Online Graduate Programs in Special Education
Graduate Program Programs in Special Education are designed to boost students' skills in the field and move them ahead in their careers. Starting with foundational courses in Education and Special Education, most programs then move into a specialization in Special Education.
The master's in Special Education program includes orientation to the exceptional child. Courses teach how to diagnose and assess disabilities, inclusion strategies, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator. This program takes 1 to 2 years to complete.
Students in Graduate Program programs can expect to graduate and move into Special Education careers within 1 to 4 years.
If you are interested in earning a Graduate Program in Special Education, find the Graduate Program that best fits you..
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Special Education: Special Education programs
Ashford University
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MA/Education - Special Education (Non Licensure)
Open up education to all students by earning your Master of Arts in Education online with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University. Focus your education degree with the Special Education specialization that will support the needs of exceptional students in school programs. The Special Education specialization allows you to respond to students' diverse abilities and styles as you provide equitable learning. You will learn classroom management, as well as how to identify disabilities and special abilities. If you are committed to a career involving education, then the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
Walden University

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Emotional Behavioral Disorders
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
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Ph.D. in Education - Special Education - KAM-Based
This program helps education professionals pursue original research that contributes to the field. Taking into consideration challenges that educators face today, this program explores issues such as human development, organizational systems, and promotion of social change through education. With a range of specializations and learning formats, you can personalize your course of study to meet your needs and goals.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Adult Education Leadership
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Technology
- Global and Comparative Education
- Higher Education
- K-12 Educational Leadership
- Leadership, Policy, and Change
- Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
- Self-Designed
- Special Education
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Learning Disabilties
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.
Grand Canyon University

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M.Ed. in Special Education (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers.This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students' various learning needs.Participants are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University should they wish to change to the Eligible version of the program prior to the posting of their degree.
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M.Ed. in Special Education (With IR and Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers. This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, and who seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. The classroom setting must have at least 3 of the 5 following disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, mental retardation, physical impairment, and/or health impairment.Participants must complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program with a certified special education teacher.Graduates of the program are prepared to be effective special needs teachers who can implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning needs.
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M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers with greater expertise and skills.This next-level degree program is designed for any individual interested in advanced studies in special education who is currently certified to teach special education.Courses in this regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. The curriculum provides current best practice strategies for teaching special needs students, along with a broad range of relevant topics, including special education program development, inclusion and collaborative practices, and assistive technology. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences. Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program will be prepared to effectively work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning requirements of students with special needs.
Online Schools with Special Education programs
Walden University

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Emotional Behavioral Disorders
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
-
Ph.D. in Education - Special Education - KAM-Based
This program helps education professionals pursue original research that contributes to the field. Taking into consideration challenges that educators face today, this program explores issues such as human development, organizational systems, and promotion of social change through education. With a range of specializations and learning formats, you can personalize your course of study to meet your needs and goals.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Adult Education Leadership
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Technology
- Global and Comparative Education
- Higher Education
- K-12 Educational Leadership
- Leadership, Policy, and Change
- Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
- Self-Designed
- Special Education
-
Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Learning Disabilties
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
-
Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.
Grand Canyon University

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M.Ed. in Special Education (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers.This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students' various learning needs.Participants are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University should they wish to change to the Eligible version of the program prior to the posting of their degree.
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M.Ed. in Special Education (With IR and Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers. This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, and who seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. The classroom setting must have at least 3 of the 5 following disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, mental retardation, physical impairment, and/or health impairment.Participants must complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program with a certified special education teacher.Graduates of the program are prepared to be effective special needs teachers who can implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning needs.
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M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers with greater expertise and skills.This next-level degree program is designed for any individual interested in advanced studies in special education who is currently certified to teach special education.Courses in this regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. The curriculum provides current best practice strategies for teaching special needs students, along with a broad range of relevant topics, including special education program development, inclusion and collaborative practices, and assistive technology. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences. Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program will be prepared to effectively work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning requirements of students with special needs.