MEd in Special Education (No IR, No Cert)
MEd in special education programs are designed for students who are already certified teachers and who want to learn more about teaching students with learning disabilities. When you earn your MEd, you’ll have the option to be certified, but this may not fit your career goals.
Teachers in the special education field typically need to be certified to teach in public schools. In some states, private or religious schools do not require certification, so if you choose an MEd program that does not include certification or institutional recommendation (IR), you’re still able to work with some employers. This is also a good option for teachers who want to have advanced knowledge in the field of special education, but who don’t want to work primarily with special education students.
As a graduate of an MEd program, IR/certification may not be part of the program, but you can seek this certification independently if you’ve completed the required student teaching hours for your state. Typically, the special education teacher salary is about $10,000 per year more than general teachers. You can also choose to get into school administration, and some MEd student go on to work in research, though an master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) might be more appropriate if you don’t intend to work in a school. Even without certification, an MEd also gives you the opportunity to work in unique special education teaching positions, such as education activities director at a facility for adults with disabilities.
In order to enter an MEd in special education program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an education field. Most require that you possess an up-to-date teaching license (either general or special education), and some schools require that you have experience as a teacher before you apply. Instead of a thesis paper requiring high levels of research, many MEd programs instead have students complete a thesis project, which is more practical and less academic in nature. Every MEd program is different when it comes to special education student requirements.
Online MEd in Special Education Degrees
Concordia University, Portland — MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Special Education- Graceland University — MEd in Mild /Moderate Special Education
- Grand Canyon University — MEd in Special Education (No IR, No Cert)
- Grand Canyon University — MEd in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)
- Liberty University — MEd in Teaching and Learning – Special Education
- Southern New Hampshire University — MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Special Education
- University of Cincinnati — MEd in Special Education
