Online Master of Education in Special Education – Teacher Certification

Are you looking to become a certified K-12 special education teacher? If so, Arizona State University’s Master of Education in special education – teacher certification may be perfect for you. This program connects theory and practice through quality instruction, preparing you for an in-demand role as a teacher for K-12 students.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 21

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 34

Degree questions, answered

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What is a special education teacher certification?

No matter where K-12 students are located, they need access to high-quality, well-prepared teachers. This is especially true for students with special learning needs. This master's degree enables aspiring educators to become certified K-12 special education teachers.

Additionally, this program provides you with the opportunity to pursue a K-12 mild/moderate disabilities special education certification, as well as dual certification in special education and elementary education.

Who is the ideal candidate for a special education teacher certification?

This program is ideal for students with a bachelor’s degree looking to further their knowledge in special education for grades K-12. With two available tracks, this program may benefit those employed as emergency-certified teachers, paraprofessionals, after-school program aides or other personnel working with children, as well as non-education professionals looking to change careers. 

This program offers two routes for certification:

  • Traditional certification: In this route, you’ll take courses online while conducting internships and residencies on site in local schools. In addition to obtaining certification in mild/moderate disabilities special education or intensive support needs special education, you’ll also have the opportunity to add on dual certification in K-8 elementary education.
  • Alternative pathways certification: This route provides certification for individuals working as a teacher of record on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states). You must secure a full-time teaching position before starting the program, which allows you to immediately put coursework into practice. Please note, students who choose this route are not eligible for dual certification. 

What will I learn in a master’s in special education?

In this program, you’ll gain a foundation in teaching and content knowledge. You’ll also participate in carefully designed internships and residencies in diverse school settings. These professional experiences provide you with a range of skills, including the ability to:

  • Create strategies or programs for students with special needs.
  • Develop educational and instructional programs.
  • Design experiential learning activities.
  • Evaluate student performance.
  • Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
  • Plan esteem building activities for children.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: ASUeducation@asu.edu.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Special education teacher certification courses

The special education curriculum combines coursework aligned with teacher certification requirements with professional experiences in K-12 classroom settings. You'll take a range of core and elective courses for a total of 34 credit hours, or up to 40 credit hours if you pursue dual certification in special education and elementary education. You’ll also complete an applied research project that allows you to identify an education challenge and design an intervention. Courses may include:


What jobs will I get with a special education teacher certification?

This program prepares you to start a career as a certified K-12 special education teacher. The successful completion of this program can lead to a variety of educational careers, such as:

Learn from renowned educators

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Learn from renowned educators

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Please note: This program has an earlier application deadline than other online degrees offered by Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Study at one of the top colleges for teaching and education

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

#2


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#3


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Top 5


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Top 10


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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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