Special Education
Kent State University Online offers a comprehensive approach to special education, focusing on leadership, equity, and social justice. With a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, the university’s graduate degrees prepare educators to address diverse challenges and create inclusive learning environments.
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Many special educators begin their careers focused on direct instruction and student support, but over time, they naturally take on additional responsibilities within their schools. They become the go-to person for problem-solving, collaboration, and advocacy—supporting not only students, but also colleagues, families, and administrators. This organic progression often leads educators to explore leadership roles that extend their impact beyond a single classroom.
Special educators do some of the most complex, demanding, and emotionally intensive work in education. In addition to lesson planning and instruction, they manage IEPs, progress monitoring, compliance documentation, parent communication, multidisciplinary meetings, and often serve as advocates, problem-solvers, and emotional supports for their students.
In special education, behavior is rarely random. More often, it is a form of communication — a student’s way of expressing unmet needs, frustration, sensory overload, anxiety, or a lack of skills to navigate a situation. When educators view behavior through this lens, the focus shifts from “How do we stop this?” to “What is this student trying to tell us?”
Technology has transformed what is possible in special education classrooms. For many students with disabilities, technology is not just a convenience — it is a critical means of communication, instruction, and independence. When thoughtfully implemented, assistive and instructional technologies can remove barriers, amplify student voice, and create more inclusive learning environments.
Special education is a complex and highly individualized field that serves students across a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning needs. While a master’s degree in special education provides a strong foundation in theory, assessment, instructional strategies, and legal/ethical considerations, many educators choose to further refine their expertise in specific areas of practice. As student needs become more diverse and schools place greater emphasis on inclusive, individualized supports, specialization has become increasingly valuable.
Earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education is a transformative journey that allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with disabilities. But what if your undergraduate degree isn’t in special education or even in education at all? At Kent State University, you don’t need a background in special education to excel in our 100% online M.Ed. in Special Education program. With the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive in this program and prepare for a fulfilling career in this impactful field.
Leadership in special education is at a transformative crossroads. Kent State University’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interprofessional Leadership with a concentration in Special Education prepares professionals to meet challenges head-on, equipping them with the skills to advocate for systemic change and create inclusive learning environments.
Leadership and advocacy are critical to shaping the future of special education. Professionals in this field often find themselves at the intersection of policy, practice, and systemic change, working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education is designed to prepare graduates for these essential leadership and advocacy roles. Through a curriculum focused on evidence-based practices and systemic change, students gain the skills to make a meaningful impact on students, families, and communities.
Technology is reshaping education—and at Kent State University, faculty like Dr. Jiahui Wang are leading the way. As an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, Dr. Wang is dedicated to helping students and teachers harness the power of technology to create more engaging, effective learning environments.
At Kent State University, preparing future special educators goes far beyond teaching techniques—it’s about inspiring passion, resilience, and lifelong dedication. Few embody this spirit more fully than Dr. Andrew Wiley, a leader in special education and a champion for students and teachers alike.
