Master of Science in Special Education

Do you want to advance your career as a special education teacher? UK offers 100% online and in-person options for a master’s degree in special education.

The Master of Science degree in Special Education can be completed on a part-time basis over the course of five semesters (2.5 calendar years). Students taking the online version of the program attend courses virtually and interact with professors and classmates in real-time. All classes take place in the evenings to allow teachers to complete their work day prior to attending class. Taking the GRE is not required for entry. Admission is accepted for both Fall and Spring semesters, however the core courses begin in Fall semesters, therefore a Spring admission may not be appropriate unless the student requires some prerequisite coursework.

View the Candidate Policies and Procedures Manual for Master of Science in Special Education.

Coursework

Coursework focus on Special Education with two options for specialization within the program: moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) track and learning and behavior disorders (LBD) track. There also are options for students to complete thesis or non-thesis tracks. The track you choose will offer coursework that shapes your research projects and clinical experiences.

The Master’s in Special Education Program is approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). There are eight tracks that lead to a master of science in special education. The tracks are outlined below in the table.

Candidates Who Are Already Certified

Candidates Who Are Not Certified (Initial Certification)

*LBD = Learning and Behavior Disorders; MSD = Moderate/Severe Disabilities; T = Thesis Track; NT = Non-Thesis Track; G. Elective = guided elective; (c) = Capstone

**all courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise specified (#)

Courses

• EDS 516: Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3.0)
• EDS 518: Behavior Management in Applied Settings (3.0)
• EDS 601: Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3.0)
• EDS 605: Assessment and Treatment of Social and Adaptive Behaviors (3.0)
• EDS 608: Creating Supportive and Respectful Learning Environments (3.0)
• EDS 610: Advanced Educational Assessment for Students with Mild Disabilities (3.0)
• EDS 611: Contemporary Trends and Issues in the Education of Students with Mild Disabilities (3.0)
• EDS 618: Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior (3.0)
• EDS 628: Reading and Language Arts Assessment and Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3.0)
• EDS 630: Advanced Methods for Teaching Students with Disabilities (3.0)
• EDS 631: Advanced Programming for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (3.0)
• EDS 632 (A,B,C,D): Advanced Practicum in Special Education (variable)
• EDS 634: Leadership in Special Education (3.0)
• EDS 660: Overview of Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Individuals with ASD (3.0)
• EDS 661: Advanced Instructional Strategies for Students with ASD (3.0)
• EDS 750 Student Teaching for Initial Certification in Special Education (variable)
• EDS 768: Residence Credit for the Master’s Degree Program (3.0)

General Information on Electives

Depending on the track, students will be advised into 1-2 guided electives individualized to student interest.

Retention Requirements

1. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on all coursework is required and a 3.0 GPA is required on core coursework to maintain status in the program.
2. Students must demonstrate professional behaviors throughout the program in accordance with the College of Education’s Functional Skills and Dispositions.

How to Apply

1. Applicants must be certified to teach (for the options for those that hold a teaching certificate) or have an undergraduate degree in a related area (e.g., Psychology).
2. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average.
3. Applicants must secure three (3) letters of recommendations with one related to academic performance (e.g., from professor, advisor) and two related to the applicants work.
4. Applicants must submit a writing sample (e.g., paper from previous coursework; teaching philosophy, autobiographical sketch).
5. Applicants must participate in an interview with program faculty.
6. Upon acceptance, applicants must satisfactorily pass a criminal background check.

Please review the requirements below and complete an online application to the Graduate School.

• Graduate School Admission Requirements
• Online Application to the Graduate School

State Authorization and Licensure

If you plan to complete a University of Kentucky online program while living outside of Kentucky, you should check the Out-of-State Students page to determine if the University of Kentucky is authorized to provide this program in your state of residence. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state.

Student Relocation Disclosure

All distance education students should keep in mind that relocating during the course of a program to another state could impact whether that student an continue in the course and/or meet the eligibility requirements of that state. If you plan to move to another state during your program, please contact your program advisor as soon as possible.

Licensure Disclosure

States may have additional requirements for programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state. Visit the UK Out-of-State Educational Activities website to learn more about your program.