Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Special Education B.S.

Educational Psychology
College of Education and Human Development
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 54 to 58
  • Student teaching and practicum experiences will be conducted at public school sites.
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
The bachelor of science degree program in special education (BS/SE) prepares students as generalists to serve children with frequently occurring (high incidence) disabilities. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of special education, effective intervention strategies, and the problem solving approach to instruction. Graduates of the BS/SE program receive a license as an Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) to teach in the field of special education in grades kindergarten through age 21. The (BS/SE) program prepares interested students to enter an additional licensure program in one or more specialized fields e.g. Early Childhood-Special Education, Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, in conjunction with an MA/MEd degree within 5 years of graduation. The BS/SE undergraduate program maintains the integrity of a research-based degree program recognized nationally. The program is specifically designed for developing teachers as researchers by focusing on the latest developments in educational research and supporting the need to make informed, data-based instructional decisions to ensure that children with special needs reach their full potential.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Students must complete 30 credits before admission to the program.
A GPA above 2.0 is preferred for the following:
  • 2.75 already admitted to the degree-granting college
  • 2.75 transferring from another University of Minnesota college
  • 2.75 transferring from outside the University
To be eligible to apply, students must have: • At least 30 credits completed or in progress • Completed EPSY 2601 Students transferring into the University of Minnesota must have completed the equivalent of first-year composition (WRIT 1301 or higher) and college algebra or higher (PSTL 1006, Math 1031, or higher). Once admitted to the major, transfer students will be expected to complete EPSY 2601 in their first semester. The following courses should be completed or in progress at the time of application*: • EPSY 2601 • First-year writing • College algebra *All prerequisites and major courses must be completed A/F unless the course is offered S/N only. BS/SE only students must earn a C- or higher for all required/recommended pre-requisites and for all major coursework. NOTE: For licensure, students must meet minimum performance standards in licensure work (a) B average in all licensure coursework prior to student teaching & (b) minimum of B- in each licensure course
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Admission Requirements
EPSY 2601 - Understanding Differences, Disabilities, and the Career of Special Education [DSJ] (4.0 cr)
Required Courses
The following courses must be complete or in progress.
WRIT 1301 - University Writing (4.0 cr)
or WRIT 1401 - University Writing - Community Engaged Learning (4.0 cr)
CI 1806 - College Algebra through Modeling [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1051 - Precalculus I [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1151 - Precalculus II [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Open electives: Students can be advised to take additional coursework to suit their needs/interests. For example, students can study a second language, obtain coaching certification, take part in global experiences, begin work on a second license area (i.e., Elementary Education), or seek a minor course of study including (but not limited to) an EPSY minor.
Foundation Courses
All students are required to take the following courses:
OLPD 5005 - School and Society (2.0 cr)
PUBH 3005 {Inactive} (1.0 cr)
OLPD 5009 - Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society (1.0 cr)
CI 5307 - Technology for Teaching and Learning (1.5 cr)
CPSY 2301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology [SOCS] (4.0 cr)
or CPSY 3301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology [SOCS] (4.0 cr)
Core Requirements
EPSY 5613 - Foundations of Special Education I [DSJ] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5616W - Classroom Management and Behavior Analytic Problem Solving [WI] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5631 - Module 1: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1.0 cr)
EPSY 5611 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5657 - Interventions for Behavioral Problems in School Settings (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5618 - Specialized Interventions for Students With Mild/Moderate Disabilities in Reading & Written Language (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5619W {Inactive} [WI] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5705 - Clinical: Field Experiences in ECSE or Elementary Special Education Classrooms (1.0-2.0 cr)
EPSY 5614W - Assessment and Due Process in Special Education [WI] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5617 - Academic and Social Interventions for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5604 - Transition From School to Work and Community Living for Persons With Special Needs (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5605W - Collaborative Practices for the Special Educator [WI] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 5704 - Clinical: Field Experiences in Middle and Secondary (HS/T) Special Education Classrooms (1.0-2.0 cr)
EPSY 5741 - Student Teaching: Academic and Behavioral Strategist (3.0-6.0 cr)
EPSY 3264 - Basic and Applied Statistics [MATH] (3.0 cr)
EPSY 3701 - Practicum: Field Experience in General Education - Inclusive Classrooms (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EPSY 5701 - Practicum: Field Experience in General Education - Inclusive Classrooms (1.0-2.0 cr)
EPSY 3119 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or EPSY 5001 - Learning, Cognition, and Assessment (3.0 cr)
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the Major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· EPSY 5611 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Education and Human Development

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022
· Summer 2022
· Summer 2021
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2019
· Fall 2018

View sample plan(s):
· Special Education BS Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Special Education B.S.
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EPSY 2601 - Understanding Differences, Disabilities, and the Career of Special Education (DSJ)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Impact of disabilities on individual/family. Support systems for persons with disabilities, approaches for advocacy. Employ reflective practices when considering concept of disability. This course has an imbedded school-based practicum.
WRIT 1301 - University Writing
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 1301/H/Writ 1401
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
WRIT 1301 introduces students to rhetorical principles that provide a framework for successful written communication in college and beyond. Students study and write in a variety of genres and disciplines, and in multimodal forms. The courses focus on writing as a way of knowing and learning to develop ideas through critical thinking, including analysis and synthesis. Based on the assumption that writing is a social activity, the course is a workshop format and requires active engagement in the writing process, including pre-writing, peer review, revision, and editing. Students develop information literacy and hone the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively and ethically incorporate information into their own texts. The blended model combines two credit hours/week of small face-to-face class with two credit hours of online instruction in Canvas. Some sections are dedicated for international and multilingual students. WRIT 1301 fulfills the first-year writing requirement.
WRIT 1401 - University Writing - Community Engaged Learning
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 1301/H/Writ 1401
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students in WRIT 1401 work with a local community organization as they explore writing processes and practices and rhetorical principles that provide a framework for successful written communication in college and beyond. Students analyze how writing works in varying contexts/genres and how it presents complex arguments with an emphasis on exploring ways that writing works to support change in communities and to promote social justice. Students use and expand their writing process and revision to develop writing form/style and rhetorical content that contributes to conversations and provides new insight. Students develop information literacy and hone the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively and ethically incorporate information into their own texts. The blended course modality combines two credit hours/week of small face-to-face class with two credit hours of online instruction in Canvas, in addition to weekly homework assignments. An additional 2 lab hours/week provide a common time and place reserved for work on and with our community partners. These are considered homework hours. WRIT 1401 fulfills the first-year writing requirement.
CI 1806 - College Algebra through Modeling (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CI 1806/Math 1031
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Math modeling, including linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions, counting/probability. Excel or calculators used to develop equations/graphs from theoretical/real interdisciplinary data. Projects enable students to use models to examine trends, make predictions. prereq: Three yrs high school math or grade of at least C+ in PsTL 0731 or PsTL 0732 or CI 0832 or placement test score or instr consent
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CI 1806/Math 1031
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Graphs of equations and functions, transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions, with applications; inverses and compositions of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; basic probability rules, conditional probabilities, binomial probabilities. prereq: 3 yrs high school math or satisfactory score on placement exam or grade of at least C- in [PSTL 731 or PSTL 732 or CI 0832]
MATH 1051 - Precalculus I (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Graphs of equations and functions, transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions with applications; zeroes of polynomials; inverses and compositions of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; coverage beyond that found in the usual 3 years of high school math. prereq: 3 yrs of high school math or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [PSTL 731 or PSTL 732 or CI 0832]
MATH 1151 - Precalculus II (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1151/Math1155
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Properties of trigonometric functions and their inverses, including graphs and identities, with applications; polar coordinates, equations, graphs; complex numbers, complex plane, DeMoivre's Theorem; conic sections; systems of linear equations and inequalities, with applications; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement exam or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
OLPD 5005 - School and Society
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Readings in history, philosophy, social sciences, and law revealing diverse educational values in a pluralistic society. Multiple expectations of schools. Civil liberties, rights, community. Varying cultural backgrounds of students, family circumstances, exceptional needs. prereq: Jr or sr or MEd/initial licensure student or CLA music ed major or preteaching major or instr consent
OLPD 5009 - Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Issues of prejudice/discrimination in terms of history, power, social perception. Knowledge/skills acquisition in cooperative learning, multicultural education, group dynamics, social influence, leadership, judgment/decision making, prejudice reduction, conflict resolution, teaching in diverse educational settings. prereq: MEd/init lic or CLA music ed or preteaching or instr consent
CI 5307 - Technology for Teaching and Learning
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Diverse educational technology in K-12 classrooms. Effective use of technology. Computer technologies used to stimulate personal productivity/communication and to enhance teaching/learning processes. prereq: [MEd/initial licensure or CLA music ed major or preteaching major or instr consent], basic computer skills
CPSY 2301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology (SOCS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CPsy 2301/ 3301/ H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course will examine normative physical, social, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence. The major goals include fostering an understanding of the usefulness of a developmental approach to psychological issues, familiarizing students with current research and methodology in developmental psychology, and engaging students in the experiences of developmental psychology through observation and analysis of child behavior. PSY majors should take the cross-listed course CPSY 3301.
CPSY 3301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology (SOCS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CPsy 2301/ 3301/ H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course will examine normative physical, social, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence. The major goals include fostering an understanding of the usefulness of a developmental approach to psychological issues, familiarizing students with current research and methodology in child psychology, and engaging students in the experiences of developmental psychology through observation and analysis of child behavior. This course is intended for non-Child Psychology/Early Childhood majors. Those majors should take the cross-listed course CPSY 2301.
EPSY 5613 - Foundations of Special Education I (DSJ)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3613/EPsy 5613
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
To review the foundations of special education, culminating in an understanding of the application of the IDEAL Problem Solving Model. The course will address concepts related to exceptionality; historical and legal foundations; problem solving and tools of inquiry; collaborative relationships with families, educational, and community professionals; support of students with disabilities in general education; characteristics of students with high and low incidence disabilities, and ethics. Teacher candidates will learn methods of formative assessment using curriculum-based measures (CBM) and practice analyzing data to make instructional decisions and inform early intervention for struggling students.
EPSY 5616W - Classroom Management and Behavior Analytic Problem Solving (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3616W/ EPsy 5616W
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Focuses on principles of behavior analysis and procedures used in the assessment and management of classroom behavior. Although the application of behavioral principles in educational settings is the central purpose of this course, complementary issues related to general classroom management will also be addressed. Consistent with the mission of the College of Education and Human Development, this course aims to strengthen effective educational practice, promote inquiry, and build leadership skills for regular and special educators and professionals in allied fields. Community Engaged Learning (CEL): This course integrates community engaged learning in an educational setting, which may include day-care centers, pre-kindergarten programs, K-12 schools, and post-secondary transition programs. Students are required to engage in a community placement for a minimum of 2 hours per week (20 hours total). Licensure students should use their pre-student teaching field experience placements as their CEL site and must complete the minimum number of hours required of their field experience course. Note: Teacher licensure candidates should register for the appropriate pre-student teaching field experience in accordance with their program plans. Non-licensure students have two options for securing a CEL placement: (1) register for 1 credit of EPSY 3701/5701 Practicum: Field Experience in General Education ? Inclusive Classrooms or (2) secure a placement through the UMN Center for Community Engaged Learning (information provided in class). prereq: For online sections, students must be an ASD certificate candidate or a Special Education Major or Special Education M.Ed./M.A.
EPSY 5631 - Module 1: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3631/EPsy 5631
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Terms/concepts related to augmentative/alternative communication. Myths/facts regarding AAC.
EPSY 5657 - Interventions for Behavioral Problems in School Settings
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4657/EPsy 5657
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Comprehensive behavioral programs for students with social and or emotional disabilities. Instructing students with social and or emotional disabilities.
EPSY 5618 - Specialized Interventions for Students With Mild/Moderate Disabilities in Reading & Written Language
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4618/EPsy 5618
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The purpose of this course is to prepare teachers of students at risk and with academic disabilities to address their specific learning needs in the area of reading and written language, using a data-based decision-making approach. Through course readings, lectures, discussions, cooperative group work, microteaching, and field experiences, students will gain knowledge and skills to address the needs of children with difficulties or disabilities that affect reading and writing, including children with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
EPSY 5705 - Clinical: Field Experiences in ECSE or Elementary Special Education Classrooms
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Field experiences (prior to student teaching) meet the requirements set by Minnesota?s Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The focus of this course is for initial licensure teacher candidates in the field of special education in preparation for practicing principles required for successful inclusion of students in their least restrictive environment (LRE). Teacher candidates will observe and interact with students with disabilities (license specific) teachers in ECSE and elementary school settings. Consistent with the mission of the College of Education and Human Development and the Special Education Programs, this field experience strengthens effective educational practices, promotes inquiry and problem solving skills, and builds leadership skills for special educators who work with students with disabilities specific to the licensure area. All placements are requested and confirmed by the Field Placement Coordinator in the Special Education Program. Placements are based on licensure program requirements and information (e.g., availability) teacher candidates provide on the Field Experience Placement Questionnaire. Field experiences occur during the regular school day; scheduled between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Schedules vary by school and cooperating teacher. You will receive an email with all placement details once finalized.
EPSY 5614W - Assessment and Due Process in Special Education (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4614W/EPsy 5614W
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Participants will learn basic standardized assessment and how it directly relates to special education. In addition, students will use the assessment as part of an ongoing process for making instructional programming decisions. Students will apply skills in designing and evaluating assessment plans and in making eligibility decisions.
EPSY 5617 - Academic and Social Interventions for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4617/ 5617/ EPsy 5615
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Use problem solving model to make data-based decisions regarding implementation and evaluation of instruction for students with academic and behavioral difficulties.
EPSY 5604 - Transition From School to Work and Community Living for Persons With Special Needs
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4604/EPsy 5604
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Use of strategies/models for improving transition of youth from school to work and community living. Course content that specifically addresses all phases of student assessment, individualized transition planning. Parent, family, and student involvement in designing post school options. Community-based services (employment, residential living, social and recreational services, etc). Comprehensive interagency approaches.
EPSY 5605W - Collaborative Practices for the Special Educator (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 4605W/ EPsy 5605W
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Skills/knowledge required to consult/collaborate with school personnel, families, other professionals to maintain effective educational support.
EPSY 5704 - Clinical: Field Experiences in Middle and Secondary (HS/T) Special Education Classrooms
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Field experiences (prior to student teaching) meet the requirements set by Minnesota?s Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The focus of this course is for initial licensure teacher candidates in the field of special education in preparation for practicing principles required for successful inclusion of students in their least restrictive environment (LRE). Teacher candidates will observe and interact with students with disabilities (license specific) teachers in middle and secondary (high school or transition) school settings. Consistent with the mission of the College of Education and Human Development and the Special Education Programs, this field experience strengthens effective educational practices, promotes inquiry and problem solving skills, and builds leadership skills for special educators who work with students with disabilities specific to the licensure area. All placements are requested and confirmed by the Field Placement Coordinator in the Special Education Program. Placements are based on licensure program requirements and information (e.g., availability) teacher candidates provide on the Field Experience Placement Questionnaire. Field experiences occur during the regular school day; scheduled between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Schedules vary by school and cooperating teacher. You will receive an email with all placement details once finalized.
EPSY 5741 - Student Teaching: Academic and Behavioral Strategist
Credits: 3.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Transfer of theoretical knowledge to practical application. Responsibilities of special education teacher in variety of settings. prereq: Special education licensure program or instr consent
EPSY 3264 - Basic and Applied Statistics (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3264/EPsy 5261
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introductory statistics. Emphasizes understanding/applying statistical concepts/procedures. Visual/quantitative methods for presenting/analyzing data, common descriptive indices for univariate/bivariate data. Inferential techniques.
EPSY 3701 - Practicum: Field Experience in General Education - Inclusive Classrooms
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3701/EPsy 5701
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Field-Based Practicum. Observe and actively participate in an inclusive (with and without disabilities) general education classroom. An emphasis is placed on communication skills and reflective practice.
EPSY 5701 - Practicum: Field Experience in General Education - Inclusive Classrooms
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3701/EPsy 5701
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Field-Based Practicum. Observe and actively participate in an inclusive (with and without disabilities) general education classroom. An emphasis is placed on communication skills and reflective practice.
EPSY 5001 - Learning, Cognition, and Assessment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3119/EdHD 5001
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
In this course, you will learn about: Theories of child development and how they relate to approaches to instruction; Behaviorist, cognitive, and social cognitive learning theories; Approaches to instruction and assessment (teacher-centered vs. student-centered vs. assessment-centered); and Issues related to assessment and measuring student learning (validity, reliability, interpretation, etc.) by participating in assessment design (traditional, performance, formative) and interpretation.