Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
Guide all students toward success.
You believe all students deserve engaged, responsive instruction regardless of ability. You’re not alone — school districts in Idaho and across the country seek out compassionate special education teachers and administrators ready to make an impact. Prepare to become a special education instructor or to train teachers to effectively work with students with special needs. Our graduates go on to secure positions in public and private schools.
Drive change and lead tomorrow’s classroom by earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, geared toward current and future professionals, from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Throughout your enrollment, you'll participate in high-quality programs and network with special education professionals. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in interdepartmental research. This state-approved program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Expand your own knowledge while elevating and guiding all students toward success.
Fast Facts
- The Special Education program offers an undergraduate teaching major as well as two different tracks to a master's degree. One track is for certified teachers to earn the Idaho Exceptional Child Generalist teaching endorsement and the other is for special educators who are already certified. Explore all tracks now.
- Receive opportunities to learn from and collaborate with faculty from the Center on Disabilities and Human Development, the University of Idaho’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which champions through education, outreach, research and service the mission of having all people fully participate in their communities.
- Online option available.
Degree Options
This program takes three possible formats:
Are you already a certified teacher with a special education endorsement? Expand your knowledge of the field and gain greater insight into pressing topics and the latest curriculum-planning techniques.
Are you a certified teacher who would like to add a special education teaching endorsement to your license? This master’s program builds on your bachelor’s and prepares you to qualify for the Standard Instructional Certificate with Exceptional Child Endorsement.
Or, are you interested in pursuing the M.Ed. in Special Education as a 30-credit endorsement in conjunction with a bachelor’s degree in elementary or secondary education? Complete this combined pathway in five years to qualify for both your initial Idaho teaching certification and the Exceptional Child Endorsement.
Through all pathways, you’ll focus on developing and teaching appropriate curriculum for students with mild to moderate disabilities, with emphasis placed on learning disabilities, mental conditions and other disabling conditions. Learn to create assignments and lesson plans geared toward each individual’s needs and abilities based on behavior, social and academic development and equip them for life beyond school.
As you progress, you’ll refine your teaching methods by better understanding disabilities, special education and developmentally responsive school models; the principles of developmentally appropriate instruction and teaching strategies; methods for conceiving challenging, integrative and exploratory curriculum; and techniques for encouraging inquiry and collaboration in the classroom. You’ll learn to identify special education needs, evaluate and monitor students, and gather and analyze data through educational research.
In addition to coursework, you’ll complete a one-semester internship, where you’ll gain insights from an experienced professional in a classroom environment.
You’ll cultivate bonds that will help grow your career. Beyond your internship, you’ll receive more personalized instruction through small class sizes, and build your network and industry knowledge through community-based programs and interdepartmental studies.
Prepare for a rewarding career and influence the next generation of students. Before applying to U of I’s highly ranked M.Ed. in Special Education program, review all admission requirements.