2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Education in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment Emphasis
- Requirements for M.Ed. in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment
- Requirements for Cognitive Impairment K-12 Single Endorsement
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education and Community Innovation section in this catalog.
Website: gvsu.edu/coe/grad
Mission
Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.
Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education and Community Innovation prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.
Values
The College of Education and Community Innovation values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.
Accreditation
Nationally Recognized by Specialty Program Association: Council for Exceptional Children Michigan Department of Education Approved.
Minimum Number of Hours in Program
All degree-seeking students are required to take a minimum of 33 credit hours, including foundations, emphasis courses, and Capstone.
Admission
Students who are degree seeking and are working for special education endorsement are required to take additional courses beyond the normal requirements for the master's degree. Students who want to enroll in a master's degree program and are not seeking special education endorsement should select a master's degree emphasis program and consult with a special education graduate advisor to develop a program consisting of foundations and emphasis coursework, including research applications.
Program Location
Program is offered at DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
Requirements for M.Ed. in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment
Candidates for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following courses as outlined.
Social Foundations of Education (3 credits)
Choose one course from the following, to be completed early in the program:
- EDF 671 - Educational Policy and Practice (3 credits)
- EDF 672 - Social/Cultural Foundations of Education (3 credits)
Research and Evaluation
Special Education
Nine credits first endorsement; six credits additional endorsement.
Choose two from EDS 610, EDS 627, EDS 629:
- EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement. This course should be taken early in the program.
- EDS 610 - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement.
- EDS 627 - Technology and Professional Practice (3 credits)
- EDS 629 - Transition Practices (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement.
Cognitive Impairment (15 credits):
- EDS 616 - Language and Communication Assessment and Instruction for Autism (3 credits)
- EDS 618 - Understanding Students with Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 619 - Educational Interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 620 - Educational Interventions for Severe Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 622 - Assessment for Placement and Program: CI (3 credits)
Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (3 credits):
Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.
Capstone (3 or 6 credits) Choose one:
EDF 660 is prerequisite.
Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a Capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, Capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDS 693) or one to six credits (EDS 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Advisor approval is required.
Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.
Requirements for Cognitive Impairment K-12 Single Endorsement
Candidates for this program must possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate. Candidates adding a new endorsement must pass the Michigan Subject Area Test and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Special Education
Nine credits first endorsement; six credits additional endorsement.
Choose two from EDS 610, EDS 627, EDS 629:
- EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement. This course should be completed first.
- EDS 610 - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement.
- EDS 627 - Technology and Professional Practice (3 credits)
- EDS 629 - Transition Practices (3 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement.
Preteaching
EDS 550 - Preteaching and Methods of Teaching Special Education (6 credits) Required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement (application required); Candidates with approved special education experiences may seek a waiver of the EDS 550 requirement.
Cognitive Impairment (15 credits) Required for ALL CI candidates:
- EDS 616 - Language and Communication Assessment and Instruction for Autism (3 credits)
- EDS 618 - Understanding Students with Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 619 - Educational Interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 620 - Educational Interventions for Severe Cognitive Impairment (3 credits)
- EDS 622 - Assessment for Placement and Program: CI (3 credits)
Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (3 credits):
- EDS 685 - Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (3 or 6 credits) Six required for first endorsement candidates.
Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.