Program Overview

Master of Science in Special Education (SPED) Online

The Master of Science in Special Education (SPED) online degree program from Southwest Minnesota State University delivers the credentials needed to pursue Minnesota licensure and advance an education career. This program is designed for educators who wish to specialize in special education and work with students with diverse needs.

Program Overview

• The program includes 18-20 courses for 54-60 credit hours.
• Students can customize their learning experience with one of six specializations: Academic Behavioral Strategist, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Learning Disabilities.
• The program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Specializations

• Academic Behavioral Strategist: Study current theories and practices, medical and neurological perspectives, and social characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Examine the communication needs of individuals with ASD and learn to support their development of social skills within the special education classroom.
• Developmental Disabilities: Build a strong understanding of the cognitive, social, motor, and communication needs of children, youth, and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities.
• Early Childhood Special Education: Study the current research and recommended practices for early intervention within the special education classroom and learn to apply effective teaching methods for students through age 6.
• Emotional Behavior Disorders: Examine the socioeconomic and psycho-social factors impacting students with emotional behavior disorders and build the skills to teach special education students within this realm.
• Learning Disabilities: Examine theories, content, methods, and materials for teaching special education students with mild to severe learning disabilities and differences.

Curriculum Details

The online Master of Science in Special Education degree program includes:

• Special Education Core (credits vary)
  • SPED 530: Foundations in Mild to Moderate Disabilities
  • SPED 540: Assessment & Educational Planning & Lab
  • SPED 550: Curriculum Design & Implementation in Special Education
  • SPED 560: Positive Behavior Support in Special Education
  • SPED 570: Collaboration in Educational Settings
  • SPED 580: Procedural Safeguards in Special Education
• Special Education Alternative Core (credits vary)
  • SPED 543: Diseases and Disorders in Childhood
  • SPED 581: Compliant Practices in IEP Writing
  • SPED 620: Characteristics of Students with Learning & Behavior Disorders
  • SPED 621: Access and Support for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Developmental Disabilities
  • SPED 623: Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe EBD
  • SPED 624: Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe Learning Disabilities
• Research Component (credits vary)
  • SPED 625: Applied Research and Assessment in Education
  • SPED 626: Research: Project Design
  • SPED 627: Research Project Implementation
• Licensure Area (select at least one)
  • Academic Behavioral Strategist
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Emotional Behavioral Disorders
  • Learning Disabilities

Admission Requirements

• Online Application Form
• Application Fee: $30
• Official Transcripts
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Additional Admission Items:
  • Letter of intent
  • Two letters of recommendation (if GPA is under 3.0)

Tuition & Aid

• Cost per Credit Hour: $536.17
• Total Credit Hours: 54-60
• Total Estimated Cost: $32,170.20
• Other Costs: Textbooks, supplies, additional fees, and expenses
• Military Benefits: SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students and accepts the GI Bill and VA education benefits.
• Financial Aid Options & Support: SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with various financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.

Career Outlook

The demand for special education teachers is high, especially in rural areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation's highest-paying jobs in special education offered an annual salary of $102,450 in 2022. With SMSU's Master of Science in Special Education online degree, graduates can gain the credentials required for licensure in Minnesota and respond to the state's growing demand for expert educators. Potential job opportunities for graduates include:

• Special education teacher: $62,950 median annual salary
• Instructional coordinator: $66,490 median annual salary
• Behavior analyst: $70,255 median annual salary
• Educational administrator: $101,320 median annual salary