Prerequisite Coursework (EISE)
The following course must be completed before starting the EISE program. The program starts at the beginning of summer term each year. The prerequisite course must have been completed within seven years prior to beginning the program.
- Undergrad Child Development (e.g., PSU: PSY 460, UO: PSY 376, OSU: HDFS 311, EOU 330 or 430, Lane Community College: ECE 226, PCC: ECE 226)
In the chart below each course is described, times offered at PSU, and important notes about the course are provided:
| Prerequisite and times offered at PSU | Important notes about this course |
| Undergrad Child Development Offered at PSU fall, winter, spring and summer terms |
Course Description: This course is an introduction to theories and research in the study of child development, from conception to onset of adolescence |
The following courses, while not required, are highly recommended as preparation for the Special Educator program:
- SPED 410/519 Principles of Special Education (3 credits)
- PSY 459/559 Infant Development (3 credits)
- CI 251 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
Entrance exams (EISE)
Applicants are required to take and pass either the CBEST, PPST, WEST-B, or Essential Academic Skills test (unless they hold a current Oregon teaching license). The test should be taken early enough to receive the results by February; this usually requires tests to be taken by November or December. It is the applicant's responsibility to register for the exam and provide photocopies of test scores to the Department. Study materials for the entrance exams are available at the Portland State University Bookstore and from the testing organizations themselves.
