Prior to formal coursework, students participate in an orientation program where they are introduced to the nature and requirements of the program, some of the major issues involved in being a graduate student, the facilities offered in the program such as the library, online databases and other resources, the Curriculum Resource Center, the Graduate Writing Center, academic reading and writing preparation, and ways of communicating with faculty. During this orientation students form small, informal working teams to provide support for each other during the entire program.

The Master of Education in Special Education curriculum consist of 11 courses for a total of 36 credits for the master degree. The curriculum consists of the following courses:

• EDC 601  Introduction to Educational Research
• EDC 602  Models of Educational Research
• EDC 695  Research Seminar
• EDC 641  Foundations of Exceptionality
• EDC 642  Learning Disorders: Practices and Strategies
• EDC 643  Behavior Disorders: Practices and Strategies
• EDC 644  Language Development and Communication
• EDC 645  Identification and Assessment of People with Special Needs
• EDC 646  Inclusion of People with Special Needs
• EDC 647  Policy, Planning, and Management for Special Needs
• EDC 648  Trends and Issues in Special Education