Learning Disabilities

The Learning Disabilities Concentration includes advanced coursework in learning disabilities and in special education more generally. In addition, students are required to take at least one ECPS course outside the SPED area. Toward the end of their program, M.Ed. students design a field/inquiry experience with their program advisor that links theory and research with practice in students’ own work setting or in an alternate setting approved by the program advisor. M.A. students complete a research project and write a thesis. Students in both Masters programs will have opportunities to take electives to elaborate their understanding of how to support students with learning challenges.

View the standard program prerequisites and additional information.

MA Program Requirements

EPSE 512 (3) Critical Issues in Special Education
Choose 3 credits of ECPS Coursework outside the SPED area:

List of approved ECPS Courses

Learning Disabilities Core Courses includes (9 credits):
EPSE 526 (3) Seminar in Specific Learning Disabilities
EPSE 583 (3) Fostering Self-Regulated Learning [formerly EPSE 565R]
EPSE 562 (3) Designing Inclusive Learning Communities: From Theory to Practice [formerly EPSE 565i]
Choose 6 credits of approved electives including two of the following courses (ideally EPSE 421 and EPSE 431) if equivalent not taken previously):
EPSE 421 (3) Assessment of Learning Difficulties
EPSE 431 (3) Programming for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
EPSE 531 (3) Data-Based Individualization of Academic Interventions for Learning Difficulties
EPSE 555 (3) Academic and Social emotional Assessment
EPSE 563 (3) Inclusive Assessment and Programming for Students Requiring Targeted Supports [formerly EPSE 565t]
Methodology Requirements – choose 3 credits from the following (or other approved course):
EPSE 592 (3) Experimental Designs and Analysis in Educational Research
EPSE 593 (3) Design and Analysis of Research with Small Samples and Single Subjects
EPSE 595 (3) Qualitative Research Methods
EPSE 596 (3) Correlational Designs and Analysis in Educational Research
Thesis Requirement (6 credits):
EPSE 599 (6) Master’s Thesis

Contact the SPED program support for application or course registration information.

For more information about the concentration, contact Dr. Sterett Mercer.