30 of The Best Online Masters Degrees in Special Education

Individual who seek a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in special education are typically preparing for professional positions such as that of a teacher, supervisor, guidance counselor, or director of special education in a variety of different settings. Graduates may choose to work in public or private schools, as human services professionals, career and transition counselors/teachers, educational diagnosticians and more. 

Most master’s degrees in the field focus on a number of core courses, which include:

• Principles of learning and behavior
• Classroom management
• Educational psychology
• Special education research
• Instructional leadership
• Student skills assessment
• The legal issues in special education

Many programs also offer students the chance to specialize in a specific area of special education. Some of the concentration options which exist include:

• Severe disabilities
• Autism
• Instructional strategies
• Behavior strategies
• Early childhood

In addition, master’s programs in the field of special education may differ in the type of degree which is ultimately awarded. Universities typically offer the following types of graduate degrees in special education:

1. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
2. Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education
3. Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education

Some of these programs require applicants to hold certain qualifications prior to applying, while others may allow students to pursue licensure while enrolled in the program.

Listed below you’ll find thirty of the best online master’s programs in special education.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public research university which offers over 200 different degree programs in a number of different fields.

One such program is the Master of Arts in Special Education, which can be completed online. The program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach special needs students in kindergarten all the way through grade 12.

The M.A. in Special Education is a 30 credit hour degree which involves research validated teaching as well as evidence based practices. The program can be completed in two years time.

Some of the courses offered in this degree include:

• Assessment of Students with Mild Disabilities
• Literacy Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
• Policies, Practices and Perspectives in Special Education
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners

As part of the requirements, students much complete an internship and a special education practicum.

Accreditation Information:

• Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• This program also meets the requirements for special education endorsements in Michigan

IU Online, Indiana University

Indiana University is a large public research university which boasts a student body of over 110,000 students. The school features eight different campuses, and offers students the option to pursue a number of different undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Master of Science in Special Education offered by Indiana University is an online program which is geared towards equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach high incidence disabilities. Students are also offered the option to choose a specialty track which focuses on a particular type of special education needs. These options include early childhood, autism, intense interventions, behavior strategies, and instructional strategies.

Some of the courses which are offered in this program include:

• Classroom Management
• Collaboration and Service Delivery
• Families, School and Society
• Assessment and Remediation of the Mildly Handicapped

The degree program is composed of 36-credit hours and requires students to also submit a capstone project or a thesis. There is also a required seminar. The program begins in the fall and students may earn their degree within two years. Graduates from this program may also be eligible for educator licensure.

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Indiana is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Also by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the North Central Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Florida State University

Florida State University is a public research, space-grant and sea-grant university. The university offers students the chance to choose from over 300 different degree programs and consists of 16 colleges.

The Master of Science in Special Education offered at Florida State is an online program which is intended to equip students with the knowledge and skills to help students with disabilities fulfill their life goals.

This program does not meet teacher certification requirements because it is geared towards those who already have teacher certification or degrees.

There are also specialization options available in this degree which include severe disabilities, high incidence disabilities, and early childhood especial education.

The program is of 33 credit hours; 18 of which are for required coursework while the remaining hours are made up by specializations.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Teaming with Families, Schools and the Community
• Assessment of Students with Disabilities
• Positive Behavior Support
• Literacy for Learners with Disabilities
• Adaptations and Accommodations for Learners with Disabilities

Students enrolled in this program must submit an electronic portfolio as well.

Accreditation Information:

• Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• It is also accredited by The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas frequently appears on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best colleges. This public research university has five campuses, offers more than 345 different degree programs, and has a student body of over 27,000 students.

One of the degrees that the University of Kansas offers is an online Master’s in Special Education. This degree is intended to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach students that may have mild to moderate special education needs.

There are three different tracks that students can choose from:

• Teacher Track – This is the option best suited to those who wish to teach special needs students
• Non-teacher Track – This program is for administrators, advocates, and consultants
• Endorsement Only Track – This track is intended for those who wish to complete coursework for endorsement, or to get licensed. This track does not have all the graduate course requirements of a master’s degree.

Some of the courses which make up this degree include:

• Family and Inter-professional Collaboration in Special Education
• Characteristics, Methods and Assessment: Introduction to Struggling Learners & Students with High-Incidence Disabilities
• Transition Education and Services
• Understanding Research in Education
• Methods for Assessment: Learning Strategies and Content Mastery for Struggling Learners and Students with High-Incidence Disabilities

Accreditation Information:

• This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• The University of Kansas is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public research university, which offers a large number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for prospective students to choose from.

The Master in Special Education degree offered by the University of Arizona is completely online and is offered through its Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, which is part of the College of Education. The aim of the program is to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach both children and adults with disabilities.

As part of the 36 credit hour degree program, students must also submit a thesis. There are also four different specialization areas that students may choose from: Gifted, Challenging Behaviors, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Sensory.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Consultation and Collaboration for Special Needs Students
• Special Services in Schools
• Foundations of High Incidence Disabilities
• Behavior Principles and Disability: Assessment and Intervention
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Exceptional Learners

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Arizona is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Purdue University

Purdue University is a land-grant public university, which has been at the forefront of online education from the start. They offer hundreds of different degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The student body at Purdue is upward of 37,000.

The Online Master of Science in Special Education offered at Purdue focuses on mild intervention, high incidence disabilities. This means that it is suitable for those who intend to teach students with mild intellectual disabilities, high-functioning autism, learning disabilities, or emotional or behavioral disabilities.

There are three different tracks for this program:

• Master’s degree only – This program does not include a practicum and is intended for those looking for knowledge on special education. The program is 30 credit hours.
• Master’s degree with initial special education licensure – This track includes both student teaching and a practicum. The program is 34 credit hours.
• Master’s degree with advanced special education licensure – This track is for those students who already have a teaching licensure, and it includes a practicum. The program is 30 credit hours.

Those tracks which require teaching experience, students much complete the 16 week teaching requirement after they have completed all of their coursework and the practicum.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Mild Characteristics
• Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Special Education
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Advanced Assistive Technology
• Identification, Evaluation, and Assessment of Exceptional Individuals

Students who complete this program may seek licensure in Indiana. Indiana also has reciprocity arrangement with 42 other states, which means that those states will accept qualifications and experience earned in Indiana in the licensure or certification process.

Accreditation Information:

• Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• This program is accredited from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the largest university in the state of Nebraska and is a public research university. As the flagship of the University of Nebraska system, this land-grant university offers students over 150 different degree programs to choose from.

The university’s Master of Special Education degree is offered completely online and has a specialization in Early Childhood Education. This means that the degree teaches graduates how to work with toddlers, infants and children in preschool who may have a wide range of disabilities and delays. The program also equips graduates with the skills to help the families of these children.

The program is 36 credit hour and features courses in research design, early childhood education, and autism. Students are not required to complete a thesis as part of the program.

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• It is also accredited by The Council of Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Nebraska Department of Education
• The program also meets the requirements for teaching endorsements in Preschool Disabilities and Early Childhood Special Education, for the Nebraska Department of Education

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public research university, which offers over 150 different courses of study  leading to a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. This university has an impressive list of alumni and is a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant institution.

Through its College of Education and Human Development, the university offers its online Master of Education in Special Education degree. The degree is focused on meeting the needs of diverse learners, students with disabilities, and at-risk people. The knowledge and skills taught can be imparted in a variety of different settings, including schools and communities.

The 36 credit hour degree program takes two years to complete.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Assessment in School Settings
• Transition from School to Work
• Autism
• Special Education and the Family
• Program Development for Students with Behavior Problems
• Applied Behavior Management
• Adolescent Literacy

Accreditation Information:

• Texas A&M University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• The program is also accredited from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is one of the largest public research universities in Ohio. Over 40,000 students are enrolled here. As part of the University System of Ohio, this university offers more than 600 different degree programs.

The Online Master of Education in Special Education degree offered here has a strong focus on research and assessment. It is designed to prepare graduates to determine the best teaching and learning practices based on the needs of their specific students.

Some of the courses that are offered in this program include:

• Transition Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities
• Educational Research for Masters Students
• Partnerships and Collaboration
• Advanced Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities
• Advanced Assistive Technology and Universal Design

For prospective students, there is also the option to pursue a Master of Education in Special Education with K-12 Intervention Specialist Licensure (Mild to Moderate). The program is 30 credit hours for the Master’s in Special Education curriculum and an additional 36 semester hours for licensure.

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• The program is also accredited from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is the flagship of the University of Arkansas system and is a public space-grant and land-grant research university.

The online Master of Education in Special Education offered at the University of Arkansas is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to teach students with learning disabilities. The program takes two years to complete.

Specialization options are also available in the following areas: Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, Special Education with ALP (Additional Licensure Program), and more.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Historical Foundations of Modern Education
• Psychological Foundations of Teaching and Learning
• Research Methods in Education
• Issues in Educational Policy
• Life-Span Human Development
• Global Education

As part of the program requirements, students must also complete a practicum, a special education research course and an applied behavioral management course. Graduates may also apply for licensure, but the rules and regulations regarding this are subject to change.

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• It is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public land-grant research institute, which offers over 184 different degree programs at a number of different levels.

The university thorough its College of Education and Human Services offers the Online Master of Arts in Special Education degree.  Students must complete a variety of assignments and take part in live webinar sessions as part of the program. Also included in the program requirements is the completion of field and practicum experiences.

The program is typically 36 to 39 credit hours and also offers students the chance to choose a specialization area. These areas include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Severe/Multiple Disabilities
• Low Vision/Blindness
• Multi-categorical Special Education
• Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education
• Gifted Education

Accreditation Information:

• West Virginia University is accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and meets professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children
• The degree program meets State of West Virginia requirements for special education certification

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public research university which offers over 160 different degree programs at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels.

It’s online Master of Science in Special Education is offered through its Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education and features both asynchronous and synchronous components. This 30 credit hour degree program teaches students standards set by the Council for Exceptional Children Advanced Program.

Accreditation Information:

• Old Domain University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a member of the Texas Tech University System and is a public research institution.

It offers an online Master of Education in Special Education degree through its TTU Worldwide eLearning portal.

The degree has seven main areas of concentration:

• Autism
• Visual Impairment
• Educational Diagnostician
• Orientation and Mobility
• Generic Special Education
• Deaf Education
• Transition
• Applied Behavior Analysis

In this program, students have two options when it comes to the completion of the degree. They may either choose to complete 30 credit hours with a thesis, or 36 credit hours without a thesis but with a comprehensive evaluation. If a student opts for the Orientation and Mobility concentration, they must complete 42 credit hours.

In addition, those students who wish to pursue the Educational Diagnostician concentration must hold a master’s degree, have a teacher certification, and/or have two years of teaching experience. It must also be noted that while this degree may be completed online, the Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility concentrations require some on-campus instruction.

Common to all of the concentrations are the following courses:

• Exceptional Children and Youth
• Problems and Trends in Special Education
• Introduction to Educational Research

Accreditation Information:

• Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Drexel University Online

Drexel University is a private research university and is one of the largest private research institutions in the country. It has four campuses and offers more than 200 different degree programs.

The Master of Science degree in Special Education offered by the university has a focus on the essential skills, competencies, and knowledge that an educator would have to know in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

This degree program has four concentration areas:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Technologies for Special Education
• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process
• Customization

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Integrating Technology for Learning and Achievement
• High Incident Disabilities
• Teaching Students with Low Incident Disabilities
• Emotional and Behavioral Support
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Students in this program are also required to complete the capstone project as well as create a professional e-portfolio. Depending on the requirements of the state in which students intend to teach, they may also acquire a teacher certification.

Accreditation Information:

• Drexel University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is the oldest public university in Idaho and is a land-grant research institution. It also offers more than 140 degree programs at the bachelors, masters, doctoral, and specialist levels on a wide range of disciplines.

The online Master in Special Education degree offered by the university through its Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers four different tracks:

• Bachelor in Education/Master in Education
• Master’s plus Certification in Special Education
• Master’s degree only
• Master’s plus Special Program Area

Common to all of the tracks are the following core courses:

• Positive Learning Environment
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Philosophy and Educational Organizations
• Instruction
• Research
• Curriculum
• Communication

Furthermore, all students are required to complete a master’s project or a capstone portfolio. For those students who wish to seek teacher certification or the Consulting Teacher endorsement, enrollment in the College of Education Teacher Education program is an essential requirement.

Accreditation Information:

• The University of Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

 Western Carolina University

West Carolina University is a member of the University of North Carolina system and is a public university.

The online Master of Arts in Education degree in Special Education is intended to groom graduates for positions as leaders or teachers in their field. The program has a focus on special education, a professional component, and students also have the option to choose a concentration area.

The three concentration options available for students to choose from include:

• Mild to Moderate Disabilities
• Severe Disabilities
• Gifted, Creative, and Innovation Education

The program covers the following important areas of special education:

• Child development
• The variations in student abilities
• How to implement and evaluate educational programs

Those students who hold undergraduate degrees in education have the option to earn a master’s level North Carolina licensure upon graduation. Students who have an undergraduate degree in teaching, on the other hand, have the option to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Accreditation Information:

• West Carolina University is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

 Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University is one of the four independent public universities in Texas. It offers more than 120 different degree programs at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels.

The online Master of Education in Special Education Initial Teacher Certification program offered by the university meets all of the state and national standards for special education teachers. It is designed to prepare graduates in the areas of law, disability awareness, formal and information assessments, and instructional strategies.

With this degree, graduates are qualified to teach in both private and public school settings in Texas.

The following courses are offered in this 36 credit hour program:

• Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
• Instructional Strategies for Exceptional Learners
• Trends in Educating Exceptional Children
• Advance Studies Early Literacy of Young Children
• Introduction to Learning Theory/Pedagogy
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Accreditation Information:

• Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Oakland University

Oakland University is a public research university with a student body of over 20,000 students. The university offers over 200 degree programs in a variety of different fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The online Master of Education in Special Education degree has a strong focus on learning, instruction, and development for special needs students. The degree explores theory, research, and application in the aspects of instruction and assessment with regards to students with special needs.

The following concentration areas are available in this program:

• Specific learning disability
• Emotional impairment
• Autism spectrum disorder

As part of the program requirements, students must complete a specific number of hours of supervised practicum experience. Furthermore, for admission into this program, all students must either hold or be eligible for a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Accreditation Information:

• Oakland University is accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

 University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an online Master of Science in Special Education which is intended for those individuals who wish to work with students who have mild to moderate disabilities. This program grooms graduates to become special educators in a variety of different settings which include schools, state and private institutions, hospitals, and a variety of other human service agencies. The curriculum of the program is comprised of 32 credit hours and can be completed in two years or less.

In addition, students also have the option to complete courses for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

The program also features concentration options in the following areas:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Early Childhood Special Education
• General Special Education
• Emotional Disturbance
• Gifted/Talented
• Learning Disabilities
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Special Education Strategist
• Visual Impairment

As part of the program requirements, students must complete projects and weekly assignments. There is also an internship or practicum requirement for those seeking teacher licensure.

Accreditation Information:

• University of North Dakota is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• The program is also accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a large private non-profit research institution which has nine colleges and schools associated with it. With a student body of over 24,000, Northeastern offers a large selection of degree programs.

The online Master of Education degree with a concentration in Special Education is a 45 credit hour program which examines education as a global and societal construct. Students complete a combination of core courses as well as concentration courses to make up their credits.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Culture
• Education as an Advanced Field of Study
• Power
• Equity
• Influence

All students must also complete a capstone course and develop e-portfolios as part of the program requirements.

Accreditation Information:

• Northeastern University is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges

 Washington State University Global Campus

Washington State University is a public research institution and is the only land-grant university in Washington. As such, it has a student body of over 27,000 and offers over 200 different degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Master of Education degree with a focus on Special Education is designed for certified teachers. The degree program is intended to prepare students for state endorsement needed to teach students with special needs from pre-kindergarten all the way to 12th grade in Washington.

Students may complete all of the courses on their own schedule and must also complete a directed study or exam as part of the program requirements.

Accreditation Information:

• Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

 Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university which offers students the chance to study in over 100 different subject areas. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in a variety of fields and the student body of the school is upwards of 8,800.

The online Master of Science in Special Education offered at St. Joseph’s is structured around the concepts of Response to Intervention program. This means that it is intended for those seeking to become general educators for students with special needs.

In order to enroll in this program, all potential students must hold a Level 1 certification in either elementary or secondary education, or early childhood development.

The program has two specialization options:

• Autism endorsement
• Wilson Reading System specialization

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Diagnostic Assessment and Progress Monitoring
• Families, Schools and Communities—Communication and Collaboration
• Current Issues in Special Education—Theoretical Practice and Procedures
• Theory and Instructional Practice—Students with High Incidence Disabilities

Once students graduate from this program, they may be eligible for special education certification in Pennsylvania, with reciprocity in other states.

Accreditation Information:

• Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

 Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and is one of the largest private universities in Indiana. This evangelical Christian liberal arts university has a student body of over 15,000 and offers a wide range of degree programs.

The online Master of Education in Special Education offered at Indiana Wesleyan is a 33 credit hour program and is intended for those seeking an advanced degree in special education. The methods and materials used in this program address the needs of learners in need of mild to moderate intervention. The program also aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children Professional Standards for working with special needs children.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Individualized Assessment and Data-Based Interventions
• Research-Based Behavior Interventions
• Leading Instructional Improvement
• Strategies and Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Classroom Responses to Individual Differences in Language and Culture

Upon graduation, students may be eligible for state licensing but all candidates are advised to check their state’s requirements before applying.

Accreditation Information:

• Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is affiliated with The Brothers of the Christian Schools. It is a private, co-ed facility which offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The online Master of Arts in Special Education degree offered here is intended to help those aspiring to become special education teachers. The program would equip them with knowledge and skills required to help special students discover their true potential.

The program is centered on understanding the unique needs of students with exceptionalities. As such, students in this program may take courses for one, or both of the exceptionalities that the program focuses on, namely, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and Learning Disabilities. If students choose to pursue one exceptionality, the degree is 35 credit hours, or if they pursue both, the degree is 41 credit hours.

For those students who wish to acquire a Minnesota Teaching License for the Learning Disabilities or Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, there are some additional requirements that must be completed. This includes coursework, practicums, and field experience.

Accreditation Information:

• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

 Concordia University—Saint Paul

Concordia University is part of the Concordia University system and is a private, Lutheran liberal arts university.

The online Master of Arts in Education – Special Education degree offered at Concordia University is a 36 credit hour program which focuses on foundational knowledge, core special education skills, classroom management, communication, and instructional design and strategies.

While students are at liberty to complete most of the coursework on their own schedule, there is a weekly one hour visual chat that is compulsory for all students to take part in.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Interventions—Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities
• Collaboration in Inclusive Settings
• Instructional Strategies: Mid-to-Moderate Disabilities
• Educational Research and Applications
• Teaching Students with Linguistic Differences

As part of the program requirements, all students must complete a capstone project as well as a supervised practice teaching session in which they must teach students with special needs.

Accreditation Information:

• Concordia University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association

Seton Hill University

Seton Hill University is a Catholic liberal arts university that offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a number of different fields.

The online Master of Arts in Special Education degree offered at Seton Hill is a 30 credit hour program. It is intended to help aspiring teachers understand the technological skills and instruction methods required to help special needs learners. As part of the program, students take part in integrated field experiences to apply what they’ve learned in a classroom setting.

The program also features a research based practicum which all students must complete. In addition, if students wish to specialize in Early Intervention, they may do so by completing additional coursework.

Accreditation Information:

• Seton Hill University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education

 Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and is a public university. The university has a student body of more than 6,000 and offers over 100 different degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The online Master of Science in Special Education offered by the university is focused on advanced concepts and research in the special needs education.

There are five concentration options available in this program:

• Developmental Disabilities
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Physical/Health Disabilities
• Specific Learning Disabilities

All students must complete the following core courses:

• Methods of Research
• Perspectives and Policies in Special Education
• Theory and Process of Consultation and Collaboration
• Diagnostic Strategies
• Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Theory

As part of the degree requirements, all students must complete an action research project. Those interested in pursuing a teacher licensure option may also do so if they wish.

Accreditation Information:

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler, also known as UT Tyler, is a member of the University of Texas system. This public university enrolls over 6,700 students annually and offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The online Master in Special Education degree with Educational Diagnostician Certification focuses on theory and research in special education, and how they may be applied to help special needs learners from preschool to adulthood. The aim of the program is to help graduates implement instructional strategies, use the right assessment tools, and formulate effective individualized curriculum plans for special needs learners. Candidates must note that in order to enroll in this program they must hold a Texas Teacher Certification.

Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Learning and Neurological Disabilities
• Assessment in Special Education
• Behavior Disorders
• Administrative and Legal Issues
• Educational Strategies
• Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilities

As part of the program requirements, all students must also complete a practicum.

Accreditation Information:

• University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• The University of Texas at Tyler School of Education received accreditation from the Texas Education Agency, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

 California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton is a public university with a large student body of over 38,000. It offers over 240 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in a variety of different fields.

The online Master of Science in Education degree offered by the California State University is intended for career special educators. The program has a strong focus on instruction and assessment methods, integration of technology, curriculum design, and reflective practice.

Accreditation Information:

• California State University, Fullerton is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
• The program is accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Concordia University—Portland

Concordia University is part of the Concordia University system and offers a wide range of degree programs at a number of different educational levels. Concordia Online Education gives students the chance to enroll in and complete some of these degrees online.

One of the degrees offered through Concordia Online Education is the Master of Education in Special Education degree (non-endorsement). This program is intended for teachers or professionals interested in the theory and practice of teaching special needs students.

The 27 credit hour program offers courses at the elementary and secondary levels. That means that candidates must register for courses according to their existing license level.

Students are also required to complete a capstone course as part of the degree requirements.

Accreditation Information:

• Concordia University—Portland is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

It is also accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association