Master’s in Special Education Online Degree

Earn Your MS in Special Education

The accredited Master of Science in Special Education program equips teaching professionals with the fundamental skills, knowledge and competencies needed to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings. The MS in Special Education online program is a flexible and convenient part-time, distance-learning graduate program that gives you a comprehensive understanding of developing the potential of students with disabilities. Included in the curriculum is the coursework necessary to pursue the Pennsylvania (PA) Special Education PreK-12 certification.

Master's Degree in Special Education Concentrations

• Applied Behavior Analysis
  Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-developed, scientifically-based discipline that investigates and describes how the environment and the individual interact, and how that interaction impacts behavior. It has been used effectively to teach new skills and behavioral repertoires to all populations, but is perhaps best known for assessing and treating those with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
  The number of children diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome has increased drastically over the past decade. Consequently, there is an increasingly high-demand for professionals trained in educating children diagnosed with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. The Autism concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical field. The curriculum provides knowledge and skills for working with these students. Effective teaching methods, interventions, and support will also be emphasized.
• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process
  Special Education is a dynamic field, continually impacted by legislation, regulation and litigation. This concentration is designed for those interested in enhancing their proficiency in the procedural and substantive rules that guide the development and implementation of an appropriate education for students with disabilities. Leadership skills in areas such as collaboration, special education advocacy, IEP meeting facilitation, collaborative problem-solving and dispute resolution will be emphasized.
• Dyslexia Specialist
  It is estimated that up to 20% of school age children experience difficulty with some aspect of literacy. This course sequence gives teachers the necessary skills to provide direct instruction in a multisensory phonetic-based program to students with decoding deficits. With successful completion of the coursework, you'll be eligible for WRS Level 1 Certification. The WRS is recognized nationwide and is a highly desirable certification to have in Special Education.
• Initial Education Certification
  In this concentration you'll learn all competencies and standards required to earn your Special Education Certification. You'll also be prepared to be a lead teacher in your own classroom and to meet the needs of children with various disabilities.
• Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness
  This concentration prepares you to help address non-academic barriers to learning. You'll learn the best techniques for building collaborative partnerships with families, students, and the larger educational community, and developing evidence-based, age-appropriate strategies to support PreK-12 students.
• Special Education Leadership
  The concentration prepares you to become a supervisor of special education programs. You will learn the advanced skills, knowledge, and competencies to head initiatives that meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in a variety of environments. With successful completion of the coursework, you'll be eligible for the Supervisor of Special Education Certification.

Why Earn a Master’s in Special Education?

Careers in the special education space can be highly rewarding, and educators are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for special education teachers is expected to grow 8% over the next decade. These educators require specialized skills to meet the needs of their students. The curriculum of Drexel’s online master's degree in special education is tailored to prepare you to meet the challenges and opportunities of working with special needs populations through a variety of specialized concentrations. Upon graduation, you'll be able to pursue the Pennsylvania (PA) Special Education PreK-12 certification.

This degree prepares you for careers outside of the classroom as well. You can use the lessons learned in this program to find success in roles like a department chair or advisor for special education programs, an educational advisor for a department of education, a special education advocate, or an advisor for product development that requires a special education perspective.

Our MS in Special Education Graduates Make a Difference

Graduate Ashley Swestyn worked to help parents learn their rights in regard to their children's special needs education. Read her story.

MS in Special Education Salary Expectations

Salaries can vary based on your location, years of experience, and exact job title. However, some common job titles and salaries for professionals with a background in special education include:

• Elementary School Teacher - $60,660
• School and Career Counselor - $58,120
• Special Education Advocate - $56,680
• Special Education Teacher - $61,420

Source: BLS, 2020

Online Master's Degree in Special Education Program FAQs

How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in special education?
Drexel’s online master’s in special education is a 48-66 quarter credit program. This program can be completed in about two years, depending on how many courses you take per term.

Are there any on-campus requirements for this program?
There are no on-campus requirements for this program. All of your courses can be completed online. However, the program does include a practicum component that allows you to apply your coursework in a real classroom setting. Specific concentrations may require additional practicums. These field placements can be completed at a location that is convenient for you.

Master’s in Special Needs Education Scholarships

Applicants applying for a Fall 2022 start to the MS in Special Education program with a concentration in Dyslexia Specialist are eligible to be selected for a $5,000 scholarship. One individual $5,000 scholarship is available.

Eligibility:

• New students in the MS in Special Education with the Dyslexia Specialist concentration
• Must start classes in the Fall 2022 term
• $5,000 scholarship will be applied toward tuition when selected students take EDLS 622 Basic Word Study I

Learn More About Our Master’s in Special Education Online Program

Archived Webinars

• How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
• Online Open House: Special Education Programs

Related Programs

• Dual Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Special Education
• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process Certificate
• Dyslexia Specialist Certificate - Wilson Reading System® Certification
• Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Special Education Leadership

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.