The master’s in special education can be completed in 6 semesters (2.5 calendar years, including one summer). The courses are offered in a face-to-face format for local students and in an online, synchronous, format for students who live or work more than 45 minutes from campus. Students taking the online version of the program can attend courses virtually and can interact with professors and classmates in real-time. All classes take place in the evenings to allow teachers to complete their workday prior to attending class. Taking the GRE is not required for admissions. Admission is accepted for both Fall and Spring semesters; however, the core courses begin in Fall semesters, therefore a Spring admission may not be appropriate unless the student requires pre-requisite coursework to begin more advanced coursework. The master’s degree has two options for specialization - Learning and Behavior Disorders or Moderate and Severe Disabilities. There are options for those that hold a teaching certificate and those that do not (i.e., those seeking initial certification).
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the master of science in special education program, students need to be certified to teach (for the options for those that hold a teaching certificate) or have an undergraduate degree in a related area (e.g., Psychology). Students must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
Degree Requirements
There are eight tracks that lead to a master of science in special education. The tracks are outlined below in the table.
Total credit hours
30-31
Required Coursework
Course names and descriptions are permalinked below the table.
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Candidates who are already Certified
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Candidates who are not Certified (Initial Certification)
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1. LBD T
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2. MSD T
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3. LBD NT
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4. MSD NT
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5. LBD T
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6. MSD T
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7. LBD NT
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8. MSD NT
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Fall 1
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EDS 601
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 601
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 516
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 516
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 601
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 601
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 516
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 516
EDS 630
EDS 632 (1)
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Spring 1
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EDS 618
EDS 610
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 631
EDS 618
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 610
EDS 518
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 631
EDS 518
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 610
EDS 618
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 605
EDS 631
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 610
EDS 518
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 605
EDS 631
EDS 632 (1)
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Summer 1
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EDS 633
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EDS 633
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EDS 633 - or elective
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EDS 633 - or elective
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EDS 633
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EDS 633
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EDS 633 - or elective
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EDS 633 - or elective
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Fall 2
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EDS 611
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 632 (1)
G. elective
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EDS 611
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 660
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 611
EDS 628
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 628
G. elective
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 611
EDS 628
EDS 632 (1)
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EDS 628
G. elective
EDS 632 (1)
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Spring 2
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EDS 634
G. Elective
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EDS 634
EDS 605
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EDS 634
EDS 661
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EDS 634
EDS 605
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EDS 750 (4)
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EDS 750 (4)
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EDS 750 (4)
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EDS 750 (4)
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Summer 2
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Fall 3
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EDS 768
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EDS 768
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EDS 632 (C)
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EDS 632(C)
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EDS 768
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EDS 768
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EDS 632 (C)
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EDS 632 (C)
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Total CH
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30
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30
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30
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30
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31
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31
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31
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31
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*LBD = Learning and Behavior Disorders; MSD = Moderate/Severe Disabilities; T = Thesis Track; NT = Non-Thesis Track; G. Elective = guided elective; (c) = Capstone
**all courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise specified (#)
List of Courses:
EDS 516: Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3.0)
EDS 518: Behavior Management in Applied Settings (3.0)
EDS 601: Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3.0)
EDS 605: Assessment and Treatment of Social and Adaptive Behaviors (3.0)
EDS 608: Creating Supportive and Respectful Learning Environments (3.0)
EDS 610: Advanced Educational Assessment for Students with Mild Disabilities (3.0)
EDS 611: Contemporary Trends and Issues in the Education of Students with Mild Disabilities (3.0)
EDS 618: Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior (3.0)
EDS 628: Reading and Language Arts Assessment and Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3.0)
EDS 630: Advanced Methods for Teaching Students with Disabilities (3.0)
EDS 631: Advanced Programming for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (3.0)
EDS 632 (A,B,C,D): Advanced Practicum in Special Education (variable)
EDS 634: Leadership in Special Education (3.0)
EDS 660: Overview of Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Individuals with ASD (3.0)
EDS 661: Advanced Instructional Strategies for Students with ASD (3.0)
EDS 750 Student Teaching for Initial Certification in Special Education (variable)
EDS 768: Residence Credit for the Master’s Degree Program (3.0)
General Information on Electives:
Depending on the track, students will be advised into 1-2 guided electives individualized to student interest.
Link to Website:
https://education.uky.edu/edsrc/eds/degrees-programs/masters/
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