M.S. in Special Education

The graduate-level special education program at Fisher prepares you for distinguished careers in special education, as well as leadership roles in schools and communities.

There are two options within the program. Designed for teachers who hold initial or provisional classroom certification, the master's in special education option is for you if you wish to get a master's degree and become certified in special education. If you are already a permanent, professionally certified teacher who wants to add special education credentials, then the advanced certification option may be ideal.

Both the master’s and advanced certificate options are offered at the childhood (grades 1-6) and adolescence (7-12) teaching levels. Each stresses the inclusive nature of teaching students with exceptional learning needs.

Program Overview

The 30 credit-hour (10 classes) master's program and 18 credit-hour (six courses) advanced certificate option each feature integrated coursework and practicum. At the master's level, you also will complete a non-credit field experience in addition to the practicum.

Materials within classes that address behavior management are tailored to fit the specific grade levels (childhood or adolescence) you will teach. A similar approach is taken in literacy courses that are part of the master's program.

Courses meet in an evening weekday format. The master's in special education can be completed in less than two years of full-time study. How long it takes to complete the advanced certificate program depends on how many classes you wish to take each semester.