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Special Education - M.Ed.

The Special Education M.Ed. program provides a deep understanding of special education practices and prepares you to excel as an educator. Join us and make a difference in the lives of students.

M.Ed. Degree in Special Education

Kent State University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree in Special Education is designed for educators seeking to deepen their expertise in working with students who have diverse learning needs. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, individualized instruction, and the development of effective intervention strategies. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, students are prepared to create inclusive learning environments and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities.

Program Information for Special Education - M.Ed.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, they should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.
  • The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students  work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.
  • The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.
  • The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.
  • The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
Admissions for Special Education - M.Ed.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
  2. Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
  3. Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
  4. Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
  5. Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., mild/moderate, deaf education).
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
SPED 63201CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 3
SPED 63204LEGAL AND POLICY FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION 3
SPED 63300RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 3
Multidisciplinary Electives, choose from the following:6
CES 67712
ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL REHABILITATION COUNSELING
CULT 69522
ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
RMS 65510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 68807
PROGRAM EVALUATION
SPED 53309
INTRODUCTION TO DEAF STUDIES 1
SPED 63030
PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
SPED 63956
FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
SPSY 67973
CONSULTATION IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS
Any other graduate-level courses agreed upon by faculty advisor
Concentrations
Choose from the following:18-24
Deaf Education
Early Child Interventional Specialist
General Special Education
Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs
Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33-39
1

Students in the Deaf Education concentration should not take SPED 53309.

Deaf Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
RMS 65510STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 3
Deaf Education Electives, as approved by advisor15
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
SPED 63301SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3
Early Childhood Intervention Electives, as approved by advisor15
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

General Special Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
SPED 63301SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3
General Electives, as approved by advisor15
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
SPED 63301SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3
Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor15
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
SPED 63301SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH METHODS 3
Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Electives, as approved by advisor15
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
SPED 63950CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
or SPED 63958 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION METHODS
SPED 63952FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 3
SPED 63953PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:BIRTH TO FIVE 3
SPED 63955TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN 3
SPED 63956FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
SPED 63957ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
SPED 64892ADVANCED PRACTICUM 3
SPED 64951DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:24

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
  • Students in the Deaf Education concentration must also pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the intermediate level for graduation.
  • Students seeking a Reading Endorsement must see their advisor before beginning ANY coursework.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Online (General Special Education concentration only)
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Special Education - M.Ed.

The Deaf Education concentration is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf.

Concentration Information

Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education have several different concentrations to choose from. Learn more by selecting a concentration below.

Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Concentration

The early childhood intervention specialist program at Kent State University is designed for individuals interested in working with young children with disabilities or at risk for disabilities and their families.   The program prepares early educators (age 3-8) and early intervention (birth-age 3) professionals to meet the learning and developmental needs of all infant, toddler, preschooler, kindergarten and elementary age children, including those at risk for and with disabilities.

The ECIS program offers courses of study leading to the following options:

  1. licensure in early childhood special education (early childhood intervention specialist initial license);
  2. pre-k special needs concentration (includes prescribed courses that can apply toward consideration by ODE for the Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement and can be added to any non-degree SPED licensure or the ECE license);
  3. early intervention certificate;
  4. master’s degree in special education; or
  5. doctorate in special education.   

Licensure

If you are interested in Special Education Licensure, you must be fully admitted into the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Licensure Preparation (Non-degree) Program and complete the prescribed coursework on the prospectus in addition to courses that are prescribed here for the Master's Degree.

Contact Information

We would be happy to answer your questions or provide you with additional information about our programs:

General Special Education Concentration

The General Special Education concentration prepares quality teachers of exceptional learners.

The general special education concentration provides an opportunity for already licensed teachers to engage in endorsement or certificate training to enhance their existing skills. Moreover, graduates learn to use evidence-based practices to guide their direct service, support and consultation skills in schools and other agencies as professionals work together with individuals with exceptionalities and their families.

Please contact Dr. Sloane Burgess for more information.

Licensure

If you are interested in Special Education Licensure, you must be fully admitted into the Non-Degree Special Education General Special Education Licensure Preparation Program and complete the prescribed coursework on the prospectus in addition to courses that are prescribed here for the Master's Degree.

Mild/Moderate Education Needs concentration

The Master’s Degree in Special Education Mild/Moderate Education Needs concentration provides advanced knowledge about special education for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities. Students with mild/moderate disabilities most often participate in the general curriculum. These students may require specially designed intervention and support in the areas of academics, non-cognitive skills, social and emotional functioning, behavior, and/or career preparation and postsecondary transition. Disabilities served by teachers with mild to moderate training and licensure include but are not limited to learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD/other health impairments, mild intellectual disabilities, and (when appropriate) autism spectrum disorder.

The Master’s Degree – Mild/Moderate concentration is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  1. Identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating effective, research-based practices that address the special education needs of K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities
  2. Understanding and analyzing contemporary issues, trends, and controversies related to special education and mild/moderate disabilities
  3. Explaining the various roles of scientific research in theory development, policy making, and improving educational and other outcomes for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities

Licensure

Please note that the Master’s degree and Non-degree Graduate Licensure Preparation Program are distinct and separate. If you are interested in Mild/Moderate Special Education Licensure in addition to a Master’s degree, you must be fully admitted into the Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) and complete the prescribed coursework for that program in addition to that prescribed for the Master’s Degree.

Please contact Dr. Nathan Stevenson for more information about Mild/Moderate Graduate Programs.

Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Concentration

The Master’s Degree in Special Education Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration provides students with advanced knowledge about special education for students with moderate/intensive educational needs including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple disabilities, and complex health impairments.

Students with moderate/intensive educational needs generally do not fully participate in the general education curriculum and require access to a modified curriculum and/or other extensive special education (SPED) supports. Although they may participate in general education classrooms for parts of their day, they are more likely to receive their special education supports within small groups or individually in settings such as resource rooms, or classrooms or programs developed specifically for students with disabilities. Moderate/intensive special educators teach a broad range of skills including academics, adaptive and life skills, self-regulation, and leisure and social skills, and (in older grades) career training and post-school transition skills.

The Master’s Degree - Moderate/Intensive concentration is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  • Identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating effective, research-based practices that address the special educational needs of K-12 students with moderate/intensive educational needs;
  • Understanding and analyzing contemporary issues, trends, and controversies related to special education and moderate/intensive educational needs; and
  • Explaining the various roles of scientific research in theory development, policy-making, and improving educational and other outcomes for K-12 students with moderate/intensive disabilities.

Licensure

Please note that the Master’s degree and Non-degree Graduate Licensure Preparation Program are distinct and separate. If you are interested in Moderate/Intensive Special Education Licensure in addition to a Master’s degree, you must be fully admitted into the Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) and complete the prescribed coursework for that program in addition to that prescribed for the Master’s Degree.

Please contact Dr. Sloane Burgess for more information about Moderate/Intensive Graduate Programs.

Plan of Study Forms

View plan of study forms by concentration below:

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Special Education - M.Ed.

Graduates of the M.Ed. Degree in Special Education can pursue a variety of careers, including special education teachers, behavior specialists, or inclusion facilitators. They may find opportunities in K-12 schools, educational support services, or non-profit organizations focused on advocacy and outreach for individuals with disabilities. This degree also prepares professionals for leadership roles, such as special education coordinators or instructional leaders, enabling them to influence policies and practices that improve educational access and outcomes for students with special needs.

Community and social service specialists, all other

11.7%

much faster than the average

105,200

number of jobs

$46,770

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school

2.9%

slower than the average

193,000

number of jobs

$60,620

potential earnings

Special education teachers, middle school

2.6%

slower than the average

84,700

number of jobs

$61,820

potential earnings

Special education teachers, preschool

8.3%

much faster than the average

23,000

number of jobs

$61,400

potential earnings

Special education teachers, secondary school

3.2%

about as fast as the average

143,000

number of jobs

$62,320

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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Faculty Contacts

  • Karen Kritzer | (Deaf Education concentration) | kkritzer@kent.edu | 330-672-2294
  • Sanna Harjusola-Webb | (Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentrations) | shwebb@kent.edu | 330-672-0585
  • Ching I Chen | (Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentrations) | cchen46 | 330-672-0609
  • Sloane Burgess | (General Special Education concentration) | sburges8@kent.edu | 330-672-0160
  • Nathan Stevenson | (Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration) | nsteve15@kent.edu |
    330-672-2294
  • Rob Cimera | (Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration) | rcimera@kent.edu | 330-672-2294
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