Special Education Graduate Programs in America

Obtaining your Master's of Special Education can set you apart and give you the credentials you need to increase your salary and advance your career. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students with disabilities can receive a free public education tailored to their needs. Many schools face shortages of qualified special education teachers, so opportunities are abundant.

Master's of Special Education Graduate Program

Each school will have its own requirements, but most grad schools offer a special education master's that consists of 30 to 45 credits and can be completed in one to two years. You'll learn the skills and knowledge you need to work with special education students and in special education programs.

Your coursework may include topics such as:

• Differentiated instruction
• Early childhood education
• Learning disabilities
• Human growth and development

You'll learn to design and implement curricula to meet the individual needs of your students. You may encounter:

• Neurological differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Learning disabilities such as dyslexia
• Developmental disabilities that interfere with learning
• English language learners
• Loss of learning time due to chronic illness
• Gifted and talented learners

What Can You Do With a Master's of Special Education?

Although many people who pursue a master's in special education plan to become classroom teachers, that's only one of the many roles you'll be qualified for, such as:

Educational tester

Educational testers or diagnosticians assess children to help determine their needs and design an appropriate learning plan. Assessments can include written, oral, and hands-on tests. You'll also follow up with students to evaluate their progress periodically.

Behavioral interventionist

As a behavior intervention specialist, you'll work with at-risk students to help eliminate negative and disruptive behaviors and replace them with positive ones. Part of the process involves performing functional behavioral assessments. You'll assist classroom teachers and staff with defining behavior, identifying antecedents, teaching new behaviors, developing interventions, and measuring progress.

Special education instructional coordinator

A special education coordinator is essential to a school's instructional leadership team. You'll oversee educational programs for students with mental, learning, behavioral, psychological, or physical disabilities.

Special education consultant or trainer

As a special education consultant, you can work with children, their families, the medical community, and the school to determine a customized program to suit their individual needs.

You can also provide expertise to local school districts and schools to help them better address the needs of their students. Special education trainers may also work with special education teachers to help them do their job more effectively.

Program Manager

Your Master's in special education can prepare you to develop and manage programs and curricula for disabled students. You may also assist in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing students' Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).

Classroom teacher

With a master's of special education, you can work as a special education teacher in preschool or elementary, middle, or high schools. You'll work with other professionals to develop IEPs for each student, teach lessons, and report on student progress to stakeholders.

A master's degree in special education is a versatile qualification that can help prepare you for a rewarding career. You can find out more by exploring top-ranking schools at Niche.