Earning an online Master of Science in Education (MSE) with a concentration in Special Education from the University of Southern Indiana (USI), shows a commitment to supporting students with disabilities. Professionals who complete these degrees, including teachers and specialists, focus on adapting curricula and resources, and are dedicated to making education accessible and enjoyable for every student.
The specialized schooling of an MSE in special education prepares educators to meet the specific learning needs of students with special needs. The curriculum from the University of Southern Indiana helps educators develop skills and understand concepts that can positively impact their students and transform their learning experience.
Essential Special Education Courses and Skill Development
Some of the courses in USI’s online program cover key concepts in special education, including Foundations and Legal Issues Related to Exceptional Needs. This course focuses on the legal basis for special education. It highlights the principles of laws concerning the education of students with exceptional needs and how these laws affect both students and teachers. The class will also involve a thorough study and creation of individualized education plans for students.
The Collaborative Partnerships course studies how to address the needs of individuals from varied social, cultural and language backgrounds. The class will learn about the abilities needed to work and communicate effectively with families, support staff and other educators to deliver helpful educational assistance to all students. It focuses on how the brain learns and on working together with families, community groups and school personnel who are involved in a student’s education.
Students in the Management and Exceptionality: Environment, Social, and Behavioral course study how to create a consistent, organized and respectful learning space for all students, including those with exceptional needs. It will cover guidelines for giving positive feedback to guide student behavior and methods for teaching suitable social, emotional and behavioral abilities. Students will also study and create functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans.
The Learning Strategies for Students with Exceptional Needs course teaches approaches suitable for students with exceptional needs within inclusive educational environments. It highlights universal design for learning, varied instruction, adjusting curriculum and assignments, structured supports, thinking and self-monitoring strategies and delivering helpful feedback. The Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs class covers the methods and abilities that are needed for teaching fundamental reading abilities, such as understanding sounds, phonics and reading smoothly, especially for students with exceptionalities.
Finally, students in the Assessing Students with Special Needs course will study the goals of assessment, how to choose appropriate criteria, administration methods and the necessity of accurate scoring. It also covers how to determine the reliability of interpretations and applying data for instructional planning and delivery. The class will also focus on the development of assessment abilities, an understanding of legal and ethical considerations and collaborative practices.
Applying Learning and Research
Beyond formal subjects, the online MSE special education degree program includes required practicums. These supervised experiences allow students to put their learning into practice in real-world educational situations. Practicums offer opportunities to work directly with students with special needs, collaborate with mentors and refine teaching approaches. This hands-on experience is valuable when graduates transition from academic study to professional practice. Research courses also develop abilities in educational research, preparing students to critically examine educational literature and contribute to the understanding of effective practices in special education. This type of scholarly work helps professionals make evidence-based decisions for their students.
When they complete the University of Southern Indiana online MSE in Special Education program, graduates will know special education law, collaborative practices, effective classroom management and data-driven instructional methods. They are prepared to develop engaging learning environments and provide personalized teaching that truly serves the unique requirements of students with disabilities, encouraging their academic and personal development.
Learn more about the University of Southern Indiana online MSE in SPED program.
