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Special Education Teaching
Master of Science in Education
Pursue your calling to help children with special needs achieve their best. The MS in Education, Special Education Teaching from Capella University can help you take your next career steps in a vital and rewarding field.
In this program, you’ll focus on effective ways to implement specialized teaching, build effective curricula, and collaborate with other professionals to drive positive outcomes for diverse students of all abilities. You can develop knowledge and assessment principles for special education in diverse educational settings, and open the door to leadership roles.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
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
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5503 Classroom Management Strategies | Learners in this course apply strategies for managing diverse and challenging 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 | This course provides an overview of the historical, conceptual, and cultural 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 | Learners in this course 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 | 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 | 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 culturally responsive collaboration and communication practices that improve programs, services, and outcomes for diverse learners. Prerequisite: 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 diversity on learning, including various characteristics of disabilities, cultural diversity and linguistic diversity
- Advocate for students with disabilities through work in schools, districts and communities
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- 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
$21,620
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$21,620
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
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.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
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.
Articles and 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.