Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Special Education Endorsement program in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders with an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Special Education combines foundation and master's-level courses in teaching strategies, assessment methods, curriculum design, and intervention techniques. Special education endorsement courses address special education policies and procedures, instructional planning to meet individual needs, teaching theories, behavior support methods, and classroom management for students with EBD. Other courses cover educational research, curriculum design, cultural diversity in educational environments, and developing positive learning environments. A clinical practicum allows students to apply theories and techniques in a real-world educational setting. Estimated time to completion is 16 months, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Admission to Walden's endorsement program is based on a variety of factors, including academic record, goal statement, and relevant work experience.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. Walden's Special Education Endorsement program in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders with an M.S.Ed. with a specialization in Special Education requires completion of 33 total semester credit hours. This total represents five core courses, a specialization course, four master's-level courses, and a supervised field experience.

Course Requirements for the Special Education Endorsement program in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

• Foundations of Special Education
• Individualizing Education for Learners With Disabilities
• Current Issues in Assessment and Intervention
• Reading and Writing Instruction for Learners With Exceptionalities
• Planning Positive Behavior Support Strategies
• Instructional Strategies for Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Clinical Practicum: Special Education: Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

M.S. in Education Course Requirements

• Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Action Research for Educators
• Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
• Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

After completing Walden's Special Education Endorsement program with an M.S.Ed. with a specialization in Special Education, you might be able to become an EBD special education teacher for students in grades K-12. You might also choose an administrative position in special education, where you could be responsible for curriculum development, instructional management, or assessment programs.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the

Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Note to all Pennsylvania residents: Walden University's teacher preparation program and

special education endorsement programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching as

leading to licensure and endorsement, respectively. Because these programs are not reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, candidates are instructed to apply for Pennsylvania certification as out-of-state graduates of a teacher preparation program.