Special Education Master's Degree

A Concordia University Master of Education in Special Education program will prepare you with the expertise to expand your career options in teaching students with Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Disabilities at either of the following two levels: (1) early childhood/elementary, or elementary/middle or (2) middle level/high school. At this time, the Master of Education in Special Education program is only available to residents of Oregon. An Oregon candidate who wishes to pursue the Special Education Master’s degree must complete the full licensure program that includes the two practicum sections. This Special Education program has been approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

(For students outside of Oregon, we offer the following online program: M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: The Inclusive Classroom / Special Education (SPED).)

In addition to meeting the objectives for all Concordia University M.Ed. programs, successful candidates in the M.Ed. in Special Education will demonstrate skills in:

Developing, implementing, and assessing curricular and instructional plans that integrate disciplines, apply current educational research findings, encourage parental involvement, consider students’ current developmental levels, and exhibit sensitivity to individual student differences and cultural backgrounds
The application and integration of new technologies to enhance the teaching and learning processes
The design, implementation, and presentation of an action research project or thesis developed expressly to improve classroom instruction and student learning outcomes
Knowledge of and appreciation for the Christian perspective and its emphasis on service as a fundamental element of successful teaching, learning and administering
Values, ethics, beliefs, and attitudes that achieve the educational goals of the state, district and local school communities
A desire to continue professional and leadership development in the education enterprise

Admission Requirements

This program is only open to residents of Oregon. A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution with a GPA of 2.8 or higher is required, as well as a current teaching license that is recognized in Oregon. Along with the application, please submit two confidential letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, résumé, character questionnaire, copy of teaching license, and proof of degree from an accredited institution via official transcripts (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s).

Earning Your Special Education Degree Online

Using cutting-edge curriculum and easy-to-use online learning tools, Concordia’s experienced education leaders will provide you with the best in theory and practice to prepare you for educational leadership positions in both K-12 and higher education. Concordia University’s Special Education classes are designed so you may turn in assignments convenient to your schedule, remaining within the due dates of the course syllabus. Online classes are five weeks in length (except for the two required practicum courses, which are each 10 weeks), and can be accessed via the Internet at the time and location that is most convenient for you.

Go to the Special Education Courses page to learn about each individual course in the program.

Ready to enroll? Speak with an enrollment specialist: 1 (877) 251-4405 or start your application here.