Online Master's in Special Education
Academic title: Special Education: The Master Teacher, M.A.
30-33 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Apply by the October 31 application deadline.
Earn your online master's in special education
Special education teachers are special people. And you can join them.
Our online master’s in special education offers you flexible class schedules that work with your career and life demands. Plus, the program has pathways that accommodate a wide variety of starting points to help you become a teacher ready to educate students with special needs. Choose the one that fits you.
CMU’s online special education certification and endorsement pathways for Michigan residents:
- You are a certified teacher in Michigan interested in your first special education endorsement or to add an additional special education endorsement. The online MA in Special Education offers pathways to earn endorsements in autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or specific learning disability.
- You have a bachelor’s degree, but not in teaching, and want to earn a standard teaching certificate with a special education endorsement.We have an expedited pathway with the online MA in Special Education degree that leads to a standard teaching certificate with a cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorder or specific learning disability endorsement in addition to your master’s degree.
- You do not have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a certified teacher in special education. We have a pathway where you earn a non-teaching bachelor’s degree that is paired with accelerated admission to the online MA in Special Education. You’ll graduate with bachelor’s degree and a master’s in special education that leads to your K-12 special education certification.
The MA in special education is taught completely online. The required clinical experience can be completed in your own classroom, if you have eligible students under the endorsement area you are seeking. If not, we can help you secure a placement near you.
Online special education the master teacher degree overview
| Core credits | 18 |
|---|---|
| Elective credits | 12-15 |
| Total credits to graduate | 30-33 |
How much does an online special education the master teacher degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online master's in special education degree?
The online master’s in special education will allow you to teach students in the area of endorsement that you choose: Autism Spectrum Disorder, a specific learning disability or cognitive impairment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for special education teachers is $64,270 per year. About 37,800 openings are projected each year over the next decade.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Special Education The Master Teacher endorsement areas
Autism Spectrum Disorder
You’ll learn how to assess and intervene with children on the spectrum. You’ll recognize the characteristics and educational implications of autism and how to ensure the best transition from school to adulthood for autistic students.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive disabilities is a broad term for students with limitations in mental functioning, learning, communication or problem solving. You’ll learn how to teach students with mild, moderate and profound cognitive impairments and how to help them transition from school to adulthood.
Specific Learning Disability
You’ll start with an introduction to learning disabilities then continue with behavioral assessment and intervention techniques, literacy instruction and mathematics instruction for students with learning disabilities.
Admission Requirements
Beyond the standards of Graduate Studies admission, Special Education requires that:
- You hold a bachelor’s degree and have demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities. If you do not hold a valid Michigan Elementary or Secondary Standard, Permanent or Life certificate or special education endorsement, you may be required to take additional coursework to meet the Michigan Department of Education initial teacher certification requirements in addition to completing the degree requirements of the MA in Special Education. This would be determined in consultation with a faculty advisor after you have been admitted to the program. Please note that this program is intended only for those graduates who plan to work in Michigan.
- You must have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher, or the last 60 hours of undergraduate GPA (approximately half of undergraduate courses) is 3.00 or higher, or an earned master's degree or equivalent from an institution that is regionally accredited (or equivalent) with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. If you're below the required grade point average, you may appeal through the chairperson for exception.
- You're required to submit a current statement of purpose for pursuing the degree. This one-page statement of purpose should incorporate information pertaining to your experience with the following:
- Describing your direct experience working with, supporting and/or collaborating on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
- Detailing your experience in educational settings from birth through post-secondary transition (e.g., early intervention, preschool, K-12, vocational training or higher education support services).
- Describing the setting in which you anticipate completing your clinical experience with individuals with disabilities.
- You're required to submit two letters of recommendation regarding your performance with Special Education populations.
CMU continues over 130 years of educating teachers and helping Michigan schools thrive
Dr. Troy Hicks, interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services is looking into the creation of an office to serve as a hub for youth programs, professional development and evaluation services for PK-12 schools across Michigan.
