Special Education, M.A.
Support every learner and lead with compassion. The online Special Education, M.A. from WVU is designed to prepare professional educators to work with children and adolescents with mild to moderate disabilities.
Request Information
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
3 semesters (full-time) or 5 semesters (part-time)
Admission Terms:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
Term Length:
8-week courses
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Not required
Program Overview
Every child deserves an educator who understands how to unlock their full potential. This fully asynchronous online program trains you to design inclusive environments that address diverse learning needs. Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences, the online M.A. in Special Education prepares you to become an advocate and educator for today’s youth. This program will give you the tools to translate educational research into real classroom strategies that change lives.
Praxis Certification Preparation: This program prepares individuals to take the Praxis and apply for certification through the West Virginia Department of Education’s Alternative Certification Program. If you have questions regarding state-specific licensure requirements, contact Melinda Gallagher, College of Applied Human Sciences, at (304) 293-0882 or Melinda.Gallagher@mail.wvu.edu.
Empower Every Learner
Advance your teaching career and expand your classroom impact through a highly flexible, online graduate format.
- Online Learning: Complete your degree from anywhere in the U.S. or approved international locations via fully online asynchronous coursework.
- Research-Based Practice: Gain expertise in current, evidence-based strategies aligned with professional standards.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from nationally and internationally recognized instructors who bring real special education research into the online classroom.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum blends evidence-based behavioral strategies with advanced individualized instructional design to help students develop academically and socially.
- Targeted Support: Learn to support students with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, autism, and intellectual disabilities.
- Adaptive Instruction: Learn to design, implement, and monitor specialized education plans that target academic development and social skills.
- Classroom Management: Gain technical, high-demand skills in behavior management, assistive technology applications, and diagnostic assessments.
- Community Advocacy: Develop advanced collaborative competencies to partner with families, school agencies, and interprofessional teams to lead educational program planning.
- Principled Advocacy: Build reflective skills to responsibly navigate the legal, ethical, social, and cultural issues encountered in modern special education settings.
Featured Courses
Discover some of the course options you can take during your time in the program:
Application Steps
What You Need to Apply
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) to be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions - P.O. Box 6009 Morgantown, WV 26505-6009
- Or via email: WVUAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- At least two recommendation letters from an academic or professional reference.
- Create a Statement of Purpose
- Personal statements should be 750 to 1,000 words and double-spaced. This is an opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about your reasons to earn this degree and should not repeat the information on your resume.
How to Apply
Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.
- Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
- Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
- Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
- Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
Tuition, Fees, and Aid
Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Please visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.
- Complete the FAFSA
- Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.
Learn More
Careers and Employment
The online Special Education, M.A. program will prepare you to design and deliver effective instruction for learners with diverse needs. You will learn to create individualized education plans, implement evidence-based strategies, and foster inclusive learning environments that support student success. This program aims to equip you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to meet the challenges of modern special education such as behavior management, assessment, assistive technology, and differentiated instruction while gaining hands-on experience through practicums that connect theory to real-world classroom settings. These applied experiences will strengthen your ability to translate research into practice and ensure meaningful learning outcomes for all students.
What can I do with a Special Education, M.A. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:
- Self-Enrichment Education Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Consultant
- School Counselor
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education Advocate
- Education Writer
- Tutor
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:
Melinda Sierzega
- Email: Melinda.Sierzega@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-293-0882
- Schedule chat
