Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling
Master of Science (M.S.)
The Master of Science degree program is designed for persons who desire a graduate program that will help them improve their competencies as educators while also gaining expertise in educational research. This includes school personnel, as well as individuals who are involved in education-related activities across a variety of community, work, and clinical settings. The MS degree focuses on acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and conduct educational research, improving instruction and management practices, implementing legal requirements, professional collaboration, and addressing cultural and linguistic diversity. All candidates must complete a thesis project. A minimum of 30-36 credits (depending on specific program), including a thesis project, is required for the MS degree. Students in the SPED MS Program are not required to complete a particular area of specialization but are encouraged to fill their required elective credits with courses that align with their particular interests. Students in the SPED MS with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration must complete a required course sequence (no elective credits).
All master’s students are required to enroll in courses that support their area(s) of interest. Courses may either be taken in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling or in other departments. Coursework taken post bachelor’s degree can be applied from licensure or endorsement areas such as:
- Administrative/Supervisory
- Dual Sensory Impairments
- Early Childhood
- English as a Second Language
- Mild/Moderate
- Reading
- Severe Disabilities
Coursework can be applied from a single program or accrued across departments such as:
- Elementary Education
- Family and Human Development
- Instructional Technology
- Program Evaluation
- Psychology
- Secondary Education
- Sociology or Social Work
For more specific information, please visit the department’s website: https://cehs.usu.edu/sperc/sped/masters/master-of-science.
M.S. with Applied Behavior Analysis Coursework
In the M.S. with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration, students complete coursework that meets eligibility requirements to take the Behavior Analysist Certification Board Exam. Individuals already possessing a master’s degree can apply to take only the ABA courses. Students will gain valuable conceptual knowledge and clinical and research experience that will strengthen their professional skills and/or prepare them for further graduate study. For more specific information, please visit the department’s website: https://cehs.usu.edu/sperc/sped/masters/index.
MS Transition Concentration
The Master of Science Transition Concentration degree program will prepare special education teachers licensed at the bachelor’s level and other eligible graduate students to (a) provide transition services preparing individuals with disabilities for adult living, and (b) support and monitor individuals with disabilities in post-secondary education and supported/competitive employment. Students will take “core” masters courses along with transition-related courses.
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