The Master of Arts in Special Education (M.A.S.E.) is a program designed for educators seeking advanced training in the field of special education. The program is based on the premise that learning disabilities are often due to an imbalance between the learner’s strengths and weaknesses rather than an absolute deficit in a specific area.
Students in this program will learn how to assess and treat individuals with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorder, and other exceptionalities. Students will also be trained in the use of instructional strategies to address the needs of students with special needs. Students may select from one of two tracks: General Special Education or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Both tracks require 36 credit hours for completion and can be completed within two years if students take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer).
The M.A.S.E. is offered completely online for convenience and flexibility; however, students must complete three on-campus intensives (2 days each) during the course of the program if they live within a 500-mile radius of campus; otherwise, these intensives can be completed through video conferencing technology such as Skype or Facetime.
Students who are interested in gaining a solid foundation in special education and learning how to be an effective teacher for students with disabilities should consider earning an online Master’s degree in Special Education. This degree is ideal for students who want to work with students on the autism spectrum, students with learning disabilities, or students with intellectual disabilities. Students can graduate in as few as two years and are eligible to seek licensure upon completion of the degree. Students will take coursework that covers important topics like behavior management, inclusion, and assessment. Many programs also offer internship or practicum experiences to help students develop practical experience before they enter the workforce.
Coursework in this program includes courses that cover a variety of topics related to special education. Students will learn about behavior management strategies, how to create individualized plans for students based on their learning needs, methods for teaching children from preschool through 12th grade, and how to create inclusive classrooms. Most programs also require that students complete one or more practicums or internships so that they can gain practical experience working with children with disabilities.
Students who earn an online Master’s degree in Special Education will be prepared for many different career opportunities working with children who have special needs.
In addition to an in-depth understanding of special education testing and assessment tools, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to craft individualized learning plans that address each student’s unique needs, including those with multiple disability types. Our program also covers the fundamentals of teaching special education, including effective methods for managing behavior in the classroom.
As an online student, you’ll interact with peers and faculty in live online classes that meet just one night per week. Additionally, experiential learning is a key component of our degree program. This means that you will use real-world scenarios to understand and apply your coursework—like collaborating with other teachers or conducting research on a special education topic.