Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Education in Special Education

The Master of Education in special education with a specialization in secondary transition is designed to equip educators, rehabilitation professionals, counselors, and others with the knowledge and skills to support youth with disabilities as they transition to college, careers, and adult life.

Program Overview

The 100% online program offers six start dates throughout the year and seven-week courses. The innovative, 2-in-1 program allows eligible students to earn an Ohio Transition-to-Work (TTW) endorsement as well as a Master of Education degree.

Key Features

• Flexibility: Work at your own pace, on your schedule with seven-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. Complete your online master's degree in 18-24 months.
• Skill Enhancement: The program helps you build your professional expertise, put evidence-based transition knowledge into practice, strengthen your teamwork and collaboration skills, and sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills.
• Virtual Community of Practice: Join a vibrant community and learn from faculty and peers across disciplines representing secondary education, counseling, career and employment services, and higher education.
• New Scholarship Opportunity: Students are now eligible for a tuition award covering their final three credit hours. To qualify, students must be enrolled in their final three credit hours between Spring 2025 and Fall 2026 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Career Opportunities

BGSU M.Ed. graduates are prepared to excel in transition leadership positions within K12 schools, community agencies, and institutions of higher education. A secondary transition master's degree from BGSU will assure employers that you possess the knowledge and skills to support youth with disabilities as they move into adulthood.

Career Paths

• School transition specialist
• Development disabilities transition specialist
• Transition rehabilitation counselor
• Job training coordinator
• College teacher
• Senior professional educator

Curriculum

Interdisciplinary coursework and field experiences prepare you to effectively collaborate with families and professionals to prepare young people for college, careers, and community membership. Coursework emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices to improve transition practice and teaches critical leadership skills for promoting positive outcomes for youth with disabilities.

Required Courses

• Transition from School to Adult Life
• Transition Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Competitive Employment, College and Careers
• Partnerships in Work-based Learning
• Interagency Collaboration for Transition
• Research in Education
• Master's Capstone

Ohio TTW Endorsement

Program graduates who hold a standard Ohio intervention specialist, career-technical teaching, or professional pupil services license or certificate are recommended to the Ohio Department of Education for the Transition-to-Work (TTW) endorsement. The TTW endorsement is a valuable credential many school districts require for their transition specialists, job training coordinators, career assessment specialists, and others who coordinate or provide transition services.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received, with the next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for a future date. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Master of Education in special education with a specialization in secondary transition at Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive program designed to support the transition of youth with disabilities into adulthood. With its flexible online format, emphasis on evidence-based practices, and potential for earning the Ohio Transition-to-Work endorsement, this program is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting individuals with disabilities.