Educational Diagnostician, M.S.Ed.

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 lead to certification as an educational diagnostician. Information pertaining to national certification as an educational diagnostician is available on the National Certification of Educational Diagnosticians website.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

EDUC 61641	Data Literacy and Assessment for Schools	3
EDUC 61642	Multicultural Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion	3
EDCI 62635	Techniques for Conferencing and Collaboration	3
EDCI 62601	Literacy-Based Assessment and Analysis	3
EDCI 62658	Applied Learning Theory for Students with Exceptionalities	3
EDCI 62685	Test Theory and Developmental Assessment	3
EDCI 62678	Educational Diagnosis and Cognitive Assessment	3
EDCI 62668	Academic Skills: Assessment for Intervention	3
EDCI 62697	Capstone Project: Educational Diagnosticians	3
EDCI 62629	Advanced Developmental Psychology for Educators	3
Total Credit Hours:		30

Entrance Requirements

Any student seeking admittance to this program should have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at a regionally accredited institution 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) complete EDCI 62642 during the first term enrolled at NW.    

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 include reference to program artifacts, professional standards, and reflection on growth as a professional educator. The assessment will be completed during EDCI 62697 Capstone Project: Educational Diagnostician. 

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.