CORE COURSE WORK push pin graphic

Classroom instruction will be balanced with field based experiences.  Arrangements have been made to use local vocational evaluation units or community based assessment programs for practicum and internship sites.  It is preferred that field experience supervisors be "Certified in Vocational Evaluation (CVE)".  Over half of the required course work involves field experiences.  Opportunities for students to apply their course work involves field experiences.  Opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills comprise an ongoing component of the program.  Electives should be selected to meet the individual needs or career goals of program participants.  Core course work is based on the content areas required for CCWAVES certification (Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists) and requisite areas outlined by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Students new to vocational evaluation and rehabilitation should take CNSL 276:  Foundations of Rehabilitation.  Students with experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation may take SPED 236:  Introduction to Career/Vocational and Transitional Services, upon approval  of his/her advisor.

CNSL 281 Medical Aspects and Psychological Aspects of Disability
The course covers chronic and traumatic disorders with rehabilitation and psychological implications, including relevance to vocational evaluation. (3 semester hours)
CNSL 276 Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
Surveys the history, philosophy, basic principles, legislation, roles and services of rehabilitation professionals.  The course includes visits to selected field sites. (3 semester hours)
SPED 236 Introduction to Career, Vocational, and Transition Services
Introduction to programs that provide career, vocational, and transition services and planning to individuals with disabilities. (3 semester hours)
SPED 227 Technology in Vocational Evaluation
Introduction to an array of assistive technology services and products facilitating professional interventions and vocational evaluation procedures:  application to the assessment of persons with disabilities.  Accessibility surveys and work site evaluations are required.  Guest presenters and site visits will acquaint students with state-of-the-art expertise and applications. (3 semester hours)
SPED 228 Community-Based Assessment and Work Sample Development
Introduction to community-based vocational appraisal methods; development of job training analysis skills, labor market surveys, work samples; requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act: incorporation of assistive technology; classroom theory and field work. (3 semester hours)
SPED260 Developmental Assessment in Special Education
SPED 260 develops assessment skills using current academic diagnostic instruments and includes the study of validity, reliability, non-biased testing, aptitude and achievement tests, and reviews test and measurement principles.  Interpretation, synthesis, and integration of data are emphasized as well as adaptations for different disabilities. (3 semester hours)
EDUC 295 Quantitative Methods II:  Research Problems
The course is required of all candidates for graduate degrees in education; it analyzes scientific approaches to problems in rehabilitation and education and evaluates applicable research techniques. (3 semester hours)
SPED 255 Interdisciplinary and Interagency Services Coordination for Persons with Disabilities
Overview of models and strategies for coordinating services across disciplines and among school and community agencies for special populations.  Emphasis on interdisciplinary team coordination, communication, decision making, planning, and follow-up for individuals with disabilities. (3 semester hours)
SPED 222 Legal Issues and Public Policy for Individuals with Disabilities
Examination, interpretation, and analysis of legislation and policies affecting the education and career development of individuals with disabilities.  Emphasis on federal and state legislation in the context of national policy reform in disability services. (3 semester hours)
SPED 229 Interpretation and Application of Academic and Vocational Assessment Information
The course teaches the student to integrate and interpret academic and vocational assessment information and to use this information in planning, programming and placement decisions.  Emphasis is placed on effective communication of assessment information through report writing and interpretive conferences with consumers, families, and other professionals. (3 semester hours)
SPED 230 Vocational Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities
Investigation of general aspects of vocational appraisal.  The course has a clinical focus of vocational appraisal supplemented with technical information on best practices, techniques and instrumentation including formal and informal systems to determine vocational interests, aptitudes, behaviors, employability skills, and ecological needs relevant to individual vocational potential.  A practicum supervised by a qualified and certified vocational evaluator accompanies the classroom component. (3 semester hours classroom; 3 semester hours practicum)
SPED 235 Employment Models for Individuals with Disabilities
The course covers the rationale, resources and programming strategies for the development and coordination of successful job placement and supported employment programs for individuals with disabilities.  Job analysis, task analysis and job modification are incorporated into classwork and field experiences. (3 semester hours)
CNSL 280 Job Development Placement and Supported Employment
The course focuses on job development and modifications and the placement of disabled persons.  Supported employment and other strategies and philosophies will be investigated. (3 semester hours)
SPED 234 Seminar in Professional Development in Special Education and Transition
Analysis and development of professional presentation and writing skills. (3 semester hours)
SPED 295 School and Community-Based Internship in Special Education and Transition
A 150 to 450-hour supervised internship in school-community-based settings involved in career, vocational, and transition services.  An emphasis is placed on diversified cooperative and interagency programming efforts.  Internship experiences will be individualized for vocational evaluation degree candidates.  A minimum of 150-450 clock hours is required depending on the student's experience, career goals, and areas of need. (3 to 9 semester hours)

Elective Course Work
A number of electives are available in the areas of technology, transition, counseling, adjustment, and career planning.  These elective options will be determined with the student's advisor when developing each student's individualized degree plan based on previous training, professional experiences, and chosen program emphasis.