The Master of Education in Special Education degree program will provide you with a solid foundation to be the best teacher possible and to meet the growing demand for well-trained special education teachers. The skills you’ll learn will prepare you to work with students who have different learning styles and developmental challenges.
The Master of Science in Special Education prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities from birth to age 21. The program provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions to work as special education teachers and related service providers in a variety of settings including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary settings. The program also provides a foundation for doctoral study in special education.
Students enrolled in the program take courses that provide them with an understanding of how to effectively teach individuals who are at risk for or who have special needs by applying advanced research-based practices to support learning, social/emotional development, communication and functional living skills. Students complete clinical experiences in schools and communities that are designed to provide hands-on practice working with children and young adults with disabilities under the supervision of certified special education teachers.
The program is nationally recognized through the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
A master’s degree in special education is an advanced degree program that prepares you to work with students who have disabilities. Special education teachers help students learn the same material as their peers, but they use specialized teaching methods and educational materials.
You’ll also learn how to prepare Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are made for each student and outline their short- and long-term goals, as well as the services and supports they need in order to reach those goals.
A master’s degree in special education typically takes two years of full-time study, but you may be able to find accelerated programs that are completed in less time. Some schools offer special education master’s programs online, though most require some campus visits for fieldwork and student teaching.
If you’re interested in becoming a special education teacher, earning a master’s degree in special education could help you get started. A master’s degree can be useful for those who already have teaching experience as well as those who want to start from scratch. Studying for and obtaining a master’s degree in special education can provide you with the tools, knowledge, and certification that are necessary to teach students with disabilities.
This Masters Degree focuses on teaching children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual disability. We will prepare you to work with children of all ages, from newborns to teens. Our coursework is designed to help you develop a strong understanding of how to work with students who struggle with communication or socialization, as well as how to provide your students with appropriate accommodations while they’re in the classroom.