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Biola University
7. Design and practice strategies that foster a safe and equitable learning environment that encourages students to take intellectual risks, demonstrated through a collaboration project and a behavior management project (ULO 1, 3). 8. Analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge of current special education settings, and legislative requirements from a biblical perspective through preparing a philosophy of education, analyzing case studies, and developing an educational portfolio (ULO 1). 9. Conduct quality database and empirical research, communicate findings, and evidence initial pursuit of lifelong learning by successfully completing the thesis or research project with a focused topic in special education (ULO 1, 3). Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information (p. 6) section of this catalog. Requirements Admissions Requirements • Applicants must have completed all bachelors requirements prior to the start of the program and must have a bachelors degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution prior to the start of the second term. • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. • Submit GRE General test scores to determine writing proficiency (waived if cumulative GPA is 3.5 or above or if CBEST and all CSET subtests are passed). • Hold a preliminary credential or provide verification of the equivalent professional experience. • Applicants for whom English is not a primary language must verify a score of 100 iBT on the TOEFL exam. • Complete Biola University’s Graduate Education application. • Interview with a member of the School of Education. Those applying to the M.S. in Special Education who also desire the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction (Mild/Moderate) credential will need the following additional admissions requirements: • Must be a California resident in order to fulfill fieldwork requirements. • Take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or have satisfied the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). • Verify subject matter competency. Candidates must present a letter verifying completion of a state-approved subject matter waiver program or evidence of passing one subtest of the CSET in their subject area. • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and submit valid TB tests results. Those applying to the M.S. in Special Education online program will need the following additional admissions requirements: • Verify computer literacy sufficient to become actively engaged in learning online by passing an online proficiency test offered by Biola University’s Distance Learning Department or providing proof of successful online learning in a prior course. • Verify access to a computer and the Internet sufficient to engage in Biola University’s Distance Learning Programs.
Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution. Graduation Requirements 1. M.S.Sp.Ed. program courses and Capstone must be passed with a grade of “B” or higher. 2. Candidates must complete the Master of Science in Special Education with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. 3. Candidates must successfully complete one Capstone, participate on a research team, and fulfill all professional requirements (e.g., portfolio, including key assignments) related to the coursework and learning outcomes. 4. Candidates must demonstrate professional behavior as an important aspect of their preparation to effectively impact the field of education (inside and beyond the classroom). For candidates on probationary status, or where a candidate has struggled with professional dispositions (scores of 1 or 2), these concerns may prevent the candidate from moving forward in the program and graduation. 5. A minimum of 41 credits is required for the Master of Science in Special Education. 6. Candidates must meet with a department advisor and Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements (p. 22) section.) Transfer of Credits Students transferring from an accredited graduate program may transfer a maximum of 6 approved credits for their Master of Science in Special Education. Courses transferred must be equivalent to Biola University’s and have direct applicability to the student’s program design. Only courses with a grade of “B” (3.0) on a 4.0 grade scale or higher will be considered for transfer towards the Master of Science in Special Education degree; a grade of “B-” or lower is not transferable. Credits considered for transfer must have been taken within five years prior to the date of admission. Taskstream Subscription Candidates must have a paid subscription to Taskstream while taking special education courses and during student teaching or intern support seminar. Curriculum Requirements Program Courses SEED 501 Philosophy and Values in Schools and Society 3 SEED 503 Educational Research and Statistics 3 SEED 524 Research in Culture and Intercultural Instruction 3 SEED 532 Diagnosis and Remediation in Reading 3 SEED 548 Collaborative Research 1 1 SEED 553 Writing Literature Reviews 2 2 SEED 561 Issues in Special Education 3 SEED 562 Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners 3
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