Special Education Program (MEd)

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Southern Oregon University offers three Special Education Programs.

The Special Education Added Endorsement Program is for candidates who already hold a teaching license. Completion of the Special Education Added Endorsement program allows candidates to add the Special Education endorsement to an existing teaching license. The program is completed by passing a prescribed set of classes that may be taken during the school year and Summer Session. The Special Education Added Endorsement Program requires the candidate to complete 36 credits of coursework and related field experience.

The Special Education Added Endorsement+Master’s Program offers the special education endorsement, plus a master’s degree in education. The program comprises 45 credits of coursework and related field experience. Students may complete the Special Education Added Endorsement and Special Education Added Endorsement+Master’s programs in one- or two-year programs of study while working within the public school system. Courses during the fall and winter terms are delivered in a hybrid format (online and weekends), while the summer courses are offered online. Candidates applying to the Special Education Added Endorsement Program do so through the Master’s in Education (MEd) application process. Applicants for either of the Dual programs must hold, or be eligible for, an Oregon Teaching license.

The Special Education Initial Licensure Program (70 credits) allows candidates to become licensed to teach students with exceptionalities at either the elementary or secondary level. When successfully completed, the Special Education Initial Licensure Program results in a Master of Education degree and recommendation to TSPC for an initial Oregon teaching license with a Special Education Endorsement. The Special Education Initial Licensure Program is a full-year, full-time program, beginning in the pre-summer session, and ending in the following spring.

Students seeking admission to the Special Education Initial Licensure Program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and pass a basic skills test (e.g. CBEST or PPST). They must also have taken a foundation of special education or mainstreaming course and a mathematics for elementary teachers course and have documented experience working with children, preferably children with exceptionalities. Candidates must take and pass a civil rights and the National Evaluation Series in Special Education examinations. Initial Licensure candidates must complete two work samples in accordance with Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requirements.

Special Education Added Endorsement Program Course Requirements

(36 credits)

SPED 511 - Internship 6 to 14 credits (8 credits required)
SPED 530 - Law and Policy 4 credits
SPED 531 - Collaboration, Consultation, and Communication 3 credits
SPED 532 - Administration and Interpretation of Assessment Instruments 3 credits
SPED 533 - Behavior Management 3 credits
SPED 534 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Mathematics Methods 3 credits
SPED 535 - Interventions in Functional Skills 3 credits
SPED 536 - IEP Development 3 credits
SPED 538 - Characteristics of Exceptionalities 3 credits
SPED 539 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Reading Methods 3 credits

Special Education Added Endorsement+Master’s Program Course Requirements

(45 credits)

SPED 519 - Action Research in Special Education 3 credits
SPED 511 - Internship 6 to 14 credits (8 credits)
SPED 530 - Law and Policy 4 credits
SPED 531 - Collaboration, Consultation, and Communication 3 credits
SPED 532 - Administration and Interpretation of Assessment Instruments 3 credits
SPED 533 - Behavior Management 3 credits
SPED 534 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Mathematics Methods 3 credits
SPED 535 - Interventions in Functional Skills 3 credits
SPED 536 - IEP Development 3 credits
SPED 538 - Characteristics of Exceptionalities 3 credits
SPED 539 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Reading Methods 3 credits
Electives - 6 credits with Coordinator or Advisor approval)

Special Education Initial Licensure Program Course Requirements

(70 credits)

SPED 509A - Practicum: September Experience 1 credit
SPED 509B - Practicum: Fall Experience 1 credit
SPED 512 - Orientation to Professional Studies 3 credits
SPED 513A - Seminar in Professional Studies 1 credit (1 credit fall term, 1 credit winter term)
SPED 513B - Seminar in Professional Development 3 credits
SPED 514 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Special Education 3 credits
SPED 514L - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Special Education Lab 1 credit
SPED 519 - Action Research in Special Education 3 credits
SPED 520 - Law and Policy 3 credits
SPED 521 - Collaboration, Consultation, and Communication 3 credits
SPED 521L - Collaboration, Consultation, and Communication Lab 1 credit
SPED 522 - Administration and Interpretation of Assessment Instruments 3 credits
SPED 522L - Administration and Interpretation of Assessment Lab 1 credit
SPED 523 - Behavior Management 3 credits
SPED 523L - Behavior Management Lab 1 credit
SPED 524 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Mathematics Methods 3 credits
SPED 524L - Interventions in Academic Skills: Mathematics Methods Skills 1 credit
SPED 525 - Interventions in Functional Skills 3 credits
SPED 525L - Interventions in Functional Skills Lab 1 credit
SPED 526 - IEP Development 3 credits
SPED 526L - IEP Development Lab 1 credit
SPED 528 - Characteristics of Exceptionalities 3 credits
SPED 528L - Characteristics of Exceptionalities Lab 1 credit
SPED 529 - Interventions in Academic Skills: Reading Methods 3 credits
SPED 529L - Interventions in Academic Skills: Reading Methods Lab 1 credit
SPED 540 - Student Teaching 3 credits
SPED 550 - Student Teaching 1 to 14 credits (14 credits required)

Previous (Old) Special Education Plans

Standard License and Standard Endorsement

Students who have completed a Basic Handicapped Learner Endorsement at any institution may complete the Standard Handicapped Learner Endorsement at SOU. Because the department’s courses have changed significantly since the inception of these programs, each student’s program is individually determined. Programs established prior to the course changes are individually altered to result in the least disruption possible. Students needing these changes should see a special education advisor.

Existing Master’s Degrees Requiring Special Education Courses

Students who have an existing plan for the master’s degree requiring special education courses should see a special education advisor to make the changes necessary to conform with the new course offerings. Existing plans are honored with the least number of course changes possible.