Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies Major (B.S.)
With Fifth-Year Option for M.A.T. and Licensure
Program Learning Outcomes
A graduate of the Pre-Licensure (AA & BS) programs:
PRE-A. Knows Christian values, moral dimensions, and ethical implications synthesized with academic knowledge
- PRE-A1. Demonstrates a broad base of general and professional knowledge;
PRE-B. Implements skills as a gift from God, because teaching is a calling from God
- PRE-B2. Plans effective instruction and selects a variety of strategies based on developmental levels and diverse backgrounds in course case studies;
- PRE-B3. Demonstrates the understanding of differentiated instruction;
- PRE-B4. Demonstrates an understanding of classroom management to motivate students and maximize learning;
PRE-C. Believes and practices personal integrity, social responsibility, sensitivity to the needs of others, and the betterment of humanity
- PRE-C5. Demonstrates behaviors of a reflective student, articulates a Biblical worldview, and seeks opportunities for professional development.
Prerequisite: EDUC 350
This course is designed to expose teacher candidates to a variety of special education related topics including legal/ethical issues, documentation procedures, development of Individualized Education Programs, models of service delivery, and collaboration.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: EDSP 323 (may be taken concurrently) and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5)
Field experience to be completed in special education classroom setting. (Formerly EDSP 424)
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: EDSP 323 (may be taken concurrently)
Field experience to be completed in special education community setting. (Formerly EDSP 425)
Offered: Resident
The characteristics of children and adolescents, with disabilities in the area of learning and behavior, will be explored with the goal of remediation. This course will further include techniques for dealing with these diverse learners in a variety of settings as well as our Christian mission in providing for all God's children.
Offered: Online
This course prepares special educators to create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments by implementing classroom and individual behavior management strategies that promote meaningful learning, individual wellbeing, and positive social interactions. Positive approaches for addressing target behaviors are emphasized as well as the importance of collaboration to support individuals with exceptionalities across a range of settings.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: EDSP 323 and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5) and EDSP 324 (may be taken concurrently)
Field experience to be completed in a classroom setting of students with disabilities.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: EDSP 325 (may be taken concurrently)
Field experience to be completed in a special education community setting of individuals with disabilities.
Offered: Resident
This course provides information on autism and gives the foundation, characteristics and effective strategies and approaches to interventions with an emphasis on school settings.
Offered: Online
This course is a study of the characteristics of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Interventions for working with the individuals in schools, church and community settings will be addressed as well as preparing adolescents who are ID for transition into adulthood.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: EDSP 367 and Background Check Receipt with a score of 5
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the different educational approaches and therapies available for children and adults on the autism spectrum. The educational and theoretical approaches discussed within this course will help teacher candidates and professionals in the field of autism alike.
Offered: Online
Teacher candidates will apply intervention strategies for adapting curriculum materials and methods to fit individual needs in various school, church and community settings. Focus will be on students with mild and moderate disabilities.
Offered: Online
This course equips candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to develop Individualized Education Programs for students with exceptionalities across K-12 grade levels. Candidates will learn to differentiate instruction and provide the supports, services, and accommodations needed to meet the needs of individuals with exceptionalities and ensure meaningful access to the general education curriculum.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: EDSP 413 (may be taken concurrently) and EDSP 324 and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5)
Field experience to be completed in special education classroom setting.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: EDSP 413 and EDSP 325 and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5)
Field experience to be completed in a special education community setting.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident
This course provides a comprehensive overview of special education related topics including legal/ethical issues, documentation procedures, and development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) as well as models of service delivery and collaboration that can be used in school, church, and community settings.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: EDSP 413
This course prepares special educators to work with families to provide successful student transitions throughout the educational experience, focusing on educational issues, independent living preparation, community living skills and vocational preparation. Current methods and tools are covered.
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: EDSP 473 and EDSP 325 and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5)
Field experience to be completed in classroom setting of students with mental retardation (MR). There will be an examination of IEP development for individuals who are MR. (Formerly EDSP 374)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: EDSP 323 and EDSP 473 (may be taken concurrently) and (Background Check Clearance with a score of 5 or Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5)
Field experience to be completed in a special education community setting. (Formerly EDSP 375)
Registration Restrictions: Background Check Clearance
Offered: Resident
Online Prerequisite: (Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5 or Background Clear Out of State with a score of 5 or Background Clear International with a score of 5 or Background Check Clearance with a score of 5) and EDSP 473 (may be taken concurrently)
Candidates participate in a field practicum in a special education setting to gain skills, knowledge, and experience working with individuals with exceptionalities. This experience provides beginning special education teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the academic, social, behavioral, and transition needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the school setting. This practicum course may only be repeated one time with program chair approval.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: Background Clear Virginia with a score of 5 and EDSP 473 (may be taken concurrently)
Candidates participate in a field experience in a special education setting to gain skills, knowledge, and experience working with individuals with exceptionalities. This experience provides beginning special education teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the academic, social, behavioral, and transition needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the school setting. This practicum course may only be repeated one time with program chair approval.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: Background Check Receipt with a score of 5
EDSP 495 - Directed Research in Special Education (1 to 3 hours)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: Background Check Receipt with a score of 5
EDSP 497 - Topics in Special Education (1 to 3 hours)
Offered: Resident