Advanced Education | Master of Science: Special Education (Gifted)
The Master of Science in Special Education – Gifted program supports candidates in developing that knowledge and skills to provide equitable and appropriate education for exceptional children and youth. Designed for flexibility, convenience, and educational quality, this fully online program concentrates on the practical needs and challenges faced by today’s gifted facilitators.
The Special Education – Gifted program has two pathways: earning the endorsement only (15 graduate credit hours) or earning the endorsement plus a Master’s degree (plus an additional 21 graduate credit hours).
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| AEP 800 | Innovative Technology Integration | 3 |
| AEP 803 | Educational Research | 3 |
| AEP 855 | Educational Leadership | 3 |
| AEP 867 | Instructional Design and Assessment | 3 |
| AEP 880 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Concentration Core Courses | ||
| SPED 851 | Theories & Models in Gifted Education | 3 |
| SPED 852 | Educational Strategies in Special Education: Gifted | 3 |
| SPED 853 | Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Education | 3 |
| SPED 855 | Identification and Assessment for Gifted Education | 3 |
| SPED 859 | Pract/Collab & Consult: Gifted Special Education | 3 |
| Directed Choices | 6 | |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Graduate School Graduation Requirements
All Graduate degrees1 require:
- Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
- A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
- Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
- Degree completion within 8 years.
- 1
Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SPED 852 | Educational Strategies in Special Education: Gifted | 3 |
| SPED 853 | Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Education | 3 |
| AEP 800 | Innovative Technology Integration | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| AEP 880 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Directed Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| SPED 851 | Theories & Models in Gifted Education | 3 |
| SPED 855 | Identification and Assessment for Gifted Education | 3 |
| AEP 803 | Educational Research | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPED 859 | Pract/Collab & Consult: Gifted Special Education | 3 |
| AEP 855 | Educational Leadership | 3 |
| AEP 867 | Instructional Design and Assessment | 3 |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.