Online Master's in Special Education Teaching

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Master's in Special Education Teaching Online

If you want to deepen your teaching ability, while learning the skills of an effective special education teacher, discover this M.S. in Special Education Teaching program at Indiana Wesleyan University. With this comprehensive special education master’s program, you can develop culturally responsive teaching skills as well as learn new research skills and assistive technology for learning. This program builds on coursework from your prior Transition to Teaching (TTT) Special Education Certificate, enabling you to bring 15 hours of graduate-level TTT courses from any other program, and complete your master’s degree in approximately one year. Discover how IWU helps students achieve their professional goals in a flexible, faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My MS in Special Education Teaching at IWU?

There are several benefits to earning your special education master’s online at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by faculty with teaching experience in special education. We also provide student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this master’s in special ed teaching program. Our approach to online learning allows current teachers to continue their careers while preparing for future opportunities. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling special education career.

What Will I Learn in This Master’s in Special Education Teaching Program?

This MS in Special Education Teaching program includes advanced skill development in assessment, curriculum design, and teaching methods to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Online course materials are delivered through virtual reality, video discussion, concept maps, demo videos, and other tech-driven applications. Featured courses include The Faithful Teacher, The Craft of Teaching, and Classroom Action Research Tools.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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Rooted in Christ

Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.

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Discover online student resources to help along your journey.

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Tuition & Aid

15 Credit Hours

$525/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

The curriculum for this teaching special education master’s program covers how to:

Evaluate data to develop or sustain supportive school environments by conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBA)
Hone your skills in leadership and co-teaching and collaboration with peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
Demonstrate cultural knowledge and culturally responsive teaching that promotes student and school success while understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

EDUC-510,EDUC-520,EDUC-530,EDUC-600,EDUC-630

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Special Education Teacher
Special Education Program Director
Special Education State Government Consultant

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Special Education faculty bring extensive classroom experience and a deep commitment to student success. Rebecca Austin has over a decade of experience teaching at IWU and in special education classrooms, creating a supportive and practical learning environment. Amy Blake also brings more than a decade of experience and is known for her strong mentorship, regularly supporting students through personal outreach and encouragement. Kayce Bounds contributes expertise in curriculum development and has helped align courses with Science of Reading requirements, ensuring students receive current, research-based instruction.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office through the student portal, by phone, or by email. Most inquiries receive a response within 24–48 hours.

This online special education program allows students to earn their teaching license while working in a classroom setting. Courses include embedded field experiences, enabling students to immediately apply what they are learning. This hands-on, practical approach ensures that concepts are relevant and directly transferable to real-world teaching.

Graduates are prepared for licensure to teach students with mild exceptional needs in grades P–12. Career opportunities include special education teacher roles in public, private, and charter schools. Because the program focuses on instructional strategies rather than a specific curriculum, graduates are equipped to support diverse learners across a wide range of classroom settings.

Key courses include EDSE 595 (Student Teaching), where candidates receive observation, evaluation, and feedback; EDUT 573, which focuses on classroom management and creating structured learning environments; and EDSE 515, which prepares students for IEP development, compliance, and working with learners across the developmental spectrum.

Most graduates continue in or transition into special education teaching roles. Some pursue additional education or move into leadership or administrative positions.

Most courses include a required field experience component. Students work with learners across multiple grade levels throughout the program and complete a 14-week student teaching experience. Candidates are supported by cooperating teachers and complete structured assignments tied to course objectives.

Coursework is completed fully online. However, field experiences (typically 20–25 hours per course) and student teaching are completed in person in approved school settings.

Most courses are 8 weeks in length, with student teaching lasting approximately 14 weeks.

Students typically take one course at a time and progress through the program in a cohort model, with the flexibility to pause and rejoin as needed.

Students generally move through the program as a cohort.

Yes. Students engage with peers through discussion boards, collaborative assignments, and informal networking opportunities outside of class.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, with optional live sessions offered by some instructors for additional support.

Students typically spend approximately 15 hours per week on coursework, depending on the course and assignments.

Students follow a structured weekly schedule with defined deadlines but may pause between courses if needed.

Program length varies based on individual pacing, but many students complete the program in approximately 18–24 months.

Yes. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year to accommodate working adults.

Students are connected with an academic advisor, receive access to their courses and learning platform, and begin orientation to prepare for their first class.

Students have access to academic advising, faculty support, tutoring resources, technical support, and pastoral care services.

Yes. Students work closely with cooperating teachers and faculty mentors, especially during field experiences and student teaching.

Yes. Field experiences and student teaching function as hands-on internships within real classroom environments.

Transfer credit may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on prior coursework and its alignment with program requirements.

Professional experience is valuable but typically does not translate into academic credit due to specific course requirements.

Rather than traditional practicums or capstone projects, students complete required field experiences and key performance assessments throughout the program.

This program combines practical, classroom-based training with a Christ-centered approach. Students gain real-world experience while being equipped to serve students with exceptional needs with compassion and excellence.

Students who are organized, self-disciplined, and passionate about serving students with diverse learning needs thrive in this program.

IWU students are known for their perseverance and commitment. The program is intentionally designed to support working adults while maintaining high academic standards.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly discussion activities that connect biblical principles to teaching practice and service.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Successful awarding of a TTT Special Education Certificate within the last ten years through coursework at the graduate level.
Candidates need:
- A valid (but not necessarily current) teacher’s license or state, national, or international equivalent.
- At least one year of P-12 teaching experience as teacher of record with supporting documentation from a school administrator.
- Supporting documentation demonstrating access to a special education classroom.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the M.S. curriculum.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Accreditation

Successful completion of the M.S. curriculum.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead and pursue your goal of teaching special education at a high level. Contact us today to learn more about this special education master’s online program at IWU!

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