Masters in Special Education Degrees & Programs
Masters in special education programs aim to offer individuals the pedagogical tools to adapt curriculum to students. Students who have learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities. A ‘special needs’ student may be hearing or visually impaired, autistic, or have concentration or behavioral issues. A special needs teacher may need to be able to adapt, respond and lead their student forward in learning and growth. Motivated? Read on; there are different types of degree programs in special education available.
About a Masters in Special Education Degree Program
Typically masters in special education degrees may be 2-year full-time. Programs exist for current individuals who are already licensed educators and have earned their bachelors degree from an accredited college. Other programs lead to initial teaching licensure. They may also be suitable for career changers seeking to potentially expand their career choices.
There may be many things to consider when choosing one of these programs. Look at the number of credit hours needed for completion. Consider if the program offers financial aid or some type of tuition help. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Does the graduate program need a minimum GPA? Is student teaching a part of the curriculum? Make sure to look at the admission requirements. This way you might know your eligibility for these online programs. This graduate degree is usually for those educators who want to help students. Those who earn it may work in high school or some other form of higher education.
Graduate schools with Masters in Special Education Programs
Special Education Program: Potential Masters Curriculum
According to the BLS, Special Education programs may teach current or aspiring teachers how to identify (diagnose) disabilities and develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student. They may also include teaching and supervising methods. Programs can include special education counseling and applicable laws and policies as per the NCES. While curriculums vary, examples of some of the topics that masters in special education programs may offer might include:
Description and Nature of Disabilities
In this course, students may learn the different types of disabilities they deal with as special education teachers. The course may also cover topics such as dyslexia and autism.
Effective teaching strategies
This course may cover different methods to use when teaching special education students. This could include using non-conventional methods to help the student succeed.
Lesson planning
This class often goes over how to design lesson plans for special ed students. This could mean for a group. This may involve designing an IEP for students with learning disabilities and the needs of students involved.
Collaboration
This course often covers working with other educators and parents. Topics may include how to design a plan for the student’s success. The course often teaches how to reach out and work together to develop a plan for the students. This could include learning about instructional strategies and proper learning environments.
Inclusive classrooms
This course aims to teach how to make sure all students in a class are involved. To treat all students as exceptional children no matter what program they are in.
Child development
This course often covers topics on how children may develop and how to accommodate those needs. This course may look at different challenges faced by teachers and students. Behavior analysis may be a topic in this class.
How to use assistive technology (e.g. Braille writers)
This course may cover the use of technology in the classroom in the aid of special ed students. May include the use of different tools and techniques associated with the technology.
IEP implementation
This course often covers writing and using an IEP to help a child succeed. This course may go over the proper techniques and how to involve all necessary parties. You might also learn to work with students with behavioral disorders.
Student assessment
This course aims to cover how to test how a special ed student is progressing. How to set benchmarks and to what level the student is achieving based on their abilities.
Besides these core courses, there may be electives as well. The program may require the completion of a capstone project as part of the practicum. Those who become special educators may need a teaching certificate with their degree.
Special Education Degree Programs: Potential Concentration Areas
Some of the masters in special education programs may offer concentrations. This means they may focus on a particular group of special needs student. Some of the potential concentration areas in a special education degree master’s program might include:
- Early Childhood
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Learning and Behavior Specialist (LBS)
- Speech and Language Issues
- Grades K-12 cross categorical
- Education of the Deaf/Hard of hearing
- Education of the Visually Impaired
What are Types of Special Education Master’s Degree Programs?
Special education degrees may be available as Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree tracks.
Master of Education in Special Education
The MEd in special education is apt for experienced and certified teachers. Those teachers seeking to expand their academic and professional skills. Master of education coursework may cover topics such as research methodologies, curriculum design, and school reform Education psychology and assessment strategies are also topics. Some MEd in special education programs might lead to an endorsement certification in special education. Some states require this specifically.
Master of Arts in Special Education
The MA in special education may work for individuals who might prefer research. Master of Arts coursework may cover topics such as educational ethics and child psychology.
Master of Science in Special Education
The MS in special education is important for students who have earned their bachelors in education. They may be seeking leadership roles, such as special education principal.
Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
The MAT in special education targets individuals who have earned their bachelors degree in academic areas outside of teaching. They may be ready to transition into the field of education. The MAT degree may also be appropriate for someone who has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood. They may now be interested in special education certification. After earning the master of arts in teaching in special education, graduates might apply for their teaching license in the state where they plan to teach.
Why Earn a Masters Degree in Special Education?
here may be any number of reasons to consider working towards a masters in special education degree. These may include licensure, earning potential and required continuing education.
Licensure: In the public school systems, special education teachers may need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. They may also need a state issued certification or license in the state in which they work. Some states require special education teachers to complete a masters degree in special education to become fully certified per the BLS.
Continued Education: Some masters in special education degree programs may provide a platform for a doctorate in education degree.
Employment Outlook: Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, despite limited employment growth, about 33,500 openings for special education teachers are projected each year from 2022 to 2032.
Find Accredited Special Education Programs
Accreditation often provides students with a guarantee that an institution has been evaluated. It also meets the highest standards for quality postsecondary education. There are two basic types of educational accreditation: “institutional” and “programmatic”. There is an accreditation group within the Department of Education who administers the accreditation process. The U.S. Department of Education has a list of acceptable accrediting agencies as well as a database of accredited post secondary institutions. The accreditor for teacher preparation programs is CAEP.
Choosing Your Format: Campus, Hybrid or Online Special Education Degree?
Accredited masters in special education programs may be available on campus. They may also be available through distance learning. Online Masters in Special Education degree programs might be appealing to current teachers with on going full schedules. Hybrid programs are a blend of in person learning and web based courses. You could search our site to find special education programs by location (city, state, country). You could also sort through sponsored listings by ‘online’, ‘hybrid’ or ‘campus’ format.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 11,310 | $48,510 |
| Virginia | 2,140 | $76,380 |
| New Jersey | 2,090 | $56,050 |
| California | 2,030 | $68,000 |
| Michigan | 1,600 | $71,800 |
| Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $86,430 | 340 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $81,910 | 680 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $76,520 | 430 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $74,200 | 3,080 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $73,530 | 70 |
Top Online Masters in Special Education Programs by Graduate 2019
We ranked our top 25 colleges with masters in special education degree programs. Our methodologies use data from the NCES based on 2019 graduates from the programs.
| School Name | Acceptance Rate (%) | Number of Graduates | Programs Offered | 2019 Financial Aid Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | 77 | 1065 | MA in Special Education | 76% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $11,650. 62% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,529 |
| Grand Canyon University | 77 | 1057 | Master of Education in Special Education, Master of Education in Special Education: Moderate to Severe | 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,933. 67% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,587 |
| Touro College | 69 | 543 | Masters in Special Education, Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, Masters in Childhood and Special Education, Masters in Teaching Students with Disabilities | 87% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $10,599. 17% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,949 |
| Western Governors University | 100 | 363 | Masters in Teaching Special Education | 43% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $5,369. 61% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,899 |
| National University | 90 | 304 | Master of Education in Special Education | 33% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. 41% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,202 |
| George Mason University | 87 | 273 | Master of Education in Special Education | 62% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,518. 47% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,190 |
| CUNY Hunter College | 35 | 268 | MSEd in Special Education – Behavior Disorders, MSEd in Childhood Special Education, MSEd in Early Childhood Special Education | 84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,024. 6% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,591 |
| Liberty University | 51 | 260 | MEd in Special Education | 92% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $11,369. 56% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,489 |
| Arkansas State University-Main Campus | 80 | 254 | MSE in Special Education – Gifted, Talented, and Creative, MSE in Special Education Instructional Specialist K-12 | 95% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,497. 54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,417 |
| Long Island University | 80 | 236 | MSEd in Teaching Children with Disabilities, MSEd in Adolscence Inclusive Education | 94% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $24,532. 53% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,403 |
| Concordia College-New York | 94 | 175 | MS in Special Education, MS in Early Childhood Special Education for Montessori Certified Teachers | 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $18,239. 40% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,071 |
| Ashford University | N/A | 168 | MA in Special Education | 84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $4,701. 68% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $6,717 |
| American International College | 65 | 160 | Master of Education in Moderate Disabilities, Masters of Education in Reading Specialist | 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $28,462. 85% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,609 |
| Texas Tech University | 69 | 152 | Masters in Special Education – Applied Behavioral Analysis, Masters in Special Education – Autism, Masters in Special Education – Deafblindness, Master in Education – Education Diagnostician, Masters in Special Education – Hearing Impasirment, Masters in Special Education – Orientation and Mobility, Masters in Special Education – Visual Impairment | 61% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $7,529. 40% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,506 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 45 | 146 | MSEd in Special Education – Students with Disabilities | 81% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,615. 5% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,425 |
| William Carey University | 55 | 143 | Masters of Education – Gifted Education, Masters of Education – Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Masters of Education – Emotional and Behavioral Disorders | 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $11,985. 50% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,136 |
| Daemen College | 62 | 142 | Masters in Early Childhood Education, Masters in Special Education – Childhood Education | 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $20,881. 78% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,201 |
| Endicott College | 69 | 142 | MEd in Special Education – Moderate Program, Med in Special Education – Severe Program, Med in Special Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Med in Special Education – Moderate Disabilities, Med in Special Education – Severe Disabilities | 93% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $15,035. 70% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,375 |
| Pace University | 79 | 131 | MST in Adolescent Special Education, MST in Childhood Special Education, MSEd in Literacy Specialist and Special Education, MSEd in Special Education | 97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $30,155. 60% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,678 |
| University of St Thomas | 81 | 131 | MA in Special Education – Academic Behavioral Strategist, MA in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders, MA in Special Education – Developmental Disabilities, MA in Special Education – Early Childhood Special Education, MA in Special Education – Emotional Behavioral Disorders, MA in Special Education – Learning Disabilities | 96% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $25,547. 53% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,213 |
| University of Kansas | 93 | 128 | Masters in Special Education, Masters in Special Education – Early Childhood Unified | 78% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $10,073. 44% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,330 |
| University of Northern Colorado | 91 | 126 | Ma in Special Education – Deaf and Hearing Emphasis, MA in Special Education – Early Childhood, MA in Special Education, MA in Special Education Gifted Education Specialist, MA in Special Education – Intervention Specialist, MA in Special Education – Visual Impairment | 86% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $8,533. 54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,068 |
| University of North Dakota | 81 | 125 | Med in Special Education – Early Childhood Education, Med in Special Education, MS in Special Education | 77% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $5,226. 57% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,350 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 80 | 120 | MEd in Special Education | 86% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $9,465. 20% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,085 |
| University of the Cumberlands | 80 | 120 | Masters in Education Specialist | 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $19,506. 63% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,874 |
Take the Next Step
Review sponsored listings to find MA, MS, MAT and MEd special education programs from accredited graduate schools. Many listings does not mean all the universities offer the same curriculums. Contact prospective education schools with our easy to use ‘request info’ setting. Find out about their next deadline for application and learn about their unique features!
GradSchools.com offers 405 Special Education Masters Programs
Grand Canyon University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Florida State University
Centenary College
Cheyney University
University of Houston - Victoria
The University of Florida
Lehigh University
University of West Georgia
City University of New York (CUNY) Lehman College
Loyola University Maryland
East Central University