Developmental disabilities program (M.Ed.)

Developmental disabilities pages

Admission

Follow the admission link at right for detailed instructions on applying for the program. Deadline for application is April 15.

Program description

The professional development program in special education specializing in developmental disabilities leads to K-12 classroom licensure and an M.Ed. degree and is designed to prepare teachers to work in a variety of educational settings.

The program philosophy focuses on cultural and social diversity and meeting the needs of individual students who have developmental disabilities. Graduates are prepared to assess, analyze and problem solve the challenges of learning for students with developmental disabilities and their families, focusing on the objective of providing effective teaching practices and instructional strategies.

Careers in developmental disabilities

Graduates of our program may serve as classroom or resource room teachers, as consultants to the general classroom teacher, and as itinerant teachers providing direct service to students and their families. Professional teachers may serve students who range in age from kindergarten through young adults, who have additional conditions, and who come from a variety of cultural, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Licensure requirements

There are three paths to DD Licensure, ABS plus DD, DD only or DD additional licensure. Prior equivalent coursework may be substituted for some courses. You and your advisor will review specific requirements once you are admitted. Course requirements vary by licensure program.

Standards of Effective Practice Course Requirements (18 credits)

Students entering as an initial licensure student or those who do not hold a MN license will need to complete the SEP requirements or show proof of prior completion.

EdHD 5003 – Developmental and Individual Differences (2cr)
EdHD 5005 – School and Society (2cr)
EdHD 5009 - Human Relations (1cr)
PubH 6003 or 3005 – Fundamentals of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (1cr)
EPsy 5114 – Psychology of Student Learning (3cr)
EdHD 5007 – Technology for Teaching and Learning (1.5cr)
EPsy 5701 – Practicum in General Education (2cr) (or proof of 120 hours of experience)

Special Education Core Course Requirements (18 credits)

EPsy 4613 – Foundations of Special Education (3cr)
EPsy 5605 – Collaborative Practices for the Special Educator (3cr)
EPsy 5614 - Assessment and Due Process in Special Education (3cr + 1 lab cr)
EPsy 5616 - Classroom Management and Behavior Analytic Problem Solving (3cr)
EPsy 5618 – Specialized Interventions for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities in Reading and Written Expression (3cr)
EPsy 5631 – Module 1: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1cr)
EPsy 5705 – Practicum in ECSE / Elementary Settings (1cr)

Academic Behavior Strategist Course Requirements (22 credits)

EPSY 5604 – Transitions from Work to School or Community Settings for Persons with Special Needs (3cr)
EPSY 5611 – Research-Based Practices in Academic and Behavior Disabilities (3cr)
EPSY 5617 - Academic and Social Interventions for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3cr)
EPSY 5619 - Specialized Interventions for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities in Mathematics (3cr)
EPSY 5657 - Interventions for Behavior Problems in School Settings (3cr)
EPSY 5704 – Practicum in Middle / Secondary Settings (1cr)
EPSY 5741 –Student Teaching: Academic Behavior Strategist (6cr) (this course not taken if completing DD only)

Developmental Disabilities Course Requirements (12 credits)

EPSY 5621 – Assessment and Instructional Design for Students with Developmental Disabilities (3cr)
EPSY 5622 – Programs and Curricula for Students with Developmental Disabilities (3cr)
EPSY 5624 – Biomedical and Physical Impairments of Students with Developmental Disabilities (2cr)
EPSY 5636 – Sensory Impairments of Students with Developmental Disabilities (2cr)
EPSY 5706 – Practicum in Moderate/Severe Developmental Disabilities (2cr) or EPsy 5755/6 – Student Teaching: Developmental Disabilities (6cr)