Master of Education (M.Ed.) Special Education

The degree program prepares individuals with undergraduate degrees in special education and/or teaching certificates to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in grades K-12. It combines scholarly knowledge and educational design to foster effective teaching practices. Students engage in research and iterative cycles of inquiry, and the program is designed to be completed in one year. It offers a variety of professional benefits, including a strong career portfolio.

A Master of Education (M.Ed) in Special Education program offers advanced education for professionals with experience in teaching and/or other fields in exceptional education. The program offers courses taught by renowned experts in the field. Professors include Marcus Morris and Lexi Stoneburner. Marcus and Emily Walker serve as Executive Board members of the Graduate Student Association. To complete the program, students must hold a teaching license and have no incomplete grades. The program includes a total of 13-16 credit hours of core courses. Students then choose electives to further their education.

Graduates of the M.Ed in special education earn a comprehensive knowledge of special education legislation, applied behavior analysis, and instructional design. They can apply their new knowledge in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, schools, and classrooms. Students are also trained to lead collaborative research and implement innovative educational practices to improve student outcomes for students with disabilities. A few students choose to pursue additional licensing, such as the teaching license in intellectual disabilities.

Benefits of a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Special Education

An M.Ed in special education can be an excellent choice for those who have experience working with children with disabilities. Its comprehensive curriculum emphasizes positive behavior support and disciplinary literacy. The degree program culminates in a student teaching placement. In addition, the degree program offers opportunities for study abroad, with locations as diverse as Nicaragua and Ireland. Students with existing teaching certification or those who wish to earn it may complete the program with just 30 credits, or pursue a graduate certificate. A graduate certificate in special education is also available for educators who already hold a teaching license. After earning this graduate certificate, teachers can earn their endorsement from the PDE.

A Master of Education MEd in special education can boost your career and income potential. Obtaining a master's degree in this field allows you to work as a special education teacher in a variety of settings, from public schools to private and non-profit organizations. The education level helps prepare you to handle the unique challenges of teaching children with disabilities, as well as to advance to leadership positions. A Master of Education MEd in special education will help you to excel in all aspects of your career.

A graduate certificate in special education can help you secure a teaching license in several states. Graduate students are also equipped with the knowledge of the legislation regarding special education. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of functional behavior analysis and instructional design. Additionally, they can specialize in a specific field, such as Intellectual Disabilities. Many students who complete this program obtain a special education teaching license in addition to their primary teaching license.

Future Scope of a Master of Education in Special Education

After earning your M.A. in special education, you can work in several different fields. Many four-year colleges and community colleges hire adjunct faculty to teach special education courses. Some special education teachers use their graduate degrees to become consultants for state departments of education or school districts. Still, others pursue careers in curriculum design or special education management. These professionals often have extensive classroom experience and can provide invaluable insight into the needs of students with disabilities.

The field of special education is rapidly evolving, requiring more individualized planning and instruction. Special education teachers must consult with parents, testing specialists, and other professionals to design and implement an individualized education program for each student. Graduates of these programs should have a thorough understanding of current and future federal and state laws governing the field of special education. They should also be confident in basic theories of child development. By acquiring a Master of Education in Special Education, you can prepare yourself to fill in the void left by retiring faculty.

An M.Ed in special education prepares students for careers in education, health care, and administration. Graduates can pursue a variety of positions, including teachers, administrators, and policy-makers. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online M.Ed. in the special education program. It is a popular degree choice, and many institutions now offer an M.A. in special education. If you have been dreaming of working in this field, there are many opportunities waiting for you.

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects of Master of Education (M.Ed) Special Education

Having a graduate degree in special education will open up numerous career options. Special education professionals can find employment in a variety of clinical settings, including group homes, day centers, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Their job duties may range from providing direct care to coordinating services. These professionals may even hold positions outside of the traditional school setting, such as developmental specialist, case supervisor, and program head.

The M.Ed. in special education at Lasell University is designed to prepare working professionals for teaching students with disabilities in both inclusive general education classrooms designed specifically for these students. Students will also gain professional licensure for Illinois, which endorses them to teach students with learning challenges. In addition to being a well-established teaching institution, the program prepares students to become educators.

Employment opportunities for those with a master's degree in special education vary. Principals of special education schools can earn $96,000 a year as a principal or superintendents. Those with real-life experience in teaching special education students are also highly sought-after for adjunct positions. Moreover, some adjunct professors are full-time special education teachers, while others choose to supplement their full-time jobs with adjunct jobs.

A master's in education in special education can help prepare you for a variety of teaching roles, including special education teacher and resource room teacher. You can also work as an in-class support teacher in a public school, providing services to students with severe emotional needs. A master's degree in special education may also enable you to become a director of special services in a school district.