The OU transition sequence is nationally recognized through the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Career Development and Transition. This recognition ensures high quality of transition content.
The University of Oklahoma Master of Education within the Special Education program consists of coursework, field experiences and independent study. These blend theory, research and applied practice that enhances graduate students’ special education knowledge and skills. Those who successfully complete their program of study assume a variety of professional roles including special education teachers, transition specialists, behavior analysts, special education administrators, hospital and other facility educators and state agency officers.
Coursework
To obtain the basic Master of Education in Special Education degree, students complete a minimum of 33 degree-applicable non-thesis credit hours. Students complete 15 hours of required and 18 hours of elective courses; these electives may also fulfill an add-on certificate (emphasis area). The OU Graduate College Checklist for this degree option can be downloaded at this website: ou.edu/checksheets/graduate/grad-education
Courses in the Master Special Education Program are delivered via a blended or 100% distance learning format. Students within traveling distance of the Norman campus can elect to complete coursework attending face-to-face class meetings; or they can attend 100% of the classes virtually, via distance learning technologies (subject to additional course fees).
Required Courses (15 hours)
(Choose one of the following)
EIPT 5033: Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education
or
EDSP 6023 Single Case Research Design (offered spring semesters)
Elective Courses (18 hours) (Minimum of 9 hours graduate courses within the Special Education program area)
The OU Special Education program offers the following degree emphasis areas:
Students pursuing a M.Ed. who have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete EDSP 5413: Understanding & Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities.
To be considered for admission, students must meet minimum requirements set by the Graduate College. Graduate students need to have
Due Dates
To be considered for admission into the OU Masters of Special Education
Degree Programs applications are due on or before the following dates.
| Semester | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Rolling Admissions* | Feb. 1 |
| Spring Semester | Rolling Admissions* | Sept. 1 |
| Summer Semester | Rolling Admissions* | Feb. 1 |
*Rolling admission applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the intended semester of enrollment.
Required Application Materials
Applicants will need to provide official transcripts, pay an application fee, and submit the following required information during the on-line application process.
Application Information
For additional information or assistance in applying applicants may call the College of Education Graduate Programs Support Office at 405-325-4525 or send an email to Mike Jenkins at mjenkins@ou.edu.
Special Education Faculty Advisors
Applicants’ acceptance letters include their faculty advisor’s name and contact information. Newly admitted students need to contact their advisors to develop a plan of study.
Overview
The Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in the Fundamental of Special Education prepares students to become Special Education teachers. Most students work full time and take courses each semester in the late afternoon and evening during the week. A limited number of courses are offered during the summer semester.
The basic program is designed for individuals with limited prior experience in Special Education or who have attended the OSDE Bootcamp program.
Coursework
Students complete the core set of Special Education Master’s degree coursework, along with a set of fundamentals courses. The Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Fundamentals is a 33-credit-hour program.
All courses within this program are delivered either via a blended format (with the option to meet face-to-face or via a video conferencing platform) or a 100% distance-learning format.
Required Core Courses for M.Ed. (18 hours)
(Choose one of the following)
EIPT 5033: Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education
OR
EDSP 6023: Single Case Research Design
If writing a Thesis:
EDSP 5980: Thesis Research (consult advisor)
Required Course for the Fundamentals certificate
EDSP 5413: Education of Exceptional Children
Recommended Fundamentals Electives
EDSP 5093: Transition and Self-Determination
EDSP 5063: Issues & Strategies in a Functional Curriculum
Two Guided Electives chosen with an advisor
Overview
The master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Secondary Transition Education prepares students to become transition coordinators or to implement transition education concepts and strategies into Special Education teaching roles. Most students work full time and take courses each semester in the late afternoon and evening during the week. A limited number of courses are offered during the summer semester.
The basic program is designed for individuals with prior certification in Special Education or experience in a closely related field such as certification in elementary or secondary education; licensure in physical or occupational therapy; degree in psychology or social work.The basic program is designed for individuals with prior certification in Special Education or experience in a closely related field such as certification in elementary or secondary education; licensure in physical or occupational therapy; degree in psychology or social work.
The OU transition sequence is nationally recognized through the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Career Development and Transition. This recognition ensures high quality of transition content.
Coursework
Students complete the core set of Special Education Master’s degree coursework, along with a set of transition education and social work courses. The Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Secondary Transition Education is a 33-credit-hour program. Eighteen of these credit hours are required core Special Education courses.
All courses within this program are delivered either via a blended format (with the option to meet face-to-face or via a video conferencing platform) or a 100% distance-learning format.
Required Prerequisite Course
Students pursuing a M.Ed. who have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete EDSP 5413: Understanding & Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities (offered each semester).
Required Core Courses (18 hours)
(Choose one of the following)
EIPT 5033: Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education
OR
EDSP 6023: Single Case Research Design
If writing a Thesis:
EDSP 5980: Thesis Research (consult advisor)
Required Transition Courses Sequence
EDSP 5093: Transition and Self-Determination
EDSP 5193: Postsecondary Education and Employment
EDSP 5293: Transition-Based Assessment
EDSP 5393: Transition Practicum*
SWK-5293-Direct Practice with Diverse Students, Disabilities, Families
*EDSP 5393 is not required for the Secondary Transition Education certificate but is recommended for students with this emphasis. It may be replaced with an elective with prior advisor approval.
Delivery: 100% online, synchronous
Credit hours: 33 (over 6 semesters; about 21-23 months)
Program Coordinator: Marie Kirkpatrick, PhD, BCBA-D (marie.kirkpatrick@ou.edu)
About the Program
This program prepares students to become competent and compassionate behavior analysts who work in schools, clinics, centers, homes, and community settings. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an effective approach for improving the skills of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. You will learn to assess behavior, design and carry out evidence-based interventions, and evaluate whether those interventions work. You will also learn how to collaborate with educators and other providers, as well as how to train and support the teachers, staff, and caregivers who work alongside you. Many of our students are practicing educators, and others work in or hope to join ABA agencies. The 100% online synchronous format lets you keep working while you earn your degree.
Our Mission
We prepare ethical, skilled, and compassionate behavior analysts who advance the science-based practice of ABA. We teach behavior analysis as a science of meaningful change, and we center the goals, preferences, and dignity of the individuals and families our graduates serve.
What You Will Learn
Graduates of the program will be able to:
What You Can Do with This Degree
Our graduates work as school-based behavior analysts, center-based and home-based behavior analysts, consultants to schools and districts, and researchers.
Coursework and BCBA Eligibility
Currently, our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility route. The Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Oklahoma is pursuing accreditation (Pathway 1). Pursuit of accreditation does not denote accredited status.
OU does not issue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Students apply to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) on their own and must pass the BCBA exam. For current pass rates, visit the BACB university pass rates page. Once a student obtains their BCBA, they can apply for licensure in Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Licensed Behavior Analyst Board (OLBAB).
Required Courses (33 credit hours)
Special Education Core (18 hours)
*Notes SPED Core courses that are required for Pathway 2 Eligibility
Applied Behavior Analysis (15 hours)
Admissions
We admit students to the Applied Behavior Analysis program for the summer and fall semesters only. The ABA courses build on one another and follow a set sequence, so starting in summer or fall lets you take them in the right order and finish on schedule.
To apply, review the Admission Requirements and Application Process tab at the top of this page. It lists the Graduate College requirements, required application materials, and the online application link. If you have questions about the ABA emphasis, contact the ABA Coordinator, Dr. Marie Kirkpatrick, at marie.kirkpatrick@ou.edu. For help with the application itself, call the College of Education Graduate Programs Support Office at 405-325-4525 or send an email to Mike Jenkins at mjenkins@ou.edu
Learn more about certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Fundamentals and Secondary Transition.
