Skip to main content

Special Education Masters Online

Connect to Your Future in Special Education

Request Info

Gain the advanced skills needed to teach and support students with specialized learning needs by completing your masters degree or endorsement in special education online from Wichita State.

The Online Master of Education in Special Education Program at Wichita State University will prepare you to make a positive impact on students with mild-to-moderate cross-categorical disabilities.

teacher in classroom helping two small children

Earn your Special Education masters degree

Schools across the nation are looking for experienced teachers with the skill sets needed to serve students that require special education. With an online degree, you can fill one of these roles without having to sacrifice home or class time.

Our online master’s degree program offers students three areas of emphasis:

  • Special Education Adaptive (High-Incidence)
  • Special Education Functional (Low-Incidence)
  • High Incidence Alternative Certification  
  • Special Education Early Childhood Unified Program

Licensure verification information

This Master’s Degree in Special Education may not lead to licensure, unless you hold a valid Kansas teaching license. Students outside of Missouri, Oklahoma, Nevada and Colorado, may have additional requirements to obtain their SPED teaching license. Every student should verify with their state’s teacher licensing board what is required to teach SPED in their area.

Offered online from the School of Education at Wichita State, the special education online program is a perfect fit for licensed educators seeking to develop their existing skills while balancing obligations at work and home. Just 30-33 graduate credit hours of coursework and the culminating experience (thesis or non-thesis capstone).

 

Why WSU’s Online Special Education Program?

The online Special Education program will develop educators who possess theoretical understanding and practical skills. The flexible online format enables graduate students to earn their degree while employed full-time and balancing other obligations.

WSU’s College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, National Association of School Psychologists and the Kansas State Board of Education.

 

About the Program

The program emphases in special education prepares individuals for K-12 teaching and also to provide community-based services or consultation to children and youth.

          • High Incidence Emphasis addresses the needs of students with mild and moderate levels of disabilities (intellectual disability, behavioral/emotional disorders, learning disabilities.)
          • Low Incidence Emphasis addresses the needs of students with severe and multiple disabilities (intellectual disability, behavioral/emotional disorders, learning disabilities.)
          • High Incidence Alternative Certification  program provides individuals who have at least one year of experience as a paraprofessional and a Bachelors degree outside the field of education with a route to becoming a special education teacher of record.
          • Special Education Early Childhood Unified Program emphasis at Wichita State University is a 33 hour program that prepares teachers certified in K-6 general education for teaching all students ages Birth-3rd grade. 

This Master’s Degree in Special Education may not lead to licensure, unless you hold a valid Kansas teaching license.

This degree is conferred in Kansas and does not guarantee Special Education licensure outside of Kansas. Students enrolling in this program must refer to the licensing agency and requirements in their own state.

How much will it cost?

Wichita State Online students pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live. The cost of tuition varies depending on degree, credits, and courses. Visit the tuition page for more information.

What careers could I advance to?

Wichita State’s online special education program prepares practitioners who can facilitate learning for students with specialized learning needs by creating an environment that will make them successful learners.

Graduates of the Special Education online program at Wichita State are in demand at all educational levels from kindergarten through high school.

Graduates of this program are good candidates for employment at:

  • K-12 Public or Private Schools
  • Community Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Home-based service agencies

Application and Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework OR 2.75 minimum GPA and Official GRE score of at least 152 in Verbal and 153 in Quantitative.
  • Current teaching certificate/license (or eligible for certificate/license) 

Application Materials

Candidates must pay the application fee and submit items listed below on the Graduate School Application Portal:

  • Official transcripts
  • Teaching license (if applicable)

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: May 1
Contact Graduate Coordinator
Donna Sayman
donna.sayman@wichita.edu
(316) 978-6877
©