---
title: Master of Special Education Program Profile
date: 2022-06-01T13:52:00-05:00
author: Jordan Eshelman
canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/master-of-special-education-profile"
section: Pages
---
# Master of Special Education Program Profile
[More about Master of Special Education ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-special-education)
![]() ## Program Mission
The Master of Special Education program at Dordt University prepares graduates to serve learners with exceptional needs in diverse educational settings, equipping them with God-centered, reflective, and responsive skills, knowledge, and dispositions for inclusive teaching, learning, and leading. Emphasizing evidence-based approaches, including applied behavior analysis, it promotes meaningful engagement, positive behavior support, and academic growth for all students. Graduates are prepared to implement proactive and supportive behavior and learning strategies grounded in both research and a biblical vision of human dignity.
In support of this mission, the program and faculty will assist graduates in:
a. Deepening a biblical understanding of exceptionality, inclusive education, and positive behavioral supports and interventions.
b. Cultivating compassionate, reflective, and responsive practices for meeting diverse learner needs.
c. Advancing a transformational, God-honoring vision for just and inclusive educational communities, where every learner is supported through intentional, data-informed practices.
## Program Objectives
1. Demonstrate knowledge of research-based practices and the scientific principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with an emphasis on their application to assessment, data-based decision making, experimental design, effective instructional strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
2. Accurately collect, measure, display, and interpret data to inform instructional planning and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
3. Select, design, and implement effective behavior-change procedures and intervention strategies that are individualized, contextually appropriate, and supported by research.
4. Exhibit a strong commitment to ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices, consistent with Council for Exceptional Children professional standards and the [BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code](https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf).
5. Develop and demonstrate professional competencies necessary for effective collaboration, reflective practice, and leadership within diverse educational environments.
**Program Objective****ABAI Content Areas****CEC Advanced Preparation Standards**[](https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf)**[BACB 6th Edition Task List](https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf)**[](https://753a0706.flowpaper.com/INTASCLearningProgressionsforTeachers/)**[InTASC Standards](https://753a0706.flowpaper.com/INTASCLearningProgressionsforTeachers/)**1\. Demonstrate knowledge of research-based practices and the scientific principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with an emphasis on their application to assessment, data-based decision making, experimental design, effective instructional strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Basic Behavior Analysis
Conceptual Analysis
Principles of Behavior
Research Methods
1: Assessment
4: Research & Inquiry
5: Professional Ethics & Practice
A (Behaviorism & Philosophical Foundations), B (Concepts & Principles), C (Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation), D (Experimental Design), G (Behavior Change Procedures), H (Selecting and Implementing Interventions), I (Personnel Supervision and Management)1: Learner Development
4: Content Knowledge
6: Assessment
7: Planning for Instruction
2\. Accurately collect, measure, display, and interpret data to inform instructional planning and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
Applied Behavior Analysis Principles of Behavior
Research Methods
1: Assessment
3: Programs, Services, and OutcomesC (Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation6: Assessment
7: Planning for Instruction
9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice3. Select, design, and implement effective behavior-change procedures and intervention strategies that are individualized, contextually appropriate, and supported by research.Applied Behavior Analysis
Principles of Behavior
Research Methods
2: Curricular Content
3: Programs, Services, and OutcomesF (Behavior Assessment), G (Behavior Change Procedures), H (Selecting and Implementing Interventions)2: Learning Differences
5: Application of Content
7: Planning for Instruction
8: Instructional Strategies4. Exhibit a strong commitment to ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices, consistent with Council for Exceptional Children professional standards and the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code.Applied Behavior Analysis Conceptual Analysis
Ethics
5: Professional Ethics & Practice
6: CollaborationA (Behaviorism & Philosophical Foundations), E (Ethical Professional Issues)3: Learning Environments
9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
10: Leadership and Collaboration5. Develop and demonstrate professional competencies necessary for effective collaboration, reflective practice, and leadership within diverse educational environments.Applied Behavior Analysis
Conceptual Analysis
Ethics
6: Collaboration
7: Leadership and PolicyA (Behaviorism & Philosophical Issues), E (Ethical and Professional Issues), I (Personnel Supervision and Management)9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
10: Leadership and Collaboration