An Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry

2.5 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for Dyslexia Training Institute Participants Only

Have you ever tried to teach a word and heard yourself utter the phrase, “Well, English is just crazy; you will have to memorize that word”? If you have, we have good news for you, English is not crazy and there is a way to investigate words along with your students (dyslexic and non-dyslexic) to learn the true underlying structure, and never utter those words again!

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend:  This course provides continuing education for educators participating in online course provided by Dyslexia Training Institute.

University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic units/credit. To receive units, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider. 

Courses offered through the USD's Credit Validation Program are accepted by many school districts and universities throughout the United States. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify district and/or university policies regarding transcript requirements, deadlines, and the applicability of units/credits.

The units provided are graduate-level professional development semester units intended solely for purposes such as salary advancement and credential renewal. These units are not applicable toward a master’s degree or higher degree program at the University of San Diego.

Participants who intend to apply these units toward a degree program at another institution are responsible for confirming that institution’s acceptance of the units prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X704J – 048 26 Jan 202606 Mar 2026 2.5 $197

An Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry

26 Jan 202606 Mar 2026
2.5
$197
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Audience: K–12 educators (general education, special education, reading specialists), administrators, psychologists, counselors, and education professionals/private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech-language pathologists), parents, and lifelong learners.  

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open: January 26, 2026 – February 4, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

EDC-X704J – 049 06 Apr 202615 Apr 2026 2.5 $197

An Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry

06 Apr 202615 Apr 2026
2.5
$197
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Audience: K–12 educators (general education, special education, reading specialists), administrators, psychologists, counselors, and education professionals/private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech-language pathologists), parents, and lifelong learners.  

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open: April 6, 2026 – April 15, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

EDC-X704J – 050 31 Aug 202609 Oct 2026 2.5 $197

An Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry

31 Aug 202609 Oct 2026
2.5
$197
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Audience: K–12 educators (general education, special education, reading specialists), administrators, psychologists, counselors, and education professionals/private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech-language pathologists), parents, and lifelong learners.  

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open: August 31, 2026 – September 9, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

EDC-X704J – 051 26 Oct 202604 Dec 2026 2.5 $197

An Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry

26 Oct 202604 Dec 2026
2.5
$197
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Audience: K–12 educators (general education, special education, reading specialists), administrators, psychologists, counselors, and education professionals/private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech-language pathologists), parents, and lifelong learners.  

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open: October 26, 2026 – November 4, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

What You Will Learn

  • Learn that English is not crazy and how to find the sense in it
  • Identify how to investigate the sense of so-called ‘sight words’
  • Conduct word hypothesis and create word sums
  • Examine the interrelationship between morphology, etymology and phonology
  • Recognize the difference between spoken and written syllables
  • Examine why teaching spelling and reading via a syllable model for written words can be problematic
  • Determine how Latin, Greek, Old English and Old French impact English
  • Participate in weekly online discussions in between webinars where you can ask questions and work as a community to answer those questions

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.