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: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 21

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 34

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Special Education – Teacher Certification (MEd)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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:


Core

Creating Equitable Learning Environment: Decision-Making and Action


Core

Educator Scholar Community III


Core

Instructional Design, Planning and Assessment


Core

Research and Evaluation in Education


Concentration

Cultivating Networks of Culturally Responsive Relationships Among Families, Communities and Cultures


Concentration

Educator Scholar Community II


Concentration

Instruction and Assessment for Learners with Exceptionalities I


Concentration

Instruction and Assessment for Learners with Exceptionalities II


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:

Educator in public, charter or private schools

Educator working in non-school settings

K–8 general education teacher

K–12 special education teacher

Learn from renowned educators

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.

Learn from renowned educators

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.

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.

Application requirements

Additional application information

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. The college consistently ranks among the top graduate schools for education in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2


best online master’s in educational administration programs.

#3


best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

Top 5


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Top 10


best online master's in education programs.

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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