Special Education Degree

A Master’s of Science in Special  Education is an advanced degree for classroom teachers or administrators who want to enhance their knowledge of special education with regards to inclusion techniques and concerns, including instruction techniques, assistive technologies, and assessing special needs students in inclusion classrooms. Obtaining an MS in this unique concentration usually takes from 18-24 months, depending on the number of credit hours. Many online courses are available for teachers looking for work flexibility.

While a MS in Special Education will provide you with the necessary education to teach, it is not all that is required: each state has licensure requirements that vary. Many Master’s programs have state licensing built into their programs, but some do not, and will require you to obtain a teaching license on your own. Be sure to check out your individual program for details.

Masters in Education Programs

Below is a comprehensive listing of our Masters in Education Programs.

Why You Should Get Your MSEd in Special Education

Why get your Master’s in Special Education? Here are a few really good reasons:

  • Inclusion, or including special needs students in a normal classroom setting, is becoming one of the leading areas of advancement in special education.
  • Become a better teacher and take on more responsibility by adding inclusion education to your services as an educator.
  • Enhance your abilities as a school administrator by learning the cutting-edge values of inclusion law and techniques for your district.
  • Fill the need for inclusion-educated teachers in public and private schools alike.

Special Education Degree Curriculum & Courses

Individual MS in Special Education programs vary depending on the institution, so please check with yours for complete course study. Areas of study listed below are samples of courses you may take while completing your education.

  • Disability and Learning
  • Teacher and Leader
  • Differentiation Theory and Strategies
  • Theory and Practice in Teaching
  • Special Education Law for the Classroom
  • Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms
  • Collaborative Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms

Special Education Teacher Career Opportunities

An education degree in the specialty of special education opens the door to a wide range of education-based careers in special education, teaching, and administration. Listed below is a range of career possibilities – not a complete list, but merely some suggestions to possible career pathways.

  • K-12 Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Curriculum Developer
  • District or State Inclusion Specialist
  • Public or Private School Administrator

Special Education Admissions & Educational Requirements

Most Education Masters Programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and transcripts from that university. Some require that you have experience teaching in order to apply, others do not. In addition, many have GPA requirements and require letters of recommendation. Some programs will transfer credits or offer credit for prior coursework, but check with your individual institution for details.

If you are interested in a Master of Science in Inclusion Education, consult the program’s admission requirements online or call a representative for details.

Special Education Accreditation

There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies for teachers, most of them state-related. Please make sure you research accreditation before entering a program.

NCATE – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
www.ncate.org

Professional Organizations

Included below are a few of the many professional special education and educational advocacy organizations. Learn more about your future career here.

NASET – National Association of Special Education Teachers
www.naset.org

AET – Association of Education Therapists
www.aetonline.org

FRC – Federal Resource Center for Special Education
www.rfcnetwork.org

AFT – American Federation of Teachers
www.aft.org

CEC – Council for Exceptional Children
www.cec.sped.org

NEA – National Education Association
www.nea.org

UFT – United Federation of Teachers
www.uft.org

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