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.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
A field component is required in most courses.
Pre-Requisite Courses
You must have the following courses in order to apply for a certification in special education. All students entering this master's program from an approved PA certification program after 2011 should have had these core courses in their initial certification program. If you do not have these courses, you must complete them with a minimum grade of "B" in addition to the core certification offerings:
EDEX 542: Fundamentals of Special Education (3 credits)
EDEX 544: The Inclusive Learner (3 credits)
EDEX 568: Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 (3 credits)
Core Courses | ||
EDEX 536 | Special Education Processes PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement | 3.0 |
EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
EDEX 575 | Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive PK-12 Enviornment | 3.0 |
EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Enviornments | 3.0 |
Capstone Courses (For those not obtaining initial certificaion) |
||
EDU 780 | Capstone Research | 3.0 |
Select from the Practitioner or Thesis Capstone tracks: | ||
EDUP 780 | Practitioner Capstone Course I | 3.0 |
or EDUT 780 | Thesis Capstone Course I | |
EDUP 781 | Practitioner Capstone Course II | 3.0-4.5 |
or EDUT 781 | Thesis Capstone Course II | |
Concentration Courses | 12.0-31.5 | |
Complete courses from one of the concentrations listed below. | ||
Total Credits | 48.0-66.0 |
Concentration Options
Applied Behavior Analysis * | 31.5 | |
ABA 630
|
Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | |
ABA 631
|
Measurement and Experimental Design | |
ABA 632
|
Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | |
ABA 633
|
Behavioral Interventions | |
ABA 634
|
Consultation, Systems Change, and Supervision | |
ABA 635
|
Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | |
ABA 636
|
Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | |
Autism Spectrum Disorders | 12.0 | |
EDEX 556
|
Characteristics & Methods: Autism | |
EDEX 558
|
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | |
EDEX 560
|
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
EDEX 562
|
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
Collaborative Special Education Law, & Process | 12.0 | |
EDEX 600
|
Family, School, and Community Engagement in Special Education | |
EDEX 601
|
Special Education Advocacy | |
EDEX 602
|
Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training | |
EDEX 710
|
School Law & Policy in Special Education | |
Dyslexia Specialist ** |
12.0 | |
EDLS 620
|
Applied Methods in Multisensory Reading Instruction | |
EDLS 621
|
Early Literacy Skills | |
EDLS 622
|
Basic Word Study I | |
EDLS 623
|
Basic Word Study II | |
EDLS 624
|
Multisensory Practicum I | |
EDLS 625
|
Multisensory Practicum II | |
EDLS 626
|
Multisensory Practicum III | |
Initial Education Certification |
21.0 | |
EDEX 514
|
Special Education Student Teaching Seminar | |
EDEX 542
|
Fundamentals of Special Education | |
EDEX 544
|
The Inclusive Classroom | |
EDEX 568
|
Literacy and Content Skill Development in Early Childhood Education | |
EDUC 515
|
Adolescent Learners in Secondary Schools | |
EDUC 521
|
Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education | |
EDUC 522
|
Evaluation of Instruction | |
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness | 12.0 | |
EDEX 580
|
Social Emotional Wellness and Preventative Practices | |
EDEX 581
|
Understanding Social Emotional Disorders | |
EDEX 582
|
Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care | |
EDEX 583
|
Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotional Wellness | |
Special Education Leadership | 16.0 | |
EDEX 710
|
School Law & Policy in Special Education | |
EDEX 712
|
Instructional & Curriculum Leadership in Special Education | |
EDEX 714
|
Development, Supervision, & Support: Special Education Leadership | |
EDEX 716
|
Organization & Administration of Special Education | |
EDEX 721
|
Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Special Education Leadership | |
EDEX 722
|
Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Instructional Leadership | |
EDEX 723
|
Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Collaboration & Personnel | |
EDEX 724
|
Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Finance & Management |
*The Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration fulfills the coursework requirements for BCBA certification. Additional requirements are needed.
**The Dyslexia Specialist courses fulfill certain requirements (but not all) for the Wilson Language Level I certification.
View Course Descriptions
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- If you do not meet this requirement, you’re still encouraged to apply and your file will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Program Director
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal essay addressing the following:
- Why you’re interested in this field
- Why you’re interested in attending the program at Drexel University
- Your career goals and how Drexel’s program will help you achieve them
- How this program relates to your previous education and/or work experience
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2022-2023 is $1047 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1396 per credit)
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Contact Faculty
The following faculty members are available to speak to you about the program by phone or email. For a full listing of faculty, please visit Drexel's School of Education.
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Amanda Lannie, PhD, BCBA-D |
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Constance Lyttle, PhD, JD |
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Lori Severino, EdD |
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Janet Sloand, Ed.D. |
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Bridget Sweeney-Blakely |
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Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, EdD |
Academic Calendar
2022-2023 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2022
September 19, 2022
December 3, 2022
December 5, 2022
December 10, 2022
Winter 2023
January 9, 2023
March 18, 2023
March 20, 2023
March 25, 2023
Spring 2023
April 3, 2023
June 10, 2023
June 12, 2023
June 17, 2023
Summer 2023
June 26, 2023
September 2, 2023
September 4, 2023
September 9, 2023
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