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Online Master of Education in Special Education

Blend theory, research, and applied practice

START HERE

Share a few details and we'll connect you with an enrollment coach to discuss your goals and next steps.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

At a Glance

The Master’s in Special Education online empowers professionals to become transformative leaders in their field. This dynamic program equips students with the skills to drive meaningful, lasting impact in schools, organizations, and communities.

Students can tailor their experience by choosing from three emphasis areas: Fundamentals of Special Education, Secondary Transition, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Courses are available in a hybrid or fully online format.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

36+ Months

Credit Hours:

54

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Summer

cost

The Master of Education in Special Education delivers exceptional value, offering a strong return on investment for professionals ready to advance their careers. This program builds the expertise needed to step into top leadership roles and unlock higher earning potential in the field of special education.

Tuition and fees for the program total $15,706.50 for Oklahoma residents ($523.55 per credit hour) and $37,276.50 for non-residents ($1,242.55 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

START HERE

Share a few details and we'll connect you with an enrollment coach to discuss your goals and next steps.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

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Thanks for your interest in OU Online! At this time, we don't offer any online programs that align with your current experience or education level. Please revisit us in the future to find a program that best fits your goals or explore our on campus programs at ou.edu

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Note: Applicants residing in states not participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), or in states where the program does not meet licensure requirements (e.g., California, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Idaho, etc.), are not eligible for enrollment.

Note: Applicants residing in states not participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), or in states where the program does not meet licensure requirements (e.g., California, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Idaho, etc.), are not eligible for enrollment.

Note: Applicants residing in states not participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), or in states where the program does not meet licensure requirements (e.g., California, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Idaho, etc.), are not eligible for enrollment.

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About the Online Master of Education in Special Education

The online Master’s Degree in Special Education is a fully online, 33-credit-hour program that integrates theory, research, and hands-on practice. Through engaging coursework, field experiences, and independent study, students build advanced knowledge and practical skills to lead in special education settings.

Students learn from nationally recognized faculty and experienced professors of practice from OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. This expert instruction provides the specialized training needed to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.

The program offers three emphasis areas, allowing students to align their studies with their professional goals:

Fundamentals of Special Education Emphasis
Designed for individuals with limited experience in special education or those who have completed the OSDE Bootcamp program, this emphasis prepares students to become effective special education teachers.

Secondary Transition Emphasis
Ideal for those seeking to become transition coordinators or integrate transition education strategies into their teaching, this emphasis equips students to support students with disabilities as they move from school to adult life.

Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students to deliver evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It also prepares students for fieldwork experiences and eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination.

What Can I Do with a Special Education Master’s Degree

Earning an online Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma positions you for meaningful career advancement and leadership at every level of education. This degree opens doors to high-impact roles, helping you accelerate your career in areas such as:

Special Education Teachers
Behavior Analysts
Hospital and Facility Educators

Transition Specialists
Administrators
State Agency Officers

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $64,270
Job Outlook: Employment for special education professionals is projected to remain steady through 2033
Job Openings: An average of 35,900 job openings for special education professionals are expected each year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The median pay figures reflect earnings for professionals working in these occupations and may represent mid-career compensation. Entry-level salaries vary based on role, employer, experience, and geographic location.

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

OU’s online Master of Education in Special Education equips students with advanced expertise to effectively support and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Through a rigorous, practice-based curriculum, students gain the tools to lead with confidence and create inclusive, impactful learning environments.

Graduates of the program will be able to:

Analyze, synthesize, and report on current research in special education
Conduct and interpret assessments to inform instruction and intervention
Use assessment data to design targeted instructional and behavioral strategies
Identify key features of single-case research designs and apply visual analysis to evaluate intervention outcomes
Collaborate with colleagues, families, and support personnel using evidence-based problem-solving techniques to improve services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities

Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

Course Details

The Master of Education in Special Education provides a well-rounded foundation in key areas of the field through coursework, field experiences, and independent study. This comprehensive approach ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support diverse learners effectively.

Students pursuing the MEd who have not previously completed an introductory special education course must complete EDSP 5413: Understanding and Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities as part of their program requirements.

*Students will earn 33 credit hours across 12 courses, choosing a minimum of nine hours of graduate courses in Special Education, plus a minimum of six hours of additional graduate electives approved by their faculty advisor.

Expand each section below to view more about the courses included in this program, including detailed course descriptions.

For complete curriculum information, including required courses and degree requirements, visit the program’s official Courseleaf page: View the full curriculum.

Characteristics & Methods in Teaching Students with Exceptionalities

Credit Hours: 3
The course provides foundation to legislation, policies and procedures for educating children/youth with exceptionalities. It focuses on primary recipients of special education services, procedures for providing special education to children and youth with educationally related problems, understanding responsibilities associated with the implementation of special education programs and services, and emerging skills needed to ensure successful educational experiences for children/youth with exceptionalities.

Contemporary Issues/Research

Credit Hours: 3
Examines critical issues influencing the field of special education and services for persons with disabilities.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO COURSES:

Individual Behavior Planning in the Classroom
Credit Hours: 3
This course will teach how to effectively manage challenging and severe behavior problems in the classroom using proactive classroom strategies, effective instruction, and planned behavioral interventions. This course examines applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles and techniques, including observational analysis, data-based instruction, and social validity to increase students' social and task- related behavior.

Philosophical Assumptions of Behavior Analysis
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide fundamental knowledge and experiences for understanding Applied Behavior Analysis principles and techniques, including the dimensions of behavior analysis, the assumptions of science, and the philosophical foundations on which the science rests. Students learn the basis of methodological and radical behaviorism, Skinner's view on human behavior, and the philosophy behind the interventions making behavior analytics principles.

Leadership & Advocacy in Special Education

Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide students with a history of special education litigation and legislation. Students will gain a deep understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, the major legislation governing the provision of special education services. Students learn about federal statutes and regulations concerning assessment and evaluation procedures, due process and mediation, discipline, and individual education plans (IEPs).

Advanced Assessment

Credit Hours: 3
The focus will be on innovative approaches to assessment and education of students with mild to moderate learning and/or behavior problems. Techniques, methods, and materials will be presented within a career/ecological framework and will be research-based.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO COURSES:

Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to major methods of scholarship and research in education. The main goal of the class is to help students develop the knowledge and skills required for critical reading of research materials.

Single-Case Research Design
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a critical analysis of single-case research methodologies. Emphasis is on developing skills in asking and answering sound research questions and designing investigations to answer such questions. The course also explores the development and implementation of single-case research designs.

Why Choose OU Online for a Master’s in Special Education

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. The Master of Education in Special Education is designed to prepare students for career advancement and leadership by deepening their understanding of the complex challenges within special education environments.

Faculty Expertise

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.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your leadership skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of education professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in the field across the world, helping you expand your special education career.

Flexible Format

The Master of Education in Special Education is offered in a fully online, flexible format designed to support working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as few as 21 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and build specialized expertise in special education that advances your career.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for special education. Engage in meaningful online discussions with faculty and peers while building a strong professional network. As you grow your expertise, you’ll also develop the leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s educational landscape.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning a master’s degree in special education is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program total $15,706.50 for Oklahoma residents ($523.55 per credit hour) and $37,276.50 for non-residents ($1,242.55 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. OU’s dedicated financial services team is here to support you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

If you have questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Admission Requirements

To apply to the online Master of Education in Special Education program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. Students with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be conditionally admitted, and those with a GPA below 3.00 must address the reasons for the lower GPA in their personal statement and explain why these issues are no longer a concern. Applicants are also required to have completed Calculus I and an Introduction to Programming.

To apply, students must:

Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
Submit a current résumé
Provide official college transcripts from all institutions*
Submit a personal statement outlining your professional accomplishments and career goals

For additional information or assistance in applying, applicants may contact the College of Education Graduate Programs Support Office:

Phone: 405-325-4525

Email: jrcoe_gps@ou.edu

*Sealed official transcripts from all previous institutions should be sent directly to the University of Oklahoma.

Sending digitally is preferred to gradadm@ou.edu.

If you are sending physical copies, please send to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
731 Elm Avenue, Room 213
Norman, OK 73019

Application Timeline

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

Application deadlines:

February 1 for Fall and Summer semester starts

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester's tuition.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, a personal statement, and transcripts from all institutions attended.