Online Master's in Special Education Degree

The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education. Both programs are 100% online and do not require campus visits. The online Special Education master's program is an approved teacher certification program for North Dakota that is transferable to most states.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's Degree
• Format: Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5+ years
• Credit Hours: 30+

Specializations

The program offers several specializations, including:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
• Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
• General Special Education
• Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
• Learning Disabilities (LD)
• Special Education Specialist (SES)
• Visual Impairment (VI)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

The ABA specialization has a comprehensive curriculum and intensive practicum, focusing on principles of assessment and behavior change systems, ethics, and research methods.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The ASD specialization caters to individuals across the lifespan, focusing on characteristics, assessment techniques, and effective methods and strategies.

Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)

The BIS specialization prepares educators to support children and adolescents with behaviors that interfere with instruction and social-emotional development.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

The ECSE specialization focuses on children from birth to age nine, targeting developmental disabilities and addressing aspects of ECSE.

Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

The EBD specialization focuses on children and adolescents with emotional and behavior disorders, covering aspects such as characteristics, assessments, and effective strategies.

General Special Education

The General Specialization is a design-your-own program option, allowing students to select courses from the entire range offered within the special education program.

Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

The ID specialization provides expertise in working with children and adolescents with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD).

Learning Disabilities (LD)

The LD specialization focuses on helping children and adolescents facing learning challenges, covering aspects such as characteristics, assessments, and effective methods.

Special Education Specialist (SES)

The SES specialization is a cross-category program combining courses from the Intellectual ID, ED, and LD specialization areas.

Visual Impairment (VI)

The VI specialization supports children and teenagers who are blind or visually impaired, covering facets of visual impairment, including characteristics, assessments, Braille code, and orientation and mobility skills.

Benefits of UND's Special Education Online Master's Degree

• No entry exams
• Affordable tuition
• Consistent course offerings for timely graduation
• Flexible scheduling
• No on-campus travel requirement
• One-on-one advising
• Option of on-the-job fieldwork
• Master's project applicable to field
• Coursework tied to practical experiences

Accreditation and Approval

The online Special Education master's degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Educational Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Human services agencies
• State and private institutions
• Private practice

FAQs

Are special education teachers in demand?

Yes, despite limited employment growth, about 33,500 openings for special education teachers are projected each year over the decade.

How long does it take to earn a master's degree in Special Education?

The master's in Special Education degree usually spans a minimum of 1.5 years, although the exact time may vary depending on the pace and schedule of the student.

Can I become a licensed teacher with a master's degree in Special Education?

Yes, earning a master's degree in Special Education is an important step and can fulfill a portion of the criteria that leads to licensure as a special education teacher.

Are there prerequisites to enrolling in UND's Special Education program?

To enroll in UND's M.S. in Special Education program, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in education, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and demonstrate English language proficiency.

Can I complete the Special Education master's degree program 100% online?

Yes, UND's Special Education master's program is 100% online.

Do I get to experience working in a classroom setting or in the field as part of my degree program?

There are a variety of field experiences available in the master's program. If already working in the field of special education, students can complete their fieldwork on-the-job with UND faculty support.

Do I have to attend classes at specific times/dates or can I complete my coursework independently?

With asynchronous classes, students have the flexibility to learn anywhere at any time, allowing them to balance work, family, and other commitments.

Is the Special Education program at UND affordable compared to similar programs regionally and nationwide?

Compare UND's online and on-campus costs. UND is one of the most affordable options in the Midwest. Online students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of their legal residency.

University of North Dakota: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering over 225 accredited on-campus and online degrees. It is known for its commitment to student leadership and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

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Services Offered:

UND provides a range of support services for students, including:

Diversity and Inclusion:

UND values diverse perspectives and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all students.

TRIO Programs:

Support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to help them succeed at UND.

Pride Center:

Resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Disability Resources:

Equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all UND activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UND emphasizes student leadership and provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact. The campus offers a vibrant community with various student organizations and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UND offers a wide range of highly accredited programs, including specialized fields like Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Data Science, and Forensic Science.

Affordability:

UND consistently ranks among the best for educational quality and affordability.

Career Outcomes:

UND prepares students for successful careers with strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

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Academic Programs:

UND offers a diverse range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations:

A cutting-edge program in a rapidly growing industry.

Data Science:

A high-demand field with strong career prospects.

Economics:

A solid foundation for careers in law, business, and other fields.

Forensic Science:

Immersive program with hands-on experience in forensic labs.