Master of Education

Special Education

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  • Career-advancing credential offered online
  • Specialized coursework in special education
  • Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Program Details

Next Start Date
January 16th
Est. Program Length
1.5 years
Course Length
8 weeks
Cost per Credit
$377.80*
Credit Hours
32
Credits Accepted
9

*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.

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Make an Impact by Earning Your Master’s in Special Education Online

An online Master of Education in Special Education from East Central University explores the unique learning abilities and psychological requirements of children with disabilities. Our curriculum covers teaching methods and various technologies, as well as ethical and legal considerations, necessary to work in special education.

In addition to our in-depth coursework, you’ll have access to our interactive platform, which allows you to network with other students and make connections with fellow professionals. You’ll complete practicum experiences with children who are at various levels of academic functioning before you begin student teaching.

The program prepares you to sit for state certification for teaching children with mild/moderate disabilities from preschool through high school and is based on the Council for Exceptional Children (ECE) Initial Professional Standards for Special Educators and Initial Practice-Based Preparation Standards for Special Educators. In the last three and a half years, 100% of students have completed the program, and 100% of graduates secured teaching positions.


Topics of Study

The M.Ed. Special Education online program teaches a host of subjects crucial to success in the field, along with 12 semester hours in science, mathematics, social studies and language arts. Some other topics of study include:

  • Behavior modification
  • Cultural diversity
  • Dignity and responsive teaching

You will also be required to complete a practicum to gain hands-on experience in the field.


Learning Outcomes

When you graduate, you will be able to:

  • Develop and demonstrate the content knowledge and practice-based teaching skills to provide effective instruction for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
  • Develop the capacity to identify and implement evidence-based programs, instructional and behavioral interventions and high leverage practices to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities and special needs.
  • Enhance critical thinking skills and an experiential base for professional positions in clinical, educational and other related settings.

Courses & Requirements

Our M.Ed. Special Education online program requires a total of 32 credit hours. Students are required to take five credit hours of core courses, including a practicum worth two credit hours and 27 credit hours of specialization courses.

EDUC 5113
EDUC 5762
EDUC 5023
EDUC 5093
EDUC 5163
EDUC 5333
EDUC 5353
EDUC 5743
EDUC 5753
EDUC 5103
EDUC 5233

Students must earn at least a B in EDUC 5113 or will be required to retake it.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into ECU’s online special education master’s degree, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade-point average on all undergraduate coursework to date; or
  • Have a minimum 2.75 GPA for the last 60 credit hours of coursework; or
  • Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for at least 9 credit hours of graduate coursework

How to Apply

To apply, you must submit the following materials: 

  • Complete application
  • Transcripts of all completed work (baccalaureate and graduate) from an accredited institution
  • Resumé
  • Two references
  • A personal statement. Explain your career goals, how an ECU degree will help you accomplish those goals, your interest in the field and any actions you have taken to pursue this interest. You must also describe any skills, attributes or experiences you possess that would aid in your future profession.

Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.

Tuition & Fees

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostTotal
Tuition32 credit hours$377.80*$12,089.60
Total with transfer credits (up to 9)$8,689.40

*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.

Financial Aid

At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.

View Financial Aid

Military Benefits

East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.

View Military Benefits

Native American Students

Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.

View our Native American Students page

Are You the First in Your Family to Go to College?

At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.

View our First-Generation College Students page

Transfer Students

If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.

View our Transfer Students page

Career Outlook

Once you earn your master’s degree in special education online, you can pursue many career opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs, including the following:

Director of Special Education

Directors of special education ensure that schools and districts follow regulations and procedures for students with special needs. They provide leadership for special education teachers and ensure students receive education and services that meet their abilities.

Average annual salary: $88,727

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit program managers handle projects within an organization that is specific to their area of expertise to meet the goals of the organization. They oversee programs to ensure quality and budgets and often work with various departments and the public.

Average annual salary: $80,158

Special Education Consultant

Special education consultants help identify academic targets and appropriate resources for students with special needs. They work with the student’s family and teacher to design an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and monitor progress to ensure success in school.

Average annual salary: $62,194

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional or physical needs beyond what is typical in a classroom. They help to adapt lesson plans and ensure that special needs students get the resources and care they need.

Average annual salary: $55,104

All information cited from Glassdoor.

Program FAQ’s

An M.Ed. in Special Education prepares you for a variety of impactful careers. Our graduates work in public and private schools, nonprofit agencies and home health agencies. Many students advance into roles as directors, principals or program managers. Some choose careers as lobbyists and advocates.

Special education is the field of education that seeks to perfect and execute the practice of educating students who need special accommodations due to physical, emotional and psychological differences.

Earning an online degree allows you to continue to meet your daily obligations while earning a career-advancing credential. Our courses are asynchronous, providing flexibility, but feature the same challenging curriculum and expert faculty as an in-person program.

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