Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Advisor Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog Program: Special Education, Specialization in Assistive Technology, MEd (online)
This is for planning purposes only, please check with your advisor with questions about your degree progress

Special Education, Specialization in Assistive Technology, MEd (online)

Students in the Assistive Technology Specialization program will develop the skills needed to work effectively with individuals with assistive technology needs, their parents, teachers, professionals, and school districts seeking to introduce assistive technologies into multiple environments. This fully online program can be completed in a minimum of 31 semester hours. Five core courses in assistive technology provide the foundation for the program. The Assistive Technology program does not lead to state teaching licensure or endorsement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Assistive Technology program are expected to be able to:

  • Examine the definition and scope of AT devices and services within the context special education service delivery.
  • Evaluate and interpret assessment data to properly select AT tools and strategies, make data-based decisions, and monitor student progress.
  • Modify instructional methods and materials, including evaluating, assessing, planning, and implementing AT for individuals with disabilities.
  • Collaborate effectively with parents/families and other professionals who work with individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.
  • Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education through completion of the master’s capstone experience.
  • Interpret research in special education
  • Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings.

Admission Requirements

This certificate does not lead to an ODE endorsement or license.

Documents required:
The BGSU Graduate Special Education Program uses a holistic admissions review process. We value the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and individual perspectives applicants bring to our learning community. Every application is reviewed to gain insight into how an applicant’s academic preparation and experiences contribute to their interest and ability to be successful in BGSU’s online graduate program in special education.

  • Statement of Purpose*

The Statement of Purpose is an integral part of the application. This is your opportunity to tell the faculty about important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. The statement should be 300-700 words in length, adhere to APA style guidelines, and demonstrate graduate-level writing skills. A strong Statement of Purpose communicates the following:

  • your motivation to pursue graduate study in your chosen field [specifically address assistive technology],
  • your professional goals and how you believe our program can support you in meeting these goals, and
  • your personal attributes, background, and/or experiences that have prepared you for success as a graduate student.

The statement should also indicate your understanding that the program does not lead to initial teacher licensure.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (24 credits)

Special education requirements:

  • ​EDFI 6410 - Statistics in Education  or EDFI 6450 - Using K-12 Assessment Data to Improve Practice 
  • EDFI 6420 - Research in Education 
  • EDIS 6490 - Seminar: Issues and Practices in Special Education 

Assistive technology core:

  • EDIS 6400 - Introduction To Assistive Technology 
  • EDIS 6410 - Assessment Processes for Assistive Technology 
  • EDIS 6420 - Implementation Strategies for Assistive Technology 
  • EDIS 6430 - Integrating and Managing Assistive Technology in the Classroom  

Additional assistive technology course:

  • Student must work jointly with coordinator to select at least 3 hours of EDIS courses or other approved graduate courses

Electives (6 credits)

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore

Select 2 courses from:

EDIS 6710 - Collaborative Consultation in the Schools
EDIS 6440 - Nature and Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
EDIS 6450 - Transition from School to Adult Life
ABA 6010 - Applied Behavior Analysis I
EDIS 5310 - Teaching Students with Special Needs in the General Education Classroom
EDTL 6360 - Internet in the Educational Community
EDTL 6310 - Technology in the 21st Century Classroom
EDTL 6150 - Information Literacy for Teaching and Learning
EDTL 6180 - Technology Tools for E-Learning
EDL 6260 - Leadership and Law in Special Education
  • Other courses selected with prior approval from the program coordinator
  • Culminating Experience (3 credits)

    Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore

    Plan I:

    EDIS 6990 - Thesis Research

     

    Plan II:

    EDIS 6910 - Master’s Project

    or

    EDIS 6980 - Review for Comprehensive Examination

    Minimum Total Credits (33 credits)

    Additional Requirements

    • Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students.  Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements. 
    • Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
    • Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
    • Minimum of  24 credits must be earned at BGSU
    • All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.
    Notes: