Master of Education in Special Education

The interdisciplinary specialization is designed primarily for graduate candidates who wish to have an advanced degree in special education/disabilities services in order to pursue special education leadership and/or research. Completion of core courses and the designated elective courses allow candidates to examine key topics and issues in special education through the lens of an educational leader while also developing skills for evaluating and disseminating special education research.  This program also allows candidates to work with their faculty advisors to individualize and accommodate candidates’ experiences, educational background and professional aspirations.

Who should consider this program

• Special education teachers
• Special education teacher mentors
• General education teachers wishing to gain knowledge in inclusive practices or as an add-a-field in special education
• Administrators
• Special Education Department Heads or Grade-Level Chairs
• Student Service Coordinators (SSC)
• District Education Specialists (DES)
• District or Complex Area Resource Teachers
• Individuals working in nonprofit and for-profit agencies serving individuals with disabilities

International Student Visa

International students enrolled in fully online or primarily online degree or certificate programs are not eligible for issuance of the Form I-20 required to apply for an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. Students participating in online programs must complete their coursework from outside the United States unless they hold another valid immigration status that permits study in the U.S.

For the purposes of international student visa eligibility, a “primarily online” program refers to a program in which the majority of coursework or instructional delivery is conducted online or through distance education methods, even if the program may include limited in-person, hybrid, residency, or short-term on-campus components.