Special Education: Disabilities
Master of Arts
of All Higher-Ed Institutions
- Center for World University Rankings, 2020
Best Online Master's in Education Programs
- U.S. News & World Report, 2021
Quick Facts
College of Education
Program Details
Build a strong academic foundation in the principles of special education and prepare to teach, advocate, supervise or plan programs for adults and children with disabilities. Enhance your existing teaching experience with advanced special education skills in one of three specializations: challenging behavior, autism spectrum disorder or sensory impairments.
The core program will take you through an in-depth examination of teaching methods and learning structures that you can use to create a comfortable learning environment for students with disabilities and special needs. You will have the opportunity to explore the latest teaching methods and learning techniques, as well as conduct independent research.
In lieu of a master's thesis or final comprehensive exam, you will conduct an in-depth study, special project or formal report with the supervision of a faculty mentor. This project is designed to provide you with essential skills and experience in research, writing and reporting.
Eligibility: This program is designed for applicants holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants should be licensed teachers.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
Learn to recognize and address the environmental factors that can affect a student's behavior with advanced coursework.
CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
Courses in this specialization include:
- SERP 529A: Advanced Positive Behavioral Support I
- SERP 529B: Advanced Positive Behavioral Support II
SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS
Complete specialized courses that explore the ways in which sensory impairments impact student development and how to respond to them effectively.
SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS
Courses in this specialization include:
- SERP 521: Introduction to Visual Impairments and Deaf-Blindness
- SERP 530: Education and Rehabilitation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Develop the specialized skills and fundamental knowledge needed to assess and teach students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Courses in this specialization include:
- SERP 564: Introduction to Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- SERP 595A: Assessing and Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
