M.Ed. Special Education
We offer the lowest-priced online M.Ed. in Nebraska and the Concordia University System.
$425/credit hour rate outside of Nebraska
Through our Lutheran Guarantee, Lutheran Educators from around the world qualify for our special rate.
*Discounted rate does not apply to course-only options.
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Accreditation
NCATE
Time to Degree
24-34 months
In the United States, 7.3 million public school students receive special education services, according to recent numbers by the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s 14% of all public school students and nearly a million more students than in previous years.
These numbers reflect a growing need for teachers who can create an inclusive classroom environment and reach students with various learning styles. Concordia University, Nebraska’s M.Ed. in special education prepares you to do so. We offer a holistic introduction to special education principles, inclusive practices and teaching strategies for students with disabilities. At Concordia, you’ll experience a program that continues a Lutheran tradition of rigorous academics, grace-filled peer mentorship and vocational preparation.
In our special education master’s program, you’ll learn concepts and skills you can apply to your own classroom to better serve students of all abilities. If you choose, you can go on to earn your teaching endorsement in special education to work specifically with students with disabilities. Regardless of your ambition, a master’s in special education program offers you the opportunity to better connect with all your students starting on day one of your course work.
We believe the only classroom you should step into is your own.
Through our entirely online program, you can work at your own pace from the comfort of your home. We strive to be flexible and honor your many callings and commitments in life during your study while also striving to stretch, challenge, inspire and equip you to thrive as an educational leader now, and in the future.
Information Sessions
Learn more about our programs at one of our next information sessions.
You may register for an information session by clicking "RSVP" next to your desired date and time.
Information sessions run approximately 20 minutes. During these meetings, we will discuss the program formats, application process, financial aid, payment plans and questions that you may have.
Master’s in Special Education Program Highlights
At Concordia Nebraska, you’ll join a distinctive master’s in special education online program that teaches you how to successfully create and lead an inclusive K–12 classroom. As part of your special education master’s degree, you’ll explore behavior management, inclusive instructional methods and assessment techniques for students with disabilities. You’ll also learn about current issues in special education and the psychological fundamentals of teaching and learning. Then, you’ll apply your knowledge in practicum as part of several courses in Concordia Nebraska’s M.Ed. in special education program.
What to Expect in the Online Master’s in Special Education Program
A master’s in special education degree with value(s). Earn your M.Ed. in special education at a Christian, Lutheran university that values your development as a whole person—academically, mentally and spiritually—preparing you for skillful leadership according to your ethics.
Real-life application of course work. Engage in educating students with disabilities and complete observations in multiple courses throughout your online master’s in special education program. This practicum culminates in five hours of direct contact and five hours of observation.
A special education master’s program that fits your schedule. Complete your Master of Education in special education degree online from home while you work.
A holistic special education master’s program. Gain a broad introduction to special education policy, practice and teaching strategies that you can start applying right away in your classroom.
Special education endorsement options. If you want to work exclusively with students with disabilities, you can complete additional course work to earn a special education endorsement after finishing your master’s degree in special education. We offer special education teaching endorsements for K–6, 7–12 and K–12 students.
TEACH Grant eligibility. Students who meet requirements for the TEACH Grant may be able to apply grant funds to the Master of Education in special education program.
Start your journey today by filling out this quick form and one of our enrollment counselors will be in touch soon.
Master's in Special Education Online Faculty
Learn from experts in special education who bring faith, years of experience and specialized knowledge to the classroom.
Meet the facultyMaster’s in Special Education Online Curriculum
The master’s degree in special education program at Concordia Nebraska establishes a general foundation in special education practices and strategies. In your course work, you can expect to learn both concepts and skills for working with students who have learning, intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our core Master of Education in special education courses include:
- Current Issues and Legal Aspects of Special Education and Inclusion
- Outcome-based Instructional Methods in Inclusive Settings
- Instructional Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Assessment and Evaluation of Diverse Learners
- Serving and Leading in Community and World
At Concordia Nebraska, we believe the only classroom you should step into is your own. Through our entirely online program, you can work at your own pace from the comfort of your home. We strive to be flexible and honor your many callings and commitments in life during your study while also striving to stretch, challenge, inspire and equip you to thrive as an educational leader, now and in the future.
Master’s of Education in Special Education Program Goals
After completing your master’s in special education degree online, you’ll be able to:
Create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments that help students become active learners, develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions and self-determination
Understand how disabilities can interact with development and learning
Individualize teaching styles for students with disabilities in inclusive settings;
Use multiple methods of assessment and data to make educational decisions in inclusive classrooms
Select, adapt and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities to advance student learning
Collaborate with families, fellow educators and others to address individual student needs in a culturally responsive way
Financial Aid for the M.Ed. in Special Education Program
We’re committed to helping you earn your Master of Education in special education affordably. At Concordia Nebraska, you’ll benefit from the lowest-priced M.Ed. in special education in the state and Concordia University System. We also offer a special rate for Lutheran Educators who want to earn an M.Ed. with value(s), and eligible students may use the TEACH Grant toward earning their online master’s in special education degree. View special education master’s degree costs and financial aid.
Concordia NebraskaMaster’s in Special Education Online | Concordia Nebraska FAQs
With a master’s in special education, you can apply your knowledge of behavior intervention, differentiation and classroom management strategies to the general education classroom to teach a diverse student population. With one of our three Special Education endorsements you can become an expert in the field of special education and fill a much needed teaching role in schools across the country. You will have an opportunity to work collaboratively with families, school psychologists, counselors, administrators and general education teachers to develop educational plans that help students succeed. With a foundation of an M.Ed. in Special Education and an additional special education endorsement, you can further expand your career opportunities to include a wide variety of positions in the school system, or move into the private sector with community based opportunities working with students with special needs.
Our online special education degree program does require a practicum. Through multiple designated education courses, you will complete five hours of direct contact with young students with disabilities plus five hours of observation in each course.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there is an acute shortage of special education teachers across the country. Educators with qualifications in special education are in high demand.
A career in special education may be right for you if you are empathetic and an advocate. An inclusive classroom environment is vital to effective special education, so if you are dedicated to making sure that all students, in spite of their abilities, are part of their classroom community, then special education may be the right career path for you. In addition, for general education teachers who wish to enhance their ability to help every student, our master’s degree in special education can help you become an exceptional teacher able to reach and impact every student.
Our program is designed to align with the Nebraska state requirements for special education endorsement but may be beneficial to meet your goals as well. We encourage all from states other than Nebraska to research the requirements of their state as additional coursework could be required.
Programs Related to the Master’s in Special Education Online Program
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:
Early Childhood Special Education
Our early childhood special education master's program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement and assess learning experiences in an early childhood special education (birth through kindergarten) classroom. As a teacher or other professional who understands disabilities, you have the opportunity to work closely with students with diverse developmental needs and help them establish a firm educational foundation filled with unique potential.
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Birth–3rd Inclusive
Our ECE degree online program prepares you to teach children from birth through third grade, and allows you to obtain your initial teaching license.
Learn more about Early Childhood Education Birth–3rd Inclusive
M.Ed. Literacy
Prepare to give students a lifelong love of reading and writing the English language through the online master's in reading and literacy program from Concordia.
Teaching Endorsements
Concordia University, Nebraska offers many teaching endorsements online with our graduate education programs that meet Nebraska state requirements.