Online Master of Education in Special Education – Teacher Certification
Do you want to become a certified K–12 special education teacher? Aspiring educators can earn a special education master’s degree that leads to teacher certification from a top-ranked college of education. You’ll prepare for an in-demand role as a high-quality, well-prepared teacher for K–12 students.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/17/2023
Total classes: 19
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 47
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Special Education – Teacher Certification (MEd)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
What is a special education teacher certification?
This master's degree program leading to special education teacher certification enables aspiring educators to become certified K–12 special education teachers. You’ll prepare to work with K–12 students who have disabilities and/or special needs.
This program is for students who have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to further their knowledge in mild/moderate disabilities special education for grades K–12. 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, may also benefit from this master’s in special education, which leads to formal teaching certification.
This flexible 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. You’ll earn dual certification in both K-8 elementary education and K–12 mild-moderate disabilities special 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. Students in this route only earn one certification: K–12 mild-moderate disabilities.
What will I learn in a master’s in special education?
In the master’s in special education program, you’ll connect theory and practice through quality instruction from Arizona State University faculty, who are actively engaged in the educational research community. Plus, you’ll develop the specialized skills necessary to succeed in this high-demand teaching role.
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 special education teacher certificate 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
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 44 credit hours, or up to 47 credit hours if you pursue dual certification in special education and elementary education. To complete the program, you’ll also complete an applied research project that allows you to identify an education challenge and design an intervention. Courses may include:
Instructional Design, Planning and Assessment
Research and Evaluation in Education
Creating Equitable Learning Environment: Decision-Making and Action
Educator Scholar Community III
Integrated Humanities Methods and Assessment
K-8 Mathematics Methods and Assessment
Special Education Foundations: Law, IEP’s, Assessment and Ethics
Instruction and Assessment for Learners with Exceptionalities I
What jobs will I get with a special education teacher certification?
This master’s degree leading to teacher certification in special education prepares students 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:
Educator in public, charter or private schools
Educator working in non-school settings
K–8 general education teacher
K–12 special education teacher
Study with teachers who specialize in family and human development
The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines – including cognitive science, psychology and economics – to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Study with teachers who specialize in family and human development
The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines – including cognitive science, psychology and economics – to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Special education master’s degree and teacher certification admission requirements
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 individual 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 in both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.
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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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