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MS

Special Education

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Feb 15
  • Contact Information

    340 MCKB
    801-422-3857
    Martha.Cox@byu.edu
    Website
    Department Website
    Admission Requirements
    Additional Requirements
    1. Evidence of successful experience working with students at risk or with disabilities
    2. Preference given to applicants who have a teaching license in general education, special education, or a related service qualification
    Deadline notes
    Six to ten applicants are admitted each year.
    Program Requirements
    The BYU Special Education MS program prepares graduates to provide collaborative leadership in schools to facilitate the academic and social development of all students, including individuals with disabilities with challenging behavior. The program includes a verified course sequence to prepare graduates to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. In addition, graduates learn about systemic approaches to creating equitable and effective learning environments through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The masters program is open to teachers, special and general educators, as well as students from other disciplines. Classes are offered in the evening to accommodate teachers’ work schedules during fall, winter, and spring semesters.

    Requirements for Degree
    • Credit hours: 36 hours minimum
    • Required courses: CPSE 601603614615618620628673, and 699R; plus six hours of electives
    • Residence: spring term attendance required 
    • Examinations: oral defense of thesis
    Program Outcomes
    Historical, philosophical, & conceptual issues in services for people with disabilities
    Analyze historical, philosophical, and conceptual issues in behavior analytic service delivery for people with disabilities in school, home, and clinical settings.

    Effective Writing
    Design, conduct, write, and defend a comprehensive manuscript based upon original research. Students prepare and orally defend a written thesis based upon research in current issues in education. Students learn effective communication skills to interact with clients, parents, administrators, and others they interact with in a professional capacity.

    Professional issues in behavior analytic service delivery for people with disabilities
    Develop competencies around the use of evidence-based practice to assess strengths and identify challenges to create programs to improve academic skill building, develop social and emotional skills, and reduce problem behaviors.

    Leadership, Supervision, Collaboration, and Consultation
    Demonstrate knowledge of effective leadership skills to supervise emerging professionals, work collaboratively with professionals, paraprofessionals, and families of children who are at risk or have disabilities, and to provide effective consultation with stakeholders.

    Ethical and Legal Issues in Services for People with Disabilities
    Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles and legal procedures for providing services to individuals with disabilities in school, home, and clinical settings.

    Research Issues in Special Education, Behavior Analysis, and Related Disciplines
    Analyze current research design and methodology issues in educational research and service delivery for people with disabilities in school, home, and clinical settings.

    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 25.0
    International 3.0
    Male 2.0
    Female 23.0
    LDS 25.0
    BYU Undergraduate 15.0
    Three Year Average Test Scores of Admitted Student
    GMAT Composite Score 450.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 9.0
    Admitted Per Year 6.8
    Percent Admitted 75.56
    Average GPA 3.8