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Special Education Teaching
Master of Science in Education
Pursue your calling to support students with disabilities and take the next step in a rewarding career as a teacher. Capella’s MS in Education, Special Education Teaching specialization is aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) advanced preparation standards. The comprehensive curriculum combines coursework, hands-on training and expert mentorship to help you build the knowledge and practical experience needed to serve as a compassionate and skilled special educator. You’ll learn to tailor instruction to the needs of each student and foster inclusive classroom environments, making a meaningful impact on the education of P-12 students with special needs.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core Courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 1 Capstone course
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore special education teaching courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone
Show all descriptions
ED5503
Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply strategies for managing student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5700
Foundations of Special Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the historical and conceptual foundations of special education. Learners examine current issues relevant to the education of students with disabilities and analyze the social construction of disability. In addition, learners analyze how culture and context influence their work with their students. Learners develop an ethical decision-making framework needed to advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
4 quarter credits
ED5706
Assessment and Planning for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
Learners study referral, assessment, placement, and planning procedures for students with disabilities. Learners evaluate the use of formal and informal assessments, design individual education plans, and examine appropriate methods for reducing bias in assessment. Learners also apply methods and strategies used within the Response to Intervention framework with P - 12 students. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district. Prerequisite: ED5700
4 quarter credits
ED5707
Instruction for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners study ways to develop differentiated academic lesson plans (e.g., reading, writing, calculation, or mathematical reasoning). Learners examine how research-based instruction can support students with disabilities. Learners also develop methods of managing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5712
Communication, Consultation, and Collaboration for Special Education
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate communication and interaction among children, families, teachers, and the community to support the learning and well-being of students with diverse learning needs. Learners assess methods of consulting and collaborating with teachers, agencies, support personnel, and other professionals to provide effective special educational services. Learners identify collaboration and communication practices that improve programs, services, and outcomes for learners. Prerequisite(s): ED5700
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Special Education Teaching specialization is intended for teachers who want to help students with disabilities achieve success in P–12 environments. The curriculum, developed around national special education standards, is designed to help teachers effectively instruct and advocate for the increasingly diverse populations of children with disabilities. Students study current and emerging instructional practices, strategies, and techniques for teaching children with disabilities, and gain experience that is applicable and relevant to their current work.
The special education teaching specialization incorporates the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) advanced preparation standards to assure that individuals with exceptionalities have well-prepared, career-oriented special educators. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Use valid, reliable assessments to collect data that inform decisions about instruction, programming and placements for students with disabilities (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #1)
- Apply knowledge of curriculum, universal design, accommodations and modifications to improve programs, supports and services for students with disabilities (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #2)
- Engage in continuous improvement of special education programs, supports and services at the classroom, school and system level for students with disabilities and their families (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #3)
- Engage in inquiry, critical reflection, analysis and problem solving to improve professional practice (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #4)
- Analyze leadership strategies that are appropriate for implementing effective policies and research-based instructional practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #5)
- Apply knowledge of the field, ethical principles and professional dispositions to inform professional practice. (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #6)
- Apply effective collaboration and communication practices with stakeholders to improve programs, services and outcomes for students with disabilities (CEC Advanced Preparation Standard #7)
- Analyze the impacts of different learning styles, approaches, including but not limited to characteristics of disabilities.
- Advocate for students with disabilities through work in schools, districts and communities
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
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What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSEd in Special Education Teaching program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- An Experience and Access Acknowledgement form that verifies understanding of requirements needed to successfully complete coursework
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Special Education Teaching degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Special Education Teaching.
Job titles to explore*
- Academic interventionist
- Behavior interventionist
- Early intervention specialist
- Intervention specialist
- Special education instructor
- Special education supervisor
- Special educator
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Job titles on this list may require licensure, certification, endorsement or other professional designations. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. This specialization does not lead to license, endorsement, or other professional credential. Teachers are advised to contact their school district to determine whether a program may qualify for salary advancement.