy and Theories of Learning  (4)
SPED 514: Literacy Methods in an Inclusive Classroom: Diverse Learners (4)
 

Required Courses for All LD Licensure Students

Prerequisite Courses -
4/548 (4 cr) Behavior Management and Learning Environments for Diverse Learners
4/605 (3 cr) Introduction to Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children and Youth
Reading Requirement: Licensed teachers outside of Elementary Education must take SPED 614(3)

The following are the Special Education Core and disability-specific classes totaling 29 credits for licensure:

Special Education Core Courses (15 credits)
SPED 661 Special Education Law (3)
SPED 645 Formal and Informal Clinical Procedures (4)
SPED 639 Transition to Adult Life (4)
SPED 619 Introduction to IEPs, Professional Practice, and Educational Technology (4)

Courses Required for LD Licensure/Certificate (14 credits)
SPED 646 Advanced Instructional Methods for Learning Disabilities (4)
SPED 644 Program Foundations for Students with Learning and Behavior Problems (4)
SPED 648 Graduate Student Teaching: LD (3)
AND
SPED 656 Initial Graduate Seminar: Special Education (3 credits) OR
SPED 659 Advanced Graduate Seminar: Special Education (3 credits)
(*Student teaching and seminar are to be taken concurrently)

Research Core Courses (7 credits)
All coursework for the Master's must be completed before taking the Research Core courses. The courses must also be taken in the sequence listed and cannot be taken simultaneously
SPED 600: Introduction to Educational Research (3) OR SPED 603: Action Research
SPED 610: Using Educational Research (3)
SPED 694: Preparing Capstone Project (1)