M.S. in Developmental Disabilities

Program Overview

This online Master's program in Human Services with a concentration in Developmental Disabilities provides a comprehensive understanding of the field. Core courses cover essential topics, while concentration tracks offer specialization in areas such as Adult Services/Transition, Applied Behavior Analysis, Child Life Specialist, Early Childhood, and Leadership/Advocacy. Graduates are prepared for careers in various roles supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Program Outline

Outline:

Core Courses (21 credits)

• HSDD 5000: Survey of Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5100: Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
• HSDD 5200: Disability and the Family Life Cycle (3 credits)
• HSDD 5300: Legal and Ethical Issues in Disability (3 credits)
• HSDD 5400: Healthcare Issues in Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5500: Disability Services Administration (3 credits)
• HSDD 6000: Developmental Disabilities Master's Research Project (3 credits)

Concentration Tracks

Adult Services/Transition (9 credits)

• HSDD 5310: Aging and Disability Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
• HSDD 5320: Students with Disabilities in Higher Education (3 credits)
• HSDD 5330: Employment and Independent Living (3 credits)

Applied Behavior Analysis (9 credits)

• ABA 0713: Behaviorism and Philosophical Underpinnings (3 credits)
• ABA 0714: Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• ABA 0721: Applied Behavior Analysis Assessment and Application (3 credits)

Child Life Specialist (9 credits)

• HSDD 5510: Foundations of Child Life and Family-Centered Care (3 credits)
• HSDD 5515: Ethics in Child Life (3 credits)
• HSDD 5518: Family Systems and the Hospitalized Child (3 credits)

Early Childhood (9 credits)

• HSDD 5410: Early Identification and Assessment of Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5420: Early Intervention in Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5430: Integrating Children with Disabilities in Educational Settings (3 credits)

Leadership/Advocacy (9 credits)

• HSDD 5110: Grant Writing (3 credits)
• HSDD 5120: Leading for Change in Disability Services (3 credits)

Teaching:

This master's program is conducted entirely online.

Careers:

• Program Director/Coordinator
• Early Childhood Interventionist
• Developmental Specialist
• Case Manager
• Behavior Analyst
• Child Life Specialist