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US News World and Report 2023 best graduate program in special education

Special Education, M.S.Ed.

IU Online’s Master of Science in Education: Special Education prepares you to meet the challenges of special education in today's diverse and changing classroom. Complete courses based on your area of interest and get field-based experience that allows you to practice skills in real-life settings.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 36

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $490.60

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $588.66

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

As a student in the Master of Science in Education: Special Education, you’ll take courses based on standards established by the State of Indiana and the Council for Exceptional Children. The courses are based on research and teaching methods proven to be effective in preparing teachers to address high-incidence disabilities.

You’ll pursue an individualized track of four courses based on such areas of interest as autism, behavioral issues, early childhood, instructional strategies, or intense interventions. Courses are designed to be completed in a practicum setting with the support of an experienced teacher. You will also complete a capstone project/thesis.

As a student in the program, you’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  • A bachelor's degree 
  • 2.7 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores (international students only)
  • Resume (international students only)
  • TOEFL score (minimum 79) or IELTS score (minimum 6.5) - international students only 

Your IU Online M.S.Ed. in Special Education prepares you to teach or support students with:

  • Emotional disabilities 
  • Hearing impairments 
  • Mental handicaps
  • Learning disabilities

To graduate with the M.S.Ed. in Special Education, you must complete 36 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Prerequisite course (3 credit hours) 
  • Special education core courses (20 credit hours) 
  • Emphasis area courses (12 credit hours) 
  • Capstone project OR thesis (4 credit hours) 

Core
Core Classes for the MSEd in Special Education
Course Number Course Name Credits

EDUC-K 500

Topical Workshop in Special Education (Culminating Seminar)

1 Credit

EDUC-K 535

Assessment that Supports Instruction in Special Education

3 Credits

EDUC-K 536

Individualized Instruction for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities

3 Credits

EDUC-K 548

Families, School and Society

3 Credits

EDUC-K 553

Classroom Management and Behavior Support

3 Credits

EDUC-K 565

Collaboration and Service Delivery

3 Credits

EDUC-K 590

Independent Study or Research in Special Education

3 Credits

EDUC-K 599

Master's Thesis in Special Education

3 Credits

EDUC-S 500

Field-Based Seminar in Teacher Education: Orientation to SPEDFIST

2 Credits

EDUC-Y 510

Action Research I

3 Credits

EDUC-Y 520

Strategies for Educational Inquiry

3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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