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Special Education, MA

Special Education, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Special Education, MA

AUTISM, Applied Behavior Analysis, Asperger's, INCLUSION, SPECTRUM, Special Education

This program is not accepting applications at this time. Applicants interested in the MA in Special Education should apply directly to the MA in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis), the MA in Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders), the MEd in Special Education or the MEd in Special Education (Teacher Certification).


This program supports practicing professionals in improving their skills in preK-12 and community settings.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Special Education

The MA program in special education is a noncertification degree program meant to advance the capacity of professionals, communities of practice and school, and other service systems to provide education and related services in inclusive and least-restrictive settings.

Graduates are able to design and deliver education and related services for populations with diverse needs. The skills developed through this degree program include systematic planning for all individuals, support of positive behavior and advocacy for new, research-based approaches to education and related services.

At a glance
Degree requirements

36 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours and an applied project, or
36 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam

Required Core (3 credit hours)
SPE 525 Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design (3)

Electives (24 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SPE 593 Applied Project (3) or
SPE 597 Capstone (3)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent or written statement
  4. professional resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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