The master's degree program in special education (SPED) emphasizes knowledge of learners who are identified with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, autism, or severe disabilities. A master's in SPED prepares professionals to work as specialists and consultants in school programs that serve students with diverse learning needs (e.g. behavioral, academic, social). Graduate studies in special education build capacity through personnel preparation, research, outreach, and dissemination. These efforts are focused on systemic approaches to prevent and reduce the incidence and prevalence of disabilities as well as to provide supports for students with disabilities to successfully participate in schools and communities.

The degree can be earned in approximately five terms and can be combined with a licensure program.

Students may work toward a master of arts, master of science, or master of education degree. For the M.A. degree the candidate must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. For the M.Ed. degree the candidate must have a valid teaching license and have completed at least one year of successful classroom teaching.

Students who are interested in more than one major in Special Education should indicate this on admission applications.

Students can complete the master's degree course of study in four to six consecutive terms. Students take at least one course from each of the following core areas:

• Foundations

• Behavioral Support

• Legal Issues

• Curriculum and Instruction

• Diversity Issues

• Research

• Field Studies

All master's students must complete a capstone project, either a master's project, a master's thesis, or a master's synthesis course. Individual program emphases are developed in cooperation with the student's advisor.