Master of Education in Special Education

The M.Ed. in Special Education is an online and cohort-based program that enrolls a new cohort of experienced general education teachers each summer. The Special Education degree program is structured, completing the 36 credit-hour programs in six semesters (two years). The M.Ed. in Special Education has been approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and meets the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards.

The Special Education degree coursework is entirely online and taught by graduate faculty utilizing technology to provide synchronous and asynchronous content delivery, feedback, and supervision as you complete field experience in your current work setting.

This online master’s degree in Special Education General Curriculum will prepare you to serve students with disabilities in various teaching and leadership roles in P-12 schools. The program includes three electives to provide content delivery for your interest (e.g., autism, preschool special education, reading, and English to speakers of other languages)

The Master's in Special Education degree prepares practicing educators to be teacher-leaders in Special Education - General Curriculum. The program provides initial certification in special education for experienced educators in other fields and prepares teachers to educate an increasingly diverse population of students in Georgia through inclusive practices.

The program of study in the M.Ed. in Special Education - General Curriculum begins with an inclusive core of course work in curriculum development, collaborative practices, and content area teaching strategies in reading and writing. Upon completing the program, you may also become eligible to receive an endorsement in Reading or ESOL or a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

KSU students in the special education classroom

Program Snapshot

Program Format: Online

Number of Credit Hours: 36 Total Hours

Entry Terms: Summer

Time to Complete: Two-year Program

Application Deadlines:

  • Summer, April 1st
Curriculum  Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

To complete the Master's in Special Education, you must

  • Complete a minimum of
    • 27 credit hours of required core coursework; and
    • Nine credit hours of elective courses.
  • Meet KSU's requirements for satisfactory graduate student performance and graduation, as outlined in the Academic Policies section of the KSU Graduate Catalog.
  • The faculty and staff are here to support and assist you in making your experience individualized and meaningful for a long career Kennesaw State is THE place in Georgia for innovative and supportive teacher training.
  • The following are requirements beyond the general Graduate Admissions requirements.
  • Online Graduate Application-There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.  
  • Transcripts-Official transcripts from EACH College and/or University you have attended. Must be in sealed envelopes from the institution. 
  • Evidence of teaching Certification in any P-12 area or departmental approval. 
  • Personal Statement-Your statement can be uploaded into the online application. The statement 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.  
  • Personal Resume-Your resume can be uploaded into the online application. It should document education, teaching experience, community service, and your record of leadership. 
  • Two Personal Letters of Recommendation-Please do not use the online recommendation system. Your letters should be on letterhead and from sources that can address your success in teaching and ability for success in graduate study and commitment to student achievement. 
  • Interview-A personal, phone or SKYPE interview may be required. Candidates will be contacted by the program if an interview is needed. 

* Please note: International Students (Visa and Green Card Holders) Please visit KSU’s International Graduate Admissions site for additional requirements.

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Special Education Degree Benefits at Kennesaw State

  • Maximized Content Delivery — Coursework utilizes technology to provide synchronous and asynchronous content, feedback and supervision.

  • 100% Online — The M.Ed. in Special Education is entirely online, providing you with flexibility for a balanced work-learn life.

  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Approved — This master's degree program meets the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards to prepare you to serve students with disabilities in a variety of teaching and leadership roles.

What can you do with a Special Education Master's degree?

A Master's of Education in Special Education degree can lead to various professional jobs such as:

  • Behavior Intervention Specialist
  • Educational Audiologist
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Special Education Advocate
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Education Coordinator
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Fundraising Manager
  • School Counselor
  • Advocacy Manager

Special Education Salary and Career Information

Department of Inclusive Education

Kennesaw State University 
Department of Inclusive Education
580 Parliament Garden Way,
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: (470) 578-6577

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