Explore our MS in Education Special Education (Grades K–12; Non-Licensure) specialization
If you’re an experienced special educator with the desire to enhance your skills, this MSEd specialization offers a path to continuing professional achievement. Gain leadership skills to support and sustain effective practices for students with exceptionalities.
Coursework in this program synthesizes the most current research in the arenas of neuroscience, assessment, and scientifically based interventions. Real-world case studies and virtual scenarios encourage collaborative problem-solving using research-based strategies. You’ll focus on learning practical strategies that include:
- Investigating current laws and regulations to effectively advocate for students with exceptionalities.
- Assembling and evaluating data about individuals with exceptionalities in order to make effective decisions related to education programs.
- Employing assistive technology to promote higher levels of student engagement and learning.
- Establishing and fostering a culturally responsive classroom that supports learning at all levels.
- Producing a practical toolkit to use throughout your teaching career.
This specialization is offered in both the traditional program and accelerated option.
Program Details
Learning Tracks
MSEd Traditional: If you’re more comfortable with structured learning, a predictable course load, and a fixed schedule, consider our 20-month traditional MSEd track. The manageable workload is perfect for busy professionals who have a limited amount of weekly time to devote to their studies.
MSEd Accelerated: If you’re a highly motivated educator who wants to fast-track your learning, the MSEd Accelerated track is for you. You can gain all the skills and valuable insights found in the traditional MSEd track and earn your degree in just 12 months.2
MSEd One-Credit: If you’re looking for an innovative, intensive learning experience that offers a set semester-based tuition schedule, the MSEd One-Credit format is a great fit for you. Walden’s MSEd One-Credit Elementary Education format is driven by a classroom teacher-focused curriculum offered in three completion options: 12 months, 16 months, or 20 months.1
Curriculum
Completion Requirements
- 30 semester credit hours
- Specialization courses (12 sem. cr.)
- Teaching fields and content courses (18 sem. cr.)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-7548.
Completion Requirements
- 30 semester credit hours
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
While the MSED accelerated program is designed to be completed in 12-months, time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-7548.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, teaching experience, and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply.
More information for international applicants.
The progress you make now pays you back. Receive tuition-free courses as you successfully complete courses in your program with the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.™
We believe you can achieve your goals, and we're here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*See Tuition details for more information.
| CURRICULUM COMPONENT | REQUIREMENTS | COST | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 30 semester credit hours | $615 per semester hour | $18,450 |
| Technology Fee | Per semester | $230 | $1,150 |
| $19,600** | |||
|
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP |
-$3,690 |
*Represents traditional track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 15 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-7548.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
| CURRICULUM COMPONENT | REQUIREMENTS | COST | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 15 semester credits, traditional courses (depending on specialization) | $615 per semester credit hour | $9,225 |
| 15 semester credits, accelerating courses (depending on specialization) | $130 per semester credit hour | $1,950 | |
| 30 semester credit hours | $11,175 | ||
| Technology Fee | Per semester | $230 | $690 |
| $11,865* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 15 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-7548.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
- Apply current legal and ethical policies and culturally responsive practices to support high quality educational experiences for All students with exceptionalities.
- Apply data-informed decision making strategies and evidence-based practices—including assistive technology– to design, adapt, implement and assess learning experiences for All students with exceptionalities.
- Apply evidence-based evaluation and assessment practices to monitor student achievement, guide data-informed instructional planning and transition services, and promote continuous improvement for All students with exceptionalities.
- Demonstrate leadership skills necessary to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to improve instructional programs (e.g., core subjects, literacy, behavioral, social) for All students at the school and systems levels.
