Master's in Special Education Online
Attain Licensure to Become a Leader in Special Education
Online
2 Years
54–60 Credit Hours
$503 per Credit
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Create a Supportive Environment in Your Special Education Classroom
Special education students have diverse needs. Step up as an education leader versed in using innovative teaching techniques to tailor support for each student.
Southwest Minnesota State University’s online Master of Science in Special Education degree program delivers the credentials you need to pursue Minnesota licensure and advance your education career. Choose from six specializations in rewarding fields and prepare to make a lasting impact in inclusive and special education classrooms.
This MS in Special Education program is also offered on campus.
Program Details
- Attain the credentials to pursue Minnesota licensure
- 6 specialization options
- Accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Highly skilled faculty
Customize Your Special Education Master’s Degree with a Licensure-Driven Specialization
SMSU’s online master’s in special education degree offers six specializations, empowering you to pursue the licensure you need for the special education career you want. Explore our options and choose the specialization that best supports your career path.
Master’s in Special Education Online Courses: A Curriculum Tailored to Your Success
54–60 Total Credits
18–20 Courses
The online master’s in special education degree program includes 18–20 courses for 54–60 credit hours. The total number of credits you’ll complete depends on the specialization you choose. Each specialization option delivers valuable teaching skills and helps you acquire the credentials needed to pursue licensure in Minnesota.
Course Highlights
- SPED 550: Curriculum Design and Implementation in Special Education
- SPED 560: Positive Behavior Support in Special Education
- SPED 621: Access and Support for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Developmental Disabilities
- SPED 686: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Programming
SMSU Admission Requirements
Start Date August 26, 2024 Fall Term 2024
Take the next step toward unlocking your full potential by completing your application for the online master’s in special education degree program today. Support is available from the SMSU enrollment team.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30 waivable fee* |
| Official Transcripts | Send official undergraduate transcripts |
| Minimum GPA | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. |
| Additional Admission Items | Provide a letter of intent and two letters of recommendation if your GPA is under 3.0. |
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact an enrollment counselor by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsTuition and Aid: Invest in Your Future with a Custom Special Education Master’s Degree
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Are you ready to invest in your future with an online master’s degree? Southwest Minnesota State University’s tuition and aid packages can assist you. With scholarships available and competitive tuition, earning your master’s in special education degree online is within reach.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $503 |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 54–60 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $27,162 – $30,180 |
| Other Costs | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting an enrollment counselor or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
What Can You Achieve with an Online Master’s Degree in Special Education?
As the shortage of special education teachers grows nationwide, effects are especially felt in Minnesota’s rural areas.1 Help address this challenge and access advanced teaching opportunities by earning your Master’s in Special Education online with SMSU. You’ll prepare to seek state licensure and roles with competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying jobs in special education offered annual salaries of more than $102,450 in 2022.2
Rewarding Jobs for Special Education Master’s Degree Graduates
Special Education Teacher $62,950 per year2
Instructional Coordinator $66,490 per year3
Program Outcomes
Earning your Master’s Degree in Special Education online with SMSU allows you to join a supportive community of diverse students and expert industry leaders. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue licensure and thrive as a leader in inclusive and special education.
What You’ll Learn
- Apply valuable skills and experience to meet the needs of special education classroom children (K–12)
- Enhance the learning experience of special education students with skills obtained from the program’s action research project
- Apply tailored knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, emotional behavioral disabilities, and more in classrooms
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. LeAnne Syring
Dr. LeAnne Syring began her education as a non-traditional student after raising four children. She enjoys teaching and has recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Inclusion of Students with Special Education Needs. With a love of teaching early childhood and special education, her goal is to continue to teach at the University level until retirement.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- KARE11, “Survey finds hundreds of Minnesota teaching vacancies remain unfilled,” at https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/survey-finds-hundreds-of-mn-teaching-vacancies-remain-unfilled/89-96b25870-5c03-484e-8b27-1c0ace77971e (visited October 12, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm#tab-5 (visited November 1, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm (visited October 16, 2023).
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.