Specialization in Special Education and Transition Services (EdD)
The doctoral specialization in Special Education and Transition Services offers advanced professional preparation for students interested in becoming pioneering research leaders. The areas of assessment, curricular adaptations, technological assistance, processes and procedures in educational areas, and special education and transition services are emphasized. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the student can take elective courses from other doctoral specializations with the authorization of his academic adviser. This allows the student to diversify, as well as to develop his capacities and knowledge to the maximum in order to make an impact and achieve changes in educational services and other related services.
This program aims to develop a professional with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to successfully provide Special Education and Transition services.
Competencies Profile of Graduates
Graduates of the specialization in Special Education and Transition Services of the Doctoral program in Education (Ed. D.) will demonstrate the following competencies:
Knowledge
- Apply the fundamentals and theories in special education practices and transition processes from preschool (K-12) to adulthood.
- Interpret evaluation and assessment methods to determine eligibility for special education services.
- Select the school and occupational environments, as well as the instructional methods that make the curricular adaptation relevant to the Individualized Educational Plan (PEI).
Skills
- Design teaching processes and teaching philosophy projects that promote the transformation of inclusive education of people with functional diversity, from pre-school stages to adulthood.
- Conduct action research to determine how to improve the educational process and the quality of life of the student population with special needs.
Attitudes
- Act in accordance with ethical principles to work with sensitivity toward the needs of diverse special education populations.
Requirements for the Specialization in Special Education and Transition Services
| Core Courses |
|
| Foundations |
6 Credits |
| Research |
9 Credits |
| Specialization Requirements |
21 Credits |
| Operational Requirements |
9 Credits |
| Elective Courses |
6 Credits |
| Total |
51 Credits |
Specialization Requirements - 18 credits
| EDUC 8103 | Contemporary Theoretical Perspective for the Study of Curriculum and Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 8153 | Neuroscience Applied to Curriculum and Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 8645 | Teaching Methodologies and Strategies for Students with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDUC 8653 | Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education and Transition Services | 3 |
| EDUC 8655 | Curricular Adaptation for Teaching Students with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDUC 8665 | Procedures in Special Education and Transition Services | 3 |
| EDUC 8915 | Seminar in Special Education and Transition Services | 3 |
Operational Requirements - 9 credits
Elective Courses - 6 credits
By means of academic counseling students will select the specialization courses at the doctoral level in curriculum and teaching, guidance and counseling, school psychology and management and leadership among others, according to their professional interests and projections.