Program Overview

The fully online M.Ed. in Special Education: General Curriculum program enrolls a new cohort of experienced general education teachers each summer. It is structured so cohort candidates complete the 30 credit-hour master’s degree program in five semesters. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to serve students with disabilities in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. 

No on-campus attendance is required. Online coursework is taught by graduate faculty utilizing technology to provide synchronous and/or asynchronous content delivery, feedback, and supervision as candidates complete field experience at their current work setting. 

The online master’s degree prepares candidates to serve students with disabilities in inclusive settings in P-12 schools using the Special Education - General Curriculum. The program of study is built on a course work sequence in curriculum development, collaborative practices and content area teaching strategies in reading and writing. 

Two electives are also included in the program to provide content delivery for candidates’ individual interests (e.g., gifted, autism, dyslexia, or English for speakers of other languages endorsement certificates). 

The program meets the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards. The Master of Education in Special Education degree prepares practicing educators to be teacher-leaders in Special Education - General Curriculum. Completion of the M.Ed. in Special Education meets the requirements to obtain a level upgrade to a PSC issued teaching certificate. This program is for experienced educators with a certification in special education or another teaching field. Individuals not holding a certificate in a special education field will need to pass the Special Education General Curriculum GACE exams before the PSC will issue an upgrade to the certificate.  

Program of Study

Summer I

  • INED 7710: Foundations of Special Education (3 Credit Hours)
  • INED 7742: Data-Based Inquiry (3 Credit Hours)

Fall I

  • INED 7621: Assessment for Learners with Dyslexia (3 Credit Hours)
  • INED 7762: : Designing Curriculum and Instruction for All Learners (3 Credit Hours)

Spring I

  • INED 7611: Evidence-Based Instruction/Intervention for Learners with Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities (3 Credit Hours)
  • INED 7631: Evidence-Based Instruction/Intervention for Learners with Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities (3 Credit Hours)

Summer II

  • INED 7775: Introduction to Autism – Theory and Instructional Practices (3 Credit Hours)
  • Elective (3 Credit Hours)

Fall II

  • INED 7955: Capstone in Special Education (3 Credit Hours)
  • INED 7720: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (3 Credit Hours)

TOTAL: 30 Credit Hours

Electives

As part of the Master of Education in Special Education program, candidates will need to select 6 credit hours in electives. To meet the elective requirements, candidates will need to select two 7000-level or above graduate courses.

Information regarding the possible endorsements which the allotted 6 credit hours may be used can be found by clicking the link below:

For more information regarding courses available pertaining to graduate certificates please follow this link:

Admission Requirements

Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements: 

  • Degree – Bachelor’s degree.
  • Certificate – Uploaded to graduate application. Current clear, renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate, out-of-state equivalent, OR Inclusive Education Department Chair/Program Coordinator approval. To print a copy of your clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate, you may log into your MyPSC account. 
  • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application. Should document education, teaching experience, community service, and your record of leadership.  
  • Recommendation Forms (2) – Forms and their directions are in the online graduate application. May submit letters of recommendation or utilize online evaluation process that may be completed via the graduate application. The KSU Graduate College will send electronic evaluation forms to these sources. Two evaluations must be submitted for this admission requirement to be noted as complete. These recommendations must come from an educational professional who has taught or supervised your work and who can write with authority about your abilities as an educator.
  • Personal Statement – Uploaded to graduate application. Should be 1-2 pages and address your professional training and interests, the nature of your professional experiences and specific issues you plan to address during the pursuit of your master’s degree.  
  • Interview – An interview may be required. If so, you will be contacted by the program to set up an interview. 

* Please note: International Students (Visa and Green Card Holders) Please visit KSU’s International Graduate Admissions site for additional requirements. Additionally, KSU’s International Student and Scholar Services provides assistance. 

Deadline

The deadline for applications is May 1 for summer admission. 

Contact Us

For more information, please email Dr. Vidya Munandar at ined-info@kennesaw.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For more information please contact educ_grad@kennesaw.edu or 470-578-6043.
  • Review of applications takes several weeks and begins after the application deadline has been reached. You will receive an email from the graduate school notifying you of your acceptance. In that email you will also receive information about proving your US citizenship, orientation detail and registration instructions. After this, a formal letter will be sent to your home address detailing your acceptance as well.
  • You are able to transfer up to 9 credit hours of course work based upon review and approval by the program coordinator. This coursework cannot be older than 5 years.
  • To determine if you are eligible for financial aid, please visit https://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/ for information relating to options available for graduate students.
  • If the recommended program of study is followed, completion will be two years (six semesters total).
  • The M.Ed. is a fully online program; therefore, you can access course content at your convenience.
  • Information regarding current tuition and fees can be found by visiting http://fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.php.
  • With the M.Ed. in Special Education, you will take two courses per semester.
  • No.
  • If your undergraduate degree was in a field other than education you would not be eligible for the M.Ed. program. However, you would be eligible to enroll in the MAT program instead. **It is also important to note that if your undergraduate degree was in special education, you will not be eligible for admission into the M.Ed. program.
  • Yes, you do need a valid teaching certificate in order to be accepted in to the program.