Our master's degree in Special Education is designed for teachers who strive to become leaders in their field, well-prepared to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The master’s degree consists of coursework toward a special education endorsement and a master’s degree in special education. Flexible classes fit your learning style in this two-year, 48-credit program.
The majority of students with disabilities receive support and services in general education classrooms. Schools provide special education services on an individual basis while students are in school, and as they transition to the post-secondary environment. Special education is a demanding profession but also highly gratifying. With a shortage of trained special education teachers, graduates of the Seattle University's Special Education program will find their skills in high demand with numerous job opportunities.
The program is primarily centered upon those students with learning (e.g., learning disabilities, speech/language disorders, and intellectual disabilities) and/or behavioral difficulties (e.g., attention difficulties, conduct disorders, and autism) but also provides training in how to work with students with other disabilities as well (e.g., physical impairments, vision and hearing impairments, and multiple disabilities).
Combine the convenience of online courses with lower pricing for graduate credits and the ability to apply retooling funds (when available) and you have an unbeatable combination. The program consists of eight one-month modules online to earn the endorsement and eight 3-credit graduate classes offered online and in the classroom. Foreign students or those who prefer to learn in the classroom may choose to take endorsement coursework at Seattle University instead.
Special Education Professor Cinda Johnson, EdD, is also Principal Investigator of the Center for Change in Transition Services located in the College of Education. The Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) is a Washington State Needs Project funded annually with federal resources from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The goal of CCTS is to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities in the state. To reach this goal, CCTS provides secondary transition training and technical support to Educational Service Districts (ESDs), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and public schools that serve high school-age students who have an Individual Education Program (IEP).