Master of Education in Special Education

Gain advanced credentials to meet a growing demand and create lasting impact in the lives of students

Sacred Heart’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in special education is designed for licensed educators who want to deepen their expertise in a critical area of need. You’ll learn in an engaging learning environment with close mentorship from highly accomplished, student-focused faculty.

The program equips you with specialized skills to effectively support and teach students with diverse learning needs.

The 30-credit program starts in the fall and is open to educators who hold a teacher certification from any state, offering a flexible and accessible path for gaining in-demand skills for special education.

Learn more about tuition rates and available payment options for Master of Education.

Why Earn a Master of Education from Sacred Heart?

By combining theory with hands-on clinical experience, Sacred Heart prepares you to support students with diverse and intensive needs while developing the specialized expertise required in today’s high-demand field of special education.

Flexible Online Learning

New and experienced teachers can balance professional commitments with educational goals through flexible online courses.

Expert Faculty

You’ll gain practical, applicable knowledge through exceptional instruction and personalized feedback from experienced educators and industry experts.

Advanced Technology

State-of-the-art technology will enhance your learning experience and prepare you to integrate modern educational tools into your teaching practice.

Career Advancement

You will broaden your expertise and open doors for career advancement. You will be well-prepared to take on specialized positions within the field of special education.

Cross Endorsement in Special Education

Upon program completion, you will be eligible to apply for cross endorsement in special education, further enhancing your credentials and expanding your career opportunities.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Graduate grant in aid
• Veteran benefits
• Graduate assistantships
• Residence hall director positions

Meet the Growing Demand for Special Education Teachers

Graduates develop the skills to plan, deliver and assess instruction for students with high-incidence exceptionalities, grounded in special education law and best practices. Teacher licensure in special education will expand your ability to become a more effective educator with all students and pursue more teaching opportunities in general and special education settings.

With a critical teacher shortage in special education, job opportunities in this field continue to grow. Demand for special education services is also expected to rise due to earlier disability identification, leading to higher enrollment in special education programs. Enduring federal laws requiring special education instruction and services further support long-term job security.

Key Competencies Developed

Sacred Heart’s curriculum blends theory and clinical experience to provide you with the skills and experience needed to take your career to the next level and lead as a special education professional.

Evidence-based approaches

Select, adapt and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies, as well as general and specialized curricula, to target instruction for students with specific learning needs.

Integrated social emotional learning (SEL)

Develop skills to align SEL with academic targets to create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environments where students with exceptionalities thrive.

Data interpretation

Interpret multiple forms of student assessment data across grade levels, content area, and exceptionality category to improve educational decision-making.

Collaboration

Learn how to work with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across learning experiences.

Lifetime Career Support

M.Ed. students benefit from a dedicated career team with industry experience and employer partnerships that connect SHU grads with leading educational institutions and organizations. Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement.

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