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MS Special Education

Program Type

Masters

Program Format

Online

Instruction Format

Instructor Led

Courses

10 courses

Credit Hours

30

Next Start

01/22/2025

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With a nationwide shortage of passionate, qualified special education professionals, some of the most vulnerable students are left without the support they require and deserve. An M.S. in Special Education can set you on the path to helping those who need you most.

Why Study Special Education?

By 2022, the number of students receiving services under IDEA totals 7.3 million (15% of total public school students)*. Nationally, every state is struggling with a teacher shortage, a gap that ultimately leaves diverse learners without the support they need and deserve.

Eastern’s master’s in special education features a holistic curriculum designed for professionals with an interest in working with students with disabilities or those who already do and who want to hone their skills and knowledge.

  • Instructional Methods:From designing and implementing assessments to best practices for better instruction of K-12 students with special needs, you’ll learn the theory and practical application for instructing exceptional students.
  • Collaboration:Learn how to effectively work with families, other special education personnel, and navigate effective interagency collaborations for the benefit of students.
  • Advocacy:Gain an in-depth understanding of trends, issues, and policies so you can become an advocate for inclusive education.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, Students With Disabilities, on the internet at https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg (visited July 12, 2023).

Potential careers include:

  • Instructional coordinator
  • Educational administrator
  • Special education supervisor
  • Social and community service manager
  • Program manager or director
  • Interventionist or intervention coordinator
  • Disability advocate

Who Should Apply?

The M.S. in Special Education is an advanced degree for experienced certified teachers, teacher candidates who have completed a teaching certification program, or other professionals with an interest in working with exceptional students.

These are some of the basic requirements for admission into the M.S. in Special Education program:

  • Completed application for admission with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Apply Online.
    • Application Deadline: Monday, May 6, 2024
  • Bachelor’s degree from an approved/accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Work experience will be part of the assessment if your GPA is below 3.0.
  • A résumé/CV addressing your professional history, educational, and career interests.
  • Official college transcript(s) for all non-Eastern colleges/universities attended.
  • A copy of a valid state teacher’s certificate or evidence of significant teaching experience.
  • Two recommendation surveys completed by individuals knowledgeable about your ability to complete graduate work.
  • Statement of professional goals.

PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite course(s) in special education should be taken prior to beginning the program.

Curriculum & Tuition

Required Courses

Tuition

Cost per credit hour: $750

Total credits: 30

Why Choose Eastern?

  • Eastern Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
  • Offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities.
  • Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Awarded ‘Green Campus’ status by the Princeton Review 13 years in a row.

Cost per credit hour: $750

Additional tuition reductions and flexible payment options may be available!

Career Pathways

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Instructional Coordinators
Social and Community Service Managers
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School