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Sixth-Year Degree in Special Education
Enhance your teaching skills. Advocate for every student.
Begin Your Journey Take the Next Step
Expand your teaching tool kit and prepare to advance student learning with the Farrington College of Education & Human Development’s sixth-year degree in special education.
Sacred Heart’s 30-credit online sixth-year degree in special education program equips professionals with the skills to advance their careers to the next level. The program can be completed in one-and-a-half years, including two summer practica.
At a Glance
- Duration: 1.5 years
- Credits: 30
- Cost Per Credit: $785
- Modality: Online, synchronous, once a week
- Start Term: Fall (September)
Learn more about tuition rates and available payment options for sixth-year degree in special education.
Why Earn Your Sixth-Year Degree in Special Education at Sacred Heart?
Sixth-year degree in special education graduates are equipped with the skills to plan, deliver, and assess instruction for students with high incidence exceptionalities in accordance with special education law and best practices.
The flexible, online program is particularly well-suited for working professionals. Clinical requirements are scheduled during summer sessions to help students balance their studies with work commitments. State-of-the-art technology supports all clinical requirements, allowing for outstanding supervision and feedback to students.
Upcoming Events
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Graduate Grant-In-Aid
- Veteran benefits
- Graduate assistantships
Who Can Earn a Sixth-Year Degree in Special Education?
Sacred Heart’s 30-credit advanced program in special education is intended for licensed educators who possess a master's degree and are looking to advance their teaching skill-sets and professional opportunities.
Applicants who have not yet earned their master’s degree have the opportunity to complete their special education coursework through SHU's Master of Education in Special Education.
Career Outcomes
Special education licensure comes with real, measurable advantages for your career:
- Earn eligibility for CT Cross Endorsement in Comprehensive Special Education (Endorsement Code 165, Comprehensive Special Education, 1-12), opening doors to general and special education roles
- Build expertise in high- and low-incidence disability instruction, positioning yourself as a stronger candidate for leadership roles
- Step into growing career opportunities in Connecticut's, where an ongoing shortage of special education teachers means qualified educators are in demand
- Develop the skills to mentor and support diverse learners, preparing you for roles such as special education specialist, instructional coordinator, or department lead
- Gain long-term career stability through dependable demand for qualified educators, supported by federal mandates requiring continued investment in special education services
Lifetime Career Support
Students and alumni receive lifetime access to Sacred Heart’s Center for Career & Professional Development. Whether you’re seeking to advance in your current school or district, transition into a specialized role, or explore new opportunities, career coaches offer personalized support for résumé development, interviewing, and career planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the program is specifically designed for working professionals.
No, this is a common misconception. Completing the program will enable graduates to become more effective educators for all students. An added upside to program completion is institutional recommendation for a cross endorsement in special education. Graduates can choose how to use the credential once earned.
One-and-a-half years.
There will be two summer practica focusing on high- and low-incidence disabilities.
You can complete your special education coursework through Sacred Heart's Master of Education in Special Education before pursuing the sixth-year degree.
More Information
Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment
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