Online Master’s in Special Education (Licensure)
What Is a Master’s in Special Education?
GCU’s Master of Education in Special Education is an online program designed for candidates pursuing initial K-12 special education teacher licensure. The program focuses on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities through specialized instruction, assessment, classroom management and collaboration.
Students examine instructional planning, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support, language development, case management and transition planning. The program also includes a 15-week, full-time student teaching experience in a K-12 special education setting.
Licensure requirements vary by state. Prospective students should review GCU’s State Disclosures for requirements that apply to their location.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect in the Online Master’s in Special Education
GCU’s MEd in Special Education combines online graduate coursework with applied experiences designed for candidates pursuing initial K-12 special education teacher licensure. The curriculum is offered through GCU’s College of Education and incorporates professional ethics, servant leadership and a Christian worldview while examining instructional practices for students with mild to moderate exceptionalities.
The MEd in Special Education Program Experience
Online Coursework
The MEd in Special Education requires 44 credits. Online courses are generally six weeks in length, allowing students to complete the academic portion of the program through GCU’s online learning environment.
Student Teaching Experience
Students complete a 15-week, full-time student teaching experience under the guidance of a certified special educator. Student teaching takes place in a K-12 special education classroom and provides opportunities to apply instructional planning, differentiated teaching, IEP development and classroom management practices.
Initial Teacher Licensure
This is an initial teacher licensure program. Candidates should review the licensure requirements and State Disclosures that apply to the state where they intend to seek licensure or employment.
What Will I Study in a Master’s in Special Education Program?
The MEd in Special Education curriculum examines instructional and assessment practices for supporting K-12 students with mild to moderate exceptionalities. Students study how to plan specialized instruction, assess learning needs, develop and implement IEPs, manage classroom behavior and collaborate with families and other education professionals. Coursework also addresses literacy, mathematics, language development and transition planning.
Core Areas of Study
Professional ethics, standards, laws and regulations in special education
Classroom management, behavioral assessment and intervention
Instructional planning for students with mild to moderate exceptionalities
Assessment and eligibility in special education
Individualized Education Programs
Case management and transition planning
Language development and the science of reading
Research-based ELA instruction and intervention
Mathematics instruction for students with mild to moderate disabilities
Augmentative and alternative communication
Collaboration with families and education professionals
Student Teaching
The program culminates in MMS-590: Student Teaching for Special Education Teacher Candidates, an eight-credit course that includes the program’s full-time student teaching experience.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
GCU’s MEd in Special Education is designed for candidates pursuing initial teacher licensure and focuses on supporting K-12 students with mild to moderate exceptionalities.
After completing the degree and meeting applicable state licensure requirements, graduates may pursue special education teaching opportunities in settings such as:
Kindergarten and elementary schools
Middle schools
Secondary schools
Other K-12 special education settings
Median annual wage for special education teachers in May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Special education teachers employed in the U.S. in 2024(See disclaimer 4)
Programmatic and Institutional Accreditation for the MEd in Special Education
GCU’s Master of Education in Special Education has received programmatic accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition and Financial Options For the Master’s in Special Education
GCU offers tuition and financial resources to help students understand the potential costs associated with earning the MEd in Special Education online(See disclaimer 1). Review current tuition information, financial resources and cost-of-attendance tools when planning for graduate study.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about GCU’s MEd in Special Education, including initial teacher licensure, online learning and student teaching requirements.
Is It Worth Getting a Master’s in Special Education?
Do I need a master’s degree to teach special education?
What grade levels does the MEd in special education focus on?
How long is student teaching in the MEd in special education?
Can I earn a master’s in special education online?
What Are the Admission Requirements For the Master’s in Special Education?
Admission requirements for GCU’s MEd in Special Education vary based on previous education, GPA, transfer status and other qualifying criteria. Prospective students should also review the program’s licensure requirements and State Disclosures before applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Explore GCU’s online MEd in Special Education, including coursework, student teaching requirements and initial teacher licensure information.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
- Office for Civil Rights. (2023, July). Free Appropriate Public Education for Students With Disabilities: Requirements Under Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved February 2026.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Special Education Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as special education teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Zippia. (2025, Jan. 8). Special Education Teacher Demographics and Statistics in the U.S. Retrieved March 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Special Education Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 2026.