M.Ed. Special Education
Lowest price among CUS schools and in Nebraska
Earning an M.Ed. in Special Education from Concordia, Nebraska equips you with the knowledge, training and experience you need to successfully develop and lead compassionate and inclusive K–12 classrooms. You’ll explore behavior management, inclusive instructional methods and assessment techniques for students with disabilities, investigate issues in special education law and policy, and build a comprehensive foundation in special education practices and strategies.
When you choose Concordia for your M.Ed. in Special Education, you will:
- Become equipped to skillfully educate students with diverse classroom needs using inclusive, forward-thinking methods.
- Learn from expert veteran educators who have first-hand experience with the challenges and rewards of the classroom.
- Earn your master’s from a university that intentionally intersects Christian faith, life experience and academics to help you grow as a whole person.
- Experience a holistic special education master’s program.
- Gain a broad introduction to special education policy, practice and teaching strategies that you can start applying in your classroom right away.
Program Options
- Master of Education, Special Education – without endorsements (30 Hours)
- Master of Education, Special Education – with the following endorsements:
- Generalist K-8 Subject (36 credit hours)
- Generalist 6-12 Subject (36 credit hours)
- Generalist K-12 Field (42 credit hours)
- Generalist K-8 Subject Endorsement (36 credit hours)
- Generalist 6-12 Subject Endorsement (36 credit hours)
- Generalist K-12 Field Endorsement (42 credit hours)
- Master of Education, Special Education with Initial Teaching Certificate (Nebraska)
- Generalist K-8 Subject Endorsement (48 credit hours)
- Generalist 6-12 Subject Endorsement (48 credit hours)
- Generalist K-12 Field Endorsement (54 credit hours)
standard rate
special rate*
*Special rate: Those who work in a Lutheran institution, members of Lutheran congregations, alumni of any Concordia University System (CUS) school or Nebraska residents1
If you’re a member or employee of one of our preferred partner organizations, you may qualify for exclusive tuition rates!
Get more info and start your
Special Education journey today!
Start your journey today by filling out this quick form and one of our enrollment counselors will be in touch soon.
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY Special education AT CONCORDIA?
- This program builds strong connections between theory and practice through quality online instruction paired with practical application. Candidates gain a strong foundation in Special Education content knowledge from experienced experts in the field of education.
- Concordia Nebraska faculty members actively engage in the practice of educating students with disabilities, implementation of educational policy and research collaboration; this vital knowledge is embedded throughout the program.
- Guidance from Concordia Nebraska faculty provides candidates with the framework and support they need to be successful in today’s rapidly evolving inclusive educational environment.
- Four (and in some programs, five) designated Special Education courses will include 5 hours of observing children with disabilities.
- TEACH Grant eligibility. Candidates who meet requirements for the TEACH Grant may be able to apply grant funds to the Master of Education in special education program.
Initial Teaching Certificate
As part of the M.Ed. in Special Education, Concordia University, Nebraska offers an initial teaching certificate program designed for those who want to enter the teaching field for the first time, providing an opportunity to earn both a Master's degree and a teaching certificate.
Special Education Program Director
Meet our Students
“Being an online student, the ease of participating in the online classes, format, and the ability to work at my own pace has been wonderful. I was always concerned I would not like the online format, but it has been very easy to understand and gain information for my degree.”
Allyson D.
Information Sessions
These 20-minute sessions cover program details, the application process, financial aid, payment plans and any questions you may have. Click "RSVP" next to your preferred date and time to reserve your spot.
For Nebraska Public School Educators
If you're currently teaching or working in a public school in Nebraska, join one of these upcoming info sessions tailored specifically to your needs.
For Private School, Lutheran School and Non-Nebraska Public School Educators
If you work in any private, parochial or Lutheran school, or in a public school that's not in the state of Nebraska, schedule a call with a Concordia graduate recruiter to learn more about your program of interest.
Accreditation
Concordia is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCREDITATION
Degree Goals
The Master of Education in Special Education aligns with the established professional standards by the Council for Exceptional Children for teachers in the field of special education. Candidates who complete the M.Ed. in Special Education program, or endorsement, will:
- Understand how disabilities can interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Be able to create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with disabilities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions in inclusive settings.
- Be able to select, adapt, and use repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Use foundational knowledge of the field and their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
- Be able to collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with disabilities, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with disabilities across a range of learning experiences.
Career Outcomes
A Special Education graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Understand how disabilities can interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with disabilities.
- Use multiple methods of assessment and data analysis to select and adapt general and specialized curricula to personalize learning for individuals with disabilities.
- Create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for students with disabilities.
- Collaborate with families, educators, service providers, students and community agencies to address the needs of individuals with disabilities across a range of learning experiences.
FAQs
For those outside of Nebraska, will this program meet the requirements for my state?
Our program is designed to align with the Nebraska state requirements for special education endorsement and inicial certification but may be beneficial to meet your goals as well. We encourage all candidates from states other than Nebraska to research the requirements of their state as additional coursework could be required.
Does this program lead to certification or endorsement?
Candidates from states who are not members of the Interstate Mobility Compact will be enrolled in a “field of study” program that does not lead to certification or endorsement. The coursework and requirements of field of study programs are exactly the same as those that lead to certification/endorsement in Nebraska. Questions? Please contact your enrollment specialist.
Related Programs
Interested in advancing your teaching skills, but not sure which M.Ed. is right for you? Explore our other master’s in special education programs or learn more about other M.Ed. degree paths at Concordia Nebraska:
1Discounted rate does not apply to course-only options.
2Average Class Size for Representative Subject Most Aligned with Major, Over Last 5 Years.