MS - Special Education, Gifted Degree Concentration

Required Courses & Descriptions

SD 802 Behavior Intervention (3 hrs)

This course provides a practical guide to experienced teachers, teachers-in-training, parents, and paraprofessionals for applying behavior management techniques both in general and special education settings and in the home. The course focuses on the principles of behavior management and their application in the educational programs, as well as in the home. This course will help the student become a critical thinker, creative planner, and effective practitioner.

SD 850 Characteristics of the Gifted (3 hrs)

This course emphasizes the definition of giftedness from historical to present, characteristics of the gifted, and factors (such as gender, cultural differences, creativity) involved in identification of the gifted. Special problem topics are identified and addressed. Programs for various levels are covered as well as evaluation and parenting skills.

SD 851 Education of the Gifted (3 hrs)

Methods and procedures for adapting the educational process to the gifted are studied.

SD 852 Affective Needs of the Gifted (3 hrs)

This seminar provides information on affective aspects of giftedness, emphasizing proactive and preventative approaches.

SD 864 Creative Teaching and Learning (3 hrs)

The course, appropriate for both special teachers of the gifted and general educators, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, explores the nature of creativity, with the emphasis given to attitudes, motivations, and educational practices which foster the identification, development, and maintenance of creative behaviors.

ER 752 Analysis of Research (3 hrs)

An introductory graduate level course in research methodology designed to allow the student to function as a knowledgeable consumer of research in his/her field of endeavor. The content of the course should prepare the student to evaluate informal descriptive studies in their field.

SD 855 Supervised Practice, Elementary Gifts and Talents I (3 hrs)

(Prerequisites, SD850, SD851 and consent of instructor.) The course provides directed experiences in an educational setting specifically designed for gifted children at the primary and/or elementary level.

SD 856 Supervised Practice, Elementary Gifts and Talents II (3 hrs)

(Prerequisites, SD850, SD851, SD852, SD855, and SD864.) The supervised practicum requires students to draw on knowledge and skills gained in previous gifted education courses to plan and carry out relevant, appropriate projects with gifted elementary students.

SD 857 Supervised Practice, Secondary Gifts and Talents I (3 hrs)

(Prerequisites, SD850, SD851 and consent of instructor.) The course provides directed experiences in an educational setting specifically designed for gifted children at the junior and/or senior high school level.

SD 858 Supervised Practice, Secondary Gifts and Talents II (3 hrs)

(Prerequisites, SD850, SD851, SD852, SD857, SD864 or approval of instructor.) This supervised practicum requires a student to draw on knowledge and skills gained in previous gifted education courses to plan and carry out relevant, appropriate projects with gifted elementary students.