Special Education Minors
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Minor
The ASD minor is an interdisciplinary program between Special Education and Speech Pathology & Audiology. This minor prepares students to understand and address the needs of individuals with ASD across the spectrum and across the lifespan, in varied contexts including general and special education classrooms and community settings. Students who elect to minor in ASD will gain knowledge and skills related to diagnostic and learning style characteristics, theoretical models for understanding ASD, causes and medical intervention, early signs and assessment protocols, social-communicative development and disorders, family characteristics, and evidence-based intervention practices. This minor is particularly relevant for students majoring in special education, speech pathology and audiology, pre-occupational and physical therapy, psychology, human development and family studies, and other related disciplines. The ASD minor includes 5 courses.
Early Intervention (EI)
The EI minor is primarily intended for individuals interested in working with young children from birth to age three who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities across a variety of settings. Early Intervention (Part C of IDEA) refers to a system of coordinated and federally mandated services designed for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The EI minor will provide skills and knowledge specific to contemporary and recommended practices in early intervention, typical and atypical development, teaming, family-professional collaboration, assessment, legislation, ethical professional conduct, advocacy, and inclusive practices. Students who complete the EI minor are eligible to apply for the state-issued Early Intervention certificate from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and apply for Developmental Specialist positions in agencies that provide EI Services. The EI minor includes 7 courses.
Mild/Moderate Special Education Minor (MMSE)
The MMSE minor provides essential knowledge for students aspiring to teach, work with, or understand the five to seven million school-age children with mild to moderate disabilities and their families. Mild to moderate disabilities include learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia), ADHD, emotional or behavioral disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, and (in some cases) autism spectrum disorder. Through high-quality learning experiences, MMSE minors will gain unique knowledge and skills related to K-12 special education; effective differentiated instruction and behavior management within inclusive settings; interprofessional teaming and collaboration; school-family partnerships; and the academic, social, and emotional characteristics and needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities. The MMSE minor includes 6 courses.