Special Education, M.A.
College of Applied Human Sciences
Would you like a career helping young people with disabilities? The WVU College of Applied Human Sciences's Master of Arts in Special Education is designed to prepare professional educators to work with children and adolescents with mild/moderate disabilities including learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, autism, and intellectual disabilities.
Cost:
$702 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
Three semesters (full-time), five semesters (part-time)
Dates:
Next Start: May 19, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Provide Educational Programs and Services for Children with Special Education Needs
This graduate-level program prepares special education teachers to engage in current research-based practices and to provide high quality educational programs and services.
This program has been designed so that program graduates can accomplish the following learning outcomes:
- Provide high-quality educational services to children and adolescents with mild
to moderate disabilities in inclusive classrooms and resource rooms in elementary
and secondary schools
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of current evidence-practices as exemplified
by reputable research and professional standards to deliver individualized
instruction to develop academic and social skills
- Collaborate with other professionals and agencies in delivery of services and
engage in individual and systems advocacy for individuals and their families,
and empower individuals and families to participate in program planning and
decision making; and
- Reflect in and on practice and respond responsibly to the legal, ethical, social,
and cultural issues encountered when working with individuals with mild to
moderate disabilities and their families in today’s world.
Curriculum
The Special Education M.A. degree will prepare you to work with children and adolescents with mild/moderate disabilities including learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, autism, and intellectual disabilities. The Special Education M.A. program prepares individuals to take the Praxis and to apply for certification through the West Virginia Department of Education Alternative Certification Program.
After completion of the program, you willl demonstrate knowledge and application of current evidence-based practices as exemplified by reputable research and professional standards to deliver individualized instruction to develop academic and social skills.
The program is offered entirely online throughout the United States and in approved international locations. The online courses are taught by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
A grade of B or higher is required in all graduate coursework.
- SPED 500: Legal/Educational Foundations: Special Education
- SPED 601: Academic Interventions for Special Needs
- SPED 609: Technology Applications for Special Needs
- SPED 650: Learning Characteristics: Autism
- SPED 652: Educational Interventions: Autism
- SPED 665: Mathematics for Special Needs
- SPED 666: Reading for Special Needs
- C&L 602: Classroom Organization and Management
- C&L 688: Curriculum & Teaching Principles
- LE 622: Disciplinary Literacy
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- WVU Online Graduate Application
- Personal Statement
- A short 1-page essay on professional goals and reasons for seeking admission
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
- Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Mail to: WVU Office of Graduate Admissions, One Waterfront Place, PO Box 6510,
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
- International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
There are many career paths a student could take with a Special Education Master’s Degree, including:
Career Paths
- Self-Enrichment Education Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Consultant
- School Counselor
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education Advocate
- Education Writer
- Tutor