Educational Diagnostician, M.S.Ed.

Location(s): Online

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CIP: 130604

The Master of Science in Education in Educational Diagnostician at Northwest Missouri State University is designed to train professionals in the ethical use of formal and informal assessments within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), including special education, for the purpose of improving the educational outcomes of PK-12 students who exhibit differing abilities. This program examines the role of educational diagnosticians from universal screening and pre-referral processes through special education eligibility determination and the provision of special education services. Within this program particular emphasis is placed on (1) the use of a problem-solving approach to assessment to formulate a multi-dimensional understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses; (2) the use of data derived through the assessment process, to identify the most appropriate and practical evidence-based interventions according to students’ learning profiles; and (3) the importance of educational diagnosticians in bridging the research-to-practice gap.

This program was developed in alignment with standards for educational diagnosticians, but completion of this program does not guarentee certification as an educational diagnostician or school psychological examiner.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

EDUC 61641 - Data Literacy and Assessment for Schools Credit Hours: 3
EDUC 61642 - Multicultural Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62635 - Techniques for Conferencing and Collaboration Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62658 - Applied Learning Theory for Students with Exceptionalities Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62685 - Test Theory and Developmental Assessment Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62678 - Educational Diagnosis and Cognitive Assessment Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62668 - Academic Skills: Assessment for Intervention Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62697 - Capstone Project: Educational Diagnosticians Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62629 - Advanced Developmental Psychology for Educators Credit Hours: 3
EDCI 62691 - Educational Psychology for the Educational Diagnostician Credit Hours: 3

Total Credit Hours: 30

Entrance Requirements

Any student seeking admittance to this program should have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at an approprite institutional or formerly regional accrediting agency of higher education with a 2.75 GPA or better. Additionally, either a teaching degree, teaching certification, or completion of a human development degree should be provided for admission. As an entrance requirement for this program, the student should either: a) hold a degree in special education b) show a service record of teaching in special education for one complete academic year or c) completion of EDCI 62642 prior to starting program specific coursework.

Competency Assessment

To assess program effectiveness and meet the comprehensive assessment requirement, a Written Assessment of Competency Mastery is required of all students completing the M.S.Ed., Educational Diagnostician. The assessment will include the development of a professional portfolio which includes a compilation of program skills, professional standards, and reflection on growth as a professional educator. The assessment will be completed during EDCI 62697 - Capstone Project: Educational Diagnosticians .

All majors seeking certification in Missouri must have completed EDCI 62641 - Educating the Exceptional Child if the equivalent was not met in the undergraduate coursework or through ABCTE. Certification is determined by requirements in the various states. Completion of the program in Educational Diagnostician MSEd does not guarantee certification.