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The Special Education M.Ed. program provides a deep understanding of special education practices and prepares you to excel as an educator. Join us and make a difference in the lives of students.
M.Ed. Degree in Special Education
Kent State University鈥檚 Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree in Special Education is designed for educators seeking to deepen their expertise in working with students who have diverse learning needs. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, individualized instruction, and the development of effective intervention strategies. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, students are prepared to create inclusive learning environments and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities.
Program Information for Special Education - M.Ed.
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Program Description
Program Description
Full Description
The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, they should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.
The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.
The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.
- The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.
- The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.
- The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.
- The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
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Admissions
for Special Education - M.Ed.
Admissions
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
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International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Rolling admissions
- Spring Semester
- Rolling admissions
- Summer Term
- Rolling admissions
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Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
- Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
- Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
- Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
- Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., mild/moderate, deaf education).
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Coursework
On This Page
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major Requirements SPED 63201 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 3 SPED 63204 LEGAL AND POLICY FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION 3 SPED 63300 RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 3 Multidisciplinary Electives, choose from the following: 6 CES 67712ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL REHABILITATION COUNSELING CULT 69522ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE RMS 65510STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES RMS 68807PROGRAM EVALUATION SPED 53309INTRODUCTION TO DEAF STUDIES 1 SPED 63030PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SPED 63956FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES SPSY 67973CONSULTATION IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS Any other graduate-level courses agreed upon by faculty advisorConcentrations Choose from the following: 18-24 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 33-39 - 1
Students in the Deaf Education concentration should not take SPED 53309.
Deaf Education Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements RMS 65510 STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 3 Deaf Education Electives, as approved by advisor 15 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18 Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements SPED 63301 SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3 Early Childhood Intervention Electives, as approved by advisor 15 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18 General Special Education Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements SPED 63301 SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3 General Electives, as approved by advisor 15 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18 Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements SPED 63301 SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3 Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor 15 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18 Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements SPED 63301 SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3 Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor 15 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18 Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements SPED 63950 CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3 or SPED 63958 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION METHODS SPED 63952 FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 3 SPED 63953 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:BIRTH TO FIVE 3 SPED 63955 TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN 3 SPED 63956 FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3 SPED 63957 ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3 SPED 64892 ADVANCED PRACTICUM 3 SPED 64951 DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 24 Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA - 3.000 - Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
- Students in the Deaf Education concentration must also pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the intermediate level for graduation.
- Students seeking a Reading Endorsement must see their advisor before beginning ANY coursework.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
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Program Delivery
Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- Online (General Special Education concentration only)
- In person
- Location:
- Kent Campus
- Delivery:
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Accreditation
for Special Education - M.Ed.
Accreditation
The Deaf Education concentration is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf.
Concentration Information
Students interested in pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in Special Education have several different concentrations to choose from. Learn more by selecting a concentration below.
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Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Concentration
The early childhood intervention specialist program at Kent State University is designed for individuals interested in working with young children with disabilities or at risk for disabilities and their families. The program prepares early educators (age 3-8) and early intervention (birth-age 3) professionals to meet the learning and developmental needs of all infant, toddler, preschooler, kindergarten and elementary age children, including those at risk for and with disabilities.
The ECIS program offers courses of study leading to the following options:
- licensure in early childhood special education (early childhood intervention specialist initial license);
- pre-k special needs concentration (includes prescribed courses that can apply toward consideration by ODE for the Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement and can be added to any non-degree SPED licensure or the ECE license);
- early intervention certificate;
- master鈥檚 degree in special education; or
- doctorate in special education.
Licensure
If you are interested in Special Education Licensure, you must be fully admitted into the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Licensure Preparation (Non-degree) Program and complete the prescribed coursework on the prospectus in addition to courses that are prescribed here for the Master's Degree.
Contact Information
We would be happy to answer your questions or provide you with additional information about our programs:
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General Special Education Concentration
The General Special Education concentration prepares quality teachers of exceptional learners.
The general special education concentration provides an opportunity for already licensed teachers to engage in endorsement or certificate training to enhance their existing skills. Moreover, graduates learn to use evidence-based practices to guide their direct service, support and consultation skills in schools and other agencies as professionals work together with individuals with exceptionalities and their families.
Please contact Dr. Sloane Burgess for more information.
Licensure
If you are interested in Special Education Licensure, you must be fully admitted into the Non-Degree Special Education General Special Education Licensure Preparation Program and complete the prescribed coursework on the prospectus in addition to courses that are prescribed here for the Master's Degree.
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Mild/Moderate Education Needs Concentration
The Master鈥檚 Degree in Special Education Mild/Moderate Education Needs concentration provides advanced knowledge about special education for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities. Students with mild/moderate disabilities most often participate in the general curriculum. These students may require specially designed intervention and support in the areas of academics, non-cognitive skills, social and emotional functioning, behavior, and/or career preparation and postsecondary transition. Disabilities served by teachers with mild to moderate training and licensure include but are not limited to learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD/other health impairments, mild intellectual disabilities, and (when appropriate) autism spectrum disorder.
The Master鈥檚 Degree 鈥� Mild/Moderate concentration is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating effective, research-based practices that address the special education needs of K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities
- Understanding and analyzing contemporary issues, trends, and controversies related to special education and mild/moderate disabilities
- Explaining the various roles of scientific research in theory development, policy making, and improving educational and other outcomes for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities
Licensure
Please note that the Master鈥檚 degree and Non-degree Graduate Licensure Preparation Program are distinct and separate. If you are interested in Mild/Moderate Special Education Licensure in addition to a Master鈥檚 degree, you must be fully admitted into the Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) and complete the prescribed coursework for that program in addition to that prescribed for the Master鈥檚 Degree.
Please contact Dr. Nathan Stevenson for more information about Mild/Moderate Graduate Programs.
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Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Concentration
The Master鈥檚 Degree in Special Education Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration provides students with advanced knowledge about special education for students with moderate/intensive educational needs including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple disabilities, and complex health impairments.
Students with moderate/intensive educational needs generally do not fully participate in the general education curriculum and require access to a modified curriculum and/or other extensive special education (SPED) supports. Although they may participate in general education classrooms for parts of their day, they are more likely to receive their special education supports within small groups or individually in settings such as resource rooms, or classrooms or programs developed specifically for students with disabilities. Moderate/intensive special educators teach a broad range of skills including academics, adaptive and life skills, self-regulation, and leisure and social skills, and (in older grades) career training and post-school transition skills.
The Master鈥檚 Degree - Moderate/Intensive concentration is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating effective, research-based practices that address the special educational needs of K-12 students with moderate/intensive educational needs;
- Understanding and analyzing contemporary issues, trends, and controversies related to special education and moderate/intensive educational needs; and
- Explaining the various roles of scientific research in theory development, policy-making, and improving educational and other outcomes for K-12 students with moderate/intensive disabilities.
Licensure
Please note that the Master鈥檚 degree and Non-degree Graduate Licensure Preparation Program are distinct and separate. If you are interested in Moderate/Intensive Special Education Licensure in addition to a Master鈥檚 degree, you must be fully admitted into the Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) and complete the prescribed coursework for that program in addition to that prescribed for the Master鈥檚 Degree.
Please contact Dr. Sloane Burgess for more information about Moderate/Intensive Graduate Programs.
Plan of Study Forms
View plan of study forms by concentration below:
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Special Education - M.Ed.
Graduates of the M.Ed. Degree in Special Education can pursue a variety of careers, including special education teachers, behavior specialists, or inclusion facilitators. They may find opportunities in K-12 schools, educational support services, or non-profit organizations focused on advocacy and outreach for individuals with disabilities. This degree also prepares professionals for leadership roles, such as special education coordinators or instructional leaders, enabling them to influence policies and practices that improve educational access and outcomes for students with special needs.
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Community and social service specialists, all other
11.7%
much faster than the average
105,200
number of jobs
$46,770
potential earnings
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Social and community service managers
17.0%
much faster than the average
175,500
number of jobs
$69,600
potential earnings
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Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
2.9%
slower than the average
193,000
number of jobs
$60,620
potential earnings
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Special education teachers, middle school
2.6%
slower than the average
84,700
number of jobs
$61,820
potential earnings
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Special education teachers, preschool
8.3%
much faster than the average
23,000
number of jobs
$61,400
potential earnings
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Special education teachers, secondary school
3.2%
about as fast as the average
143,000
number of jobs
$62,320
potential earnings
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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Faculty Contacts
- Karen Kritzer | (Deaf Education concentration) | kkritzer@kent.edu | 330-672-2294
- Sanna Harjusola-Webb | (Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentrations) | shwebb@kent.edu | 330-672-0585
- Ching I Chen | (Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentrations) | cchen46 | 330-672-0609
- Sloane Burgess | (General Special Education concentration) | sburges8@kent.edu | 330-672-0160
- Nathan Stevenson | (Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration) | nsteve15@kent.edu |
330-672-2294 - Rob Cimera | (Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration) | rcimera@kent.edu | 330-672-2294
