11 Best Special Education Master of Science (MSc) Degree Programs for 2025

The Department of Special Education offers graduate online and campus based education for students interested in teaching, research, and professional service related to infants , toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. Since the 1970s, the department has received national and international recognition. The faculty is known for its leadership to the field, commitment to high-quality education for children and youth with developmental delays and disabilities, innovative field-based research, and preparation of highly effective program graduates. The annual U.S. News and World Report graduate program survey consistently ranks KU's Department of Special Education at the top when compared to more than 200 graduate programs in this field. As one of the most comprehensive special education preparation programs in the country, the department attracts students from many states and countries.

At Bryn Athyn College, education is studied in a spiritual context. The work of a special educator requires an open heart and mind. Our program begins with a course designed to cultivate the art of awareness.

The School of Education and Division of Teaching, Learning, Leadership and Policy offer an M.Ed. and M.S. in Education with a special education emphasis. The M.Ed. is a 30-credit degree designed to support the professional practice of in-service teachers. The M.S. is a 30-credit degree designed for students who want to develop skills as educational researchers. Faculty expertise includes academic interventions for students with emotional disorders, classroom management and behavioral interventions, postsecondary transition, progress monitoring in mathematics, reading and literacy, special education law and policy, and technology and special education. Special education faculty often collaborate in grant funded research (e.g. NSF and IES) with colleagues in the SOE, across campus, and nationally.

The M.S. in Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6) provides a pathway for initial /professional certification in Special Education in New York State.

The Master of Science in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) offered by the SUNY Old Westbury School of Education is designed as a path to professional teacher certification in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6).

The MS degree in Special Education prepares students to serve as advocates for students with disabilities and to collaborate with schools and other agencies to improve the quality of life for students with disabilities. The degree offers two options: the Teacher Certification program and the Research and Theory program. The Teacher Certification program prepares students to move directly into teaching, while the Research and Theory program focuses on graduate level research and theory.

Become a licensed K–12 special education teacher in Minnesota and choose an emphasis area to specialize your degree with Southwest Minnesota State University's online MS in Special Education. Emphasis options include academic behavioral strategist, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, early childhood special education, emotional behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Transfer up to nine credits to accelerate the program and finish your program in two to three years.

This programme was developed in consultation with the education, health and social care, and voluntary sectors, as well as individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is designed to facilitate the professional development of teachers and other related professionals who work, or wish to work, in this area.

The MS degree in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing prepares students to meet the national need for teachers of secondary students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program prepares teachers as effective and ethical practitioners and also as scholars and leaders in the profession.

This programme was developed in consultation with the education, health and social care, and voluntary sectors, as well as individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is designed to facilitate the professional development of teachers and other related professionals who work, or wish to work, in this area.

A unique course giving you an in-depth understanding of autism research. It combines teaching in psychological research methods with hands-on experience.