Special Education
Kent State University’s Master of Education in Special Education provides advanced knowledge and skills for educators dedicated to supporting students with special needs. This online program offers specializations in areas such as mild/moderate and moderate/intensive educational needs, preparing graduates for roles that require expertise in inclusive and individualized instruction. Graduates are well-equipped to advocate for and address the diverse needs of students in special education settings.
Special Education Master’s Degree Program Overview
The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master’s degree; however, they should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.
The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master’s degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.
The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.
- The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.
- The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.
- The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.
- The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
- Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
- Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
- Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
- Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., mild/moderate, deaf education).
The General Special Education concentration provides an opportunity for already licensed teachers to engage in endorsement or certificate training to enhance their existing skills. Moreover, graduates learn to use evidence-based practices to guide their direct service, support and consultation skills in schools and other agencies, as professionals work together with individuals with exceptionalities and their families.
Accreditation
The Deaf Education concentration is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf.
Program Structure
- 33 credit hours
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses
- Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree
What is a Master’s in Special Education?
The online master’s degree in Special Education at Kent State University provides students with an advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Applicants to the master’s program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change, or preparation for doctoral-level study.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of this program?
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Special Education program have a wide range of career options beyond traditional teaching roles. They can pursue careers as special education administrators, policy advocates, consultants, program developers, and research specialists. These roles are available in school districts, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting.
What will I learn in Kent State’s Master’s in Special Education program?
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
- Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
- Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
- Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
- Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., transition-to work, mild/moderate, deaf education).
Does the program prepare students for licensure?
This program provides advanced knowledge and skills but does not directly result in initial teaching licensure. However, some coursework may be applied toward specific licensure requirements. Students interested in licensure should consult with an advisor to determine the eligibility of particular courses.
What is the focus of Kent State’s online Master of Education in Special Education?
Kent State’s online M.Ed. in Special Education program is designed to equip educators and professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to support students with diverse learning needs. Students can choose from among many elective courses, including those required for the Behavior Intervention Specialist Certificate (which provides the necessary coursework for a certificate as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst), the Transition to Work Endorsement, and the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program. This allows students to tailor their education to match their career goals and areas of interest within the field of special education.
What concentrations are available in this program?
The M.Ed. in Special Education program offers several concentrations to choose from, including Early Childhood Intervention, Deaf Education, General Special Education, Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs, and Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs. Each concentration provides specialized coursework and training to prepare students for specific roles and responsibilities in special education. Only the General Special Education concentration is offered fully online.
Is the program 100% online, and can it be completed part-time?
Yes, the M.Ed. in Special Education is offered 100% online, providing the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere. Students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time, allowing them to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The length of time required to complete the program varies depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Most students complete the program in approximately two years, but this can vary based on course load and personal schedule.
Are there any hands-on or field-based components in the program?
Certain concentrations may include practicum or fieldwork components, which provide practical, hands-on experience working with students in special education settings. These experiences help students apply their learning in real-world environments and are typically arranged in a location convenient to the student.
Special Education Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| SPED 63201 | CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 63204 | LEGAL AND POLICY FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 63300 | RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| Multidisciplinary Elective, choose from the following: | 3 | |
| CES 67712 | ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL REHABILITATION COUNSELING | |
| CULT 69522 | ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | |
| RMS 65510 | STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES | |
| RMS 68807 | PROGRAM EVALUATION | |
| SPED 53309 | INTRODUCTION TO DEAF STUDIES 1 | |
| SPED 63030 | PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | |
| SPED 63956 | FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | |
| SPSY 67973 | CONSULTATION IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS | |
| Any other graduate-level courses agreed upon by faculty advisor | ||
| Concentrations | ||
| Choose from the following: | 18-24 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30-36 | |
1Students in the Deaf Education concentration should not take SPED 53309.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| RMS 65510 | STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES | 3 |
| Deaf Education Electives, as approved by advisor | 15 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| SPED 63301 | SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| Early Childhood Intervention Electives, as approved by advisor | 15 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| SPED 63301 | SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| General Electives, as approved by advisor | 15 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| SPED 63301 | SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor | 15 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| SPED 63301 | SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor | 15 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| SPED 53950 | CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 63958 | EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION METHODS | |
| SPED 63952 | FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD | 3 |
| SPED 63953 | PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:BIRTH TO FIVE | 3 |
| SPED 63955 | TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN | 3 |
| SPED 63956 | FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 63957 | ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 64892 | ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 3 |
| SPED 64951 | DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 24 | |
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
- Students in the Deaf Education concentration must also pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the intermediate level for graduation.
- Students seeking a Reading Endorsement must see their advisor before beginning ANY coursework.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Special Education Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $594.78 | $1,784.34 | $19,600 part-time1 $13,100 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $604.78 | $1,814.34 | $20,000 part-time3 $13,400 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. The amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). The amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters plus the $330 surcharge.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Careers
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- 17.0% much faster than the average
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- 8.3% much faster than the average
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- 3.2% about as fast as the average
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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