Special Ed

Online Master of
Education in
Special Education

Blend theory, research, and applied practice.

21+ Months

12 Courses

33 Hours

$437/CH

Become an Education Leader

The University of Oklahoma’s online Master of Education in Special Education program includes coursework, field experiences, and independent study that blends theory, research, and applied practice to enhance your special education knowledge and skills. Those who complete the program can assume various professional roles, including special education teachers, transition specialists, behavior analysts, administrators, hospital and other facility educators, and state agency officers.

Admissions Deadline

Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).

Program Start Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer

Academic Term

Stay up to date with OU holiday closings, deadlines, and more.

Benefits of the Special Education
Master's Degree

Top Tier Education

You will get a first-class education from a college ranked in the top tier of education colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Our experienced OU faculty will guide you through the program with support from professors of practice.

Expand Your Network

Graduating from the University of Oklahoma connects you to thousands of graduates. With a rich tradition and history of alumni relationships, graduates have opportunities to build a lifelong network with Sooners.

Flexible Format

Learn in a flexible online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while preparing to become a leader in special education.

0 %

OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*

0 %+

OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*

0 %

OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*

*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023

happy teacher with students

Pursue your
Special Education
Master's degree

Take the next step in your career with a degree from the University of Oklahoma. Applications are reviewed year-round for fall, spring, and summer sessions. Choose your program, choose your start, and apply today.
Program breakdown

To obtain the essential Master of Education in Special Education degree, students complete at least 33 degree-applicable non-thesis credit hours. Students complete 15 hours of required and 18 hours of elective courses.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings
  • Collaboration, Accommodations & Modifications
  • Advanced Assessment
  • Contemporary Issues/Research
  • Special Education Instructional Methods and Programs
  • Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education
  • Single Case Research Design
  • Electives
HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for admission, students must meet the minimum requirements set by the Graduate College. Graduate students must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education 
  • A 3.00 minimum undergraduate GPA. Students may be conditionally admitted with an undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 2.99. If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.00, you must discuss the reasons for the low GPA in your personal statement (essay) and explain why these issues are no longer a concern.

To apply, students must:

  • Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
  • Submit a current resume
  • Provide official college transcripts from all institutions
  • Submit a personal statement to help the admissions committee better understand you, your professional accomplishments, and your career aspirations.

For additional information or assistance in applying, applicants may call the College of Education Graduate Programs Support Office at 405-325-4525 or email  jrcoe_gps@ou.edu.

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admission process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before classes start. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.

If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page. 

Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.  

Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application

If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.

teacher working with students

same academic excellence

Like every OU Online program, the Master of Education in Special Education is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.
An Investment in your future

Earning a Master of Education in Special Education degree from OU Online gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.

Tuition and fees for the program are $14,421 – $34,584 ($437-$1048 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. There is no application fee for this degree.

Tuition Calculator

Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.

Why OU Online?

We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.

Our Online Programs

Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Our OU Family

When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.

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