Generalist Option Master of Science in Special Education < Montana State University Billings
2025-2026 Edition
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Generalist Option Master of Science in Special Education
(Offered online)
The Master of Science Degree in Special Education Generalist Option is designed for individuals with teaching degrees who have had no undergraduate preparation in special education and who wish to pursue an endorsement in special education while also achieving a master’s degree.  Individuals receiving this degree are prepared to teach special education, advance toward administrative positions, do research in the field, or prepare for a doctoral degree.  The degree may be added as an endorsement to an educator license in either elementary or secondary education.  Candidates pursuing this degree must have taken
SPED 540
within six years of beginning the master’s program.  To achieve an endorsement in special education for licensure purposes, candidates must take 6 credits of
SPED 584
All students seeking a degree or post baccalaureate program through the Department of Educational Theory & Practice must obtain criminal background reports by submitting fingerprints to the Licensure Office upon application to Graduate Studies.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.  Applicants with a lower GPA may be provisionally admitted but are required to take the GRE within the first semester.  Scores of 145 verbal, 145 quantitative, and 3.5 writing are expected.  Applicants that already have a Master's degree from an accredited institution are not required to meet the GRE requirement.
Current resume or CV.
Statement of purpose describing the applicant's professional goals and the purpose of pursing the degree program.  One page maximum in narrative format, not bulleted
Two academic or professional letters of recommendation.  Recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with the applicant (such as family members, friends, doctors, or clergy) are not accepted.
Criminal background report submitted to the College of Education Licensure Officer.
Note:  Only 400-level courses or above and one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies, Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies Option Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis, and Master of Science in Special Education Generalist.
Note:  Master of Science in Special Education Generalist option PRAXIS in special education is required for exit and special education endorsement.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Apply the knowledge, skills and dispositions of a special educator.
Follow special education laws and ethical practices.
Implement special education practices that are evidence and research based.
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Credits
Professional Core
EDF 501
Research Dsgn & Interpretation
or
SPED 502
Research in Special Programs
EDF 530
Adv Human Dev & Learning
Subtotal
Professional Preparation
RD 517
Diagnostic Aspects
SPED 505
Assessment Stdnts-Special Need
SPED 510
Spec Ed Law Procedur & Practic
SPED 530
Curr Adapt Spec Populations
SPED 550
Tchng Stdnts w Emtnl/Bhvrl Dis
SPED 560
EBP:Stdnts with Learning Disab
SPED 570
EBP: Intell & Dev Disabilities
SPED 600
Facilitating Positive Behavior
Subtotal
24
Professional Practice
SPED 584
Student Teaching
Subtotal
Total Minimum Credits
36
Only one “C” grade can be counted in coursework leading to a degree in the Master of Science in Special Education Generalist Option.
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