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Master’s in Special Education Online Specializations

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Customize Your Special Education Master’s Degree

Online

6 Specializations

2 Years

54–60 Credit Hours

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Choose a Special Education Master’s Degree Tailored to Your Goals

Skilled educators are in high demand across the United States, with a considerable need for licensed special education teachers. In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 43 percent of short-staffed schools had open special education teacher positions.1 Now, you can help address this challenge with the online Master of Science in Special Education degree from Southwest Minnesota State University.

Answer the call to become a licensed educator with this affordable online master’s degree and earn the credentials you need to pursue licensure in Minnesota. You’ll also have the opportunity to customize your learning experience with one of six specializations.

Details on Specializations

  • Customize your online master’s in special education experience with courses that align with your professional goals
  • Hands-on learning opportunities in classrooms
  • Gain the credential to pursue licensure in Minnesota after graduation
  • Taught by faculty with real-world experience
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MS in Special Education Online Specializations

SMSU’s online master’s in special education specializations focus on in-demand areas within the field. Choose the specialization that best supports your professional goals and gain the expertise you need to become a licensed leader in special education.

2 Years | 15 Credit Hours

Study current theories and practices, medical and neurological perspectives, and social characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You’ll graduate prepared to make a positive impact in special education classrooms and inspire lifelong learning.

Course Highlights

  • ED 501: Children’s Literature
  • ED 504: Literacy Methods and Lab
  • SPED 585: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Issues and Needs

2 Years | 15 Credit Hours

Examine the communication needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learn to support their development of social skills within the special education classroom. With this specialization, you’ll graduate prepared to teach students with ASD through age 21.

Course Highlights

  • SPED 686: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Programming
  • SPED 687: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Communication and Social Skills
  • SPED 688: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Behavioral and Instructional Strategies

2 Years | 9 Credit Hours

Build a strong understanding of the cognitive, social, motor, and communication needs of children, youth, and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities.

Course Highlights

  • SPED 621: Access and Support for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Developmental Disabilities
  • SPED 641: Life Span Learning and Outcomes for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Developmental Disabilities
  • SPED 681: Developmental Disabilities: Practicum in Developmental Disabilities: K–12, Levels 3–4

2 Years | 16 Credit Hours

Study the current research and recommended practices for early intervention within the special education classroom and learn to apply effective teaching methods for students through age 6.

Course Highlights

  • ECSE 632: Infants, Toddlers and Families in Early Childhood Special Education and Lab
  • ECSE 642: Programming for Early Childhood Special Education
  • ECSE 652: Transitions in Early Childhood Special Education

2 Years | 15 Credit Hours

Examine the socioeconomic and psycho-social factors impacting students with emotional behavior disorders and build the skills to teach special education students within this realm.

Course Highlights

  • SPED 620: Characteristics of Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders
  • SPED 623: Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe Learning Disabilities
  • SPED 643: Teaching and Achievement Strategies for Learning Disabilities

2 Years | 15 Credit Hours

Examine theories, content, methods, and materials for teaching special education students with mild to severe learning disabilities and differences.

Course Highlights

  • SPED 624: Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe Learning Disabilities
  • SPED 644: Teaching and Achievement Strategies for Learning Disabilities
  • SPED 674: Learning Disabilities: Practicum in Learning Disabilities in grades K–12, Levels 1–3

Master’s in Special Education Online Courses for Future Licensed Educators

SMSU’s Master of Science in Special Education online degree program includes 18–20 courses for 54–60 credits. The program’s specialization options allow you to tailor your learning experience and prepare for Minnesota licensure with courses that support your professional goals. Graduate ready to take the lead in your education career.

Curriculum Details

Career Outlook: Job Opportunities for MS in Special Education Graduates

Minnesota is experiencing a shortage of special education teachers, especially in rural areas.2 Rising growth in demand may contribute to the competitive salaries available to licensed special education instructors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s highest-paying jobs in special education offered an annual salary of $102,450 in 2022.3

With SMSU’s Master of Science in Special Education online degree, you can gain the credentials required for licensure in Minnesota and respond to the state’s growing demand for expert educators.

Explore special education job opportunities for graduates:

  • Special education teacher: $62,950 median annual salary4
  • Instructional coordinator: $66,490 median annual salary4
  • Behavior analyst: $70,255 median annual salary5
  • Educational administrator: $101,320 median annual salary6

Sources

  1. The Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, “U.S. Schools Report Increased Teacher Vacancies Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, New NCES Data Show,” at https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/3_3_2022.asp (visited October 12, 2023).
  2. KARE11, “Survey finds hundreds of MN 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).
  3. 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 October 12, 2023).
  4. 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 12, 2023).
  5. Payscale, Average Behavior Analyst Salary, at https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Behavior_Analyst/Salary (visited October 12, 2023).
  6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm (visited October 12, 2023).