Online Master’s (MEd) in Special Education Degree

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Overview

Enhance Your Teaching Career With a Special Education Master’s Program

The Master of Education in Special Education (NITL) program from Grand Canyon University’s is a non-licensure program that can prepare teacher candidates for a career in special education with a focus on K–12 students with mild to moderate exceptionalities. This MEd in Special Education non-licensure program aims to help graduate students master the knowledge and cultivate skills that can support the development of students with exceptionalities.

Offered by the College of Education, its curriculum teaches how to adapt instructional strategies to meet each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), while building upon strengths that a teacher already possesses.

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Why GCU

Benefits of Earning This Degree From GCU

Earning a degree from GCU's special education master’s program can offer a range of benefits for aspiring educators, including:

  • A deep understanding of special education practices
  • An emphasis on evidence-based approaches, inclusive education and the application of research findings in K-12 classroom settings
  • A collaborative environment with knowledgeable faculty members
  • Application of critical thinking
  • Flexible online learning option

The MEd in Special Education Program

This non-licensure initial special education MEd program can help teacher candidates increase their familiarity with mild to moderate exceptionalities, while advancing knowledge in assessment and transition planning. This initial special education, mild to moderate K-12 program, does not lead to teaching licensure.

Female student on laptop in kitchen studying
Earn an Online Master’s in Special Education (NITL)

Online may be the preferred modality for earning a master’s degree because of its convenience and flexibility. GCU’s master’s in special education online program is tailored to meet the needs of adult learners who may also be working professionals, so they can learn at the times and locations best for them. 

Young female special education students getting help from male student teacher
Choose Between Licensure or Non-Licensure

Candidates opting for the non-licensure route are not required to fulfill the 15-week student teaching component. This option is for those seeking to advance knowledge in the area but not seeking licensing certification. This route has 36 total credits, as opposed to 44 credits with the licensure route. Candidates who take this route cannot obtain an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from GCU.

Female special education teacher smiling on side of classroom while holding tablet
InTASC Principles and CEC Standards

The program is aligned to both the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards and Council for Exceptional Children Standards. The program is institutionally accredited. Courses are led by knowledgeable instructors who are experienced in special education, mild to moderate exceptionalities for K-12 education.

Coursework

Coursework in the Master’s of Education in Special Education Program

Teacher candidates who choose to earn their MEd in Special Education (non-licensure) degree at GCU will complete field experience assignments within each course. These assignments guide candidates through practice-based and observational experiences. Access to a K–12 classroom is required to complete the non-licensure special education MEd program assignments. The classroom setting must represent mild to moderate exceptionalities and impairment categories that range from emotional, physical and health to learning and intellectual.

Study Valuable Skills for Teaching Special Education

Immerse yourself in the world of teaching special education by developing knowledge to teach and support students with exceptionalities.

In this program you will:

Discover innovative techniques

to engage students with diverse learning abilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Gain insight into the educational requirements

of students with mild to moderate exceptionalities and their families, encompassing definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational strategies.

Develop an understanding of diverse assessment methods and data sources

for making diagnostic and educational choices for those with mild to moderate exceptionalities.

Foster inclusive, safe learning environments

through collaborative efforts, promoting active learning, well-being and self-determination in individuals with exceptionalities.

Explore how instructional planning enhances learning

for students with exceptionalities using subject-matter knowledge and specialized curricula.

Build a foundation of understanding diverse settings

and learning experiences through individualized education and transition plans.

Gain field experience

and discover how to apply theories, research, concepts and strategies learned throughout the program.

Investigate the use of augmentative and alternative assistive technology

modifications and accommodations to enhance student communication skills.

Apply research-based strategies for teaching

focusing on math and ELA in academic and specialized curricula.

Careers

Career Paths for Master’s in Special Education (Non-Licensure) Graduates

Graduates may pursue careers in settings, such as private, charter and public schools, as well as colleges, social service organizations and higher education institutions.

These career paths may provide opportunities to contribute to the advancement of inclusive practices and improve educational opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities.

More examples of career opportunities include:

Special education teacher

Preschool and kindergarten special education teacher

Elementary school special education teacher

Middle school special education teacher

Secondary school special education teacher

Teaching assistant including special education

FAQ

Master’s in Special Education (Non-Licensure) FAQs

The decision to pursue a special education master’s program often comes with many questions. To help you make your decision, we’ve provided a few frequently asked questions about this degree.

Female special education teacher working with young male student

Lead Your School Effectively

Take the next step in your career and work toward making a lasting impact in the field of special education with GCU's MEd in Special Education program. Start your journey today.

Apply Now

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 licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers, retrieved on June 30, 2023.

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