{"id":10833,"date":"2015-07-14T15:46:42","date_gmt":"2015-07-14T20:46:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=10833"},"modified":"2026-05-20T08:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T13:58:54","slug":"master-of-education-special-education","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-education-special-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Education in Special Education"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Master of Education in Special Education at Southern Arkansas University is designed for educators who are passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs. Whether you are already a licensed teacher looking to add an endorsement or someone seeking initial licensure in special education, this program provides the tools to foster inclusive, effective learning environments.<\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Choose SAU?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Affordability:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Ranked among the most affordable graduate programs in the nation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flexibility:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Designed for working professionals, the fully online format allows you to balance teaching and studies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reputation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0SAU is widely recognized as a leader in teacher education in South Arkansas and the surrounding region.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Waivers:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Out-of-state tuition waivers are available for students from neighboring states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee under specific conditions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Skills You Will Gain<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Individualized Instruction:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Developing and implementing IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Behavioral Intervention:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Techniques for managing classroom behavior and supporting emotional growth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assessment &amp; Evaluation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Utilizing\u00a0diagnostic tools to\u00a0identify\u00a0learning gaps and track progress.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Collaboration:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Working effectively with families, administrators, and general education peers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our faculty members are experienced practitioners who understand the daily demands of the classroom. SAU\u00a0utilizes\u00a0a robust digital learning platform that\u00a0facilitates\u00a0peer interaction, provides 24\/7 access to course materials, and ensures that online students receive the same personalized support as those on campus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Master of Education in Special Education at Southern Arkansas University is designed for educators who are passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs. Whether you are already a licensed teacher looking to add an endorsement or someone seeking initial licensure in special education, this program provides the tools to foster inclusive, effective learning&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-education-special-education\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10835,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18312,75,18307],"delivery":[28834],"types":[28851],"class_list":{"0":"post-10833","1":"program","2":"type-program","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"college_department-counseling-and-professional-studies","8":"college_department-college-of-education","9":"college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","10":"delivery-online","11":"types-graduate","12":"entry"},"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/education\/academic-programs\/cps\/\">Counseling and Professional Studies<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/education\/\">College of Education and Human Performance<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"30\u201336 (depending on licensure track)","tuition_instate":"~$6,894 per year","tuition_outstate":"~$9,810 per year","estimated_total_tuition":"","start_dates":"Multiple entry points (Fall, Spring, and Summer)","duration":"As little as 2 years","Degree Plans":"","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"samples-jessica\"]","Catalog Entry":"<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The curriculum focuses on the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of special education. Core coursework typically includes:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Characteristics of Students with Disabilities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Methods and Materials for\u00a0Teaching Students with\u00a0Disabilities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Behavior Management in the Classroom<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Legal Aspects of Special Education<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Advanced Assessment and Instructional Programming<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table style=\"height: 113px; width: 715px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 691px;\" colspan=\"3\"><strong>Professional Education Core Courses (6 Credit Hours Required):<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 87px;\">EDUC<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.9833px;\">6003<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 529.017px;\">Educational Research<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 87px;\">EDUC<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.9833px;\">6403<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 529.017px;\">School Law<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table style=\"height: 295px; width: 717px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 707.4px;\" colspan=\"3\"><strong>Special Education Core Courses Required for Licensure K-12 (24 credit hours)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5123<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Nature and Needs of Students with Mild Disabilities<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5273<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Classroom and Group Managment<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5663<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Educational Diagnosis and Assessment<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">6003<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Collboration\/ Consultation for Inclusion<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5073<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Survey of Exceptional Individuals<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5043<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Instructional Planning for Mild Disabilities<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">5053<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Methods\/Materials for Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 90.05px;\">SPED<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 74.0667px;\">6243<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 531.683px;\">Directed Internship K-12<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3>Licensure Programs<\/h3>\r\nCandidates must hold a teaching license in order to be admitted to the Special Education K-12 program. The teacher candidate's plan of study is designed to meet licensure requirements according to Arkansas law. Southern Arkansas University is not responsible for courses required for licensure if the state changes requirements after the student's program is approved. Candidates in states other than Arkansas are responsible for checking with their state licensure board for requirements. Candidates will be required to pass two PRAXIS exams: Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354) and Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) plus the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam.\r\n\r\nFor both the M.Ed and certificate programs, candidates will need to either take the Foundations of Reading exam prior to starting the program and receive a passing score OR take the additional two reading courses that would prepare the candidate to take the exam. Earning a master's degree from Southern Arkansas University does not mean that the degree recipient will receive a license. The Arkansas Department of Education or other licensing agency determine who will receive a license.\r\n\r\nNote: For a candidate holding a graduate degree, Southern Arkansas University will review the candidate's credentials on an individual basis and develop a program of study based on licensure requirements.\r\n\r\n100% of the above listed courses are online.","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<span data-contrast=\"auto\">To be considered for the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/graduate\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">School of Graduate Studies<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, applicants must provide:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prerequisites:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0A bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited institution.\u00a0A valid teaching license, though paths exist for\u00a0initial\u00a0licensure.\u00a0Proficiency\u00a0in the Science of Reading, though there is a pathway if needed.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Application:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Completed online application and official transcripts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">GPA:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Minimum\u00a0undergraduate GPA requirements as specified by the Graduate School.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","careers":"<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Graduates of this program are in high demand across the country due to a persistent shortage of special education professionals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Career Paths:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Special Education Teacher (K-12), Instructional Specialist, Educational Consultant, or Lead Teacher.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Return on Investment:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0With SAU\u2019s low tuition rates and the potential for salary increases associated with a\u00a0Master's\u00a0degree, students often see a rapid ROI.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is the program entirely online?","faq_answer":"Yes, all coursework is delivered via our online learning management system."},{"faq_question":"Do I need a teaching license to apply?","faq_answer":"For the M.Ed. SPED K-12 program, a teaching license is required; however, SAU offers tracks for those seeking initial certification in special education. "},{"faq_question":"Are there out-of-state fees?","faq_answer":"SAU offers competitive out-of-state rates and specific waivers for students in bordering states (TX, LA, MS, MO, OK, TN)."},{"faq_question":"Is proficiency in the Science of Reading required? ","faq_answer":"Yes, it is required if you are licensed in Arkansas. It may not be required in other states so checking the state licensing requirements is recommended. "},{"faq_question":"What if I don\u2019t have proficiency in the Science of Reading? ","faq_answer":"SAU has a required pathway for those not proficient in the Science of Reading program entry. The student will take two Teaching Literacy courses and must pass the Foundations of Reading Exam."},{"faq_question":"What Praxis exams are required? ","faq_answer":"To add SPED K-12 certification to an Arkansas teaching license, the student must complete the program of study and take the Praxis 5511. The Foundations of Reading exam is also required for those who do not have proficiency in the Science of Reading.  "}],"Accreditations":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\">Southern Arkansas University is\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW211676183 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/accredited\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW211676183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">accredted<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\">\u00a0by the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\">Higher Learning Commission (HLC)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW211676183 BCX0\">. Our education programs are designed to meet rigorous state and national standards for teacher preparation.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW211676183 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>","Testimonials":"[su_testimonial name=\"Chirsty Canfield\" company=\"Current SAU SPED K-12 M.Ed. Student\"]I chose SAU because it is close to home, and SAU has a reputation of being the best college in South Arkansas![\/su_testimonial]\r\n\r\n[su_testimonial name=\"Christy Grimmett\" company=\"SAU SPED K-12 M.Ed Graduate\"]As an elementary classroom teacher I knew that I needed to know more about how to serve my students with special needs and learning differences. Enrolling in SAU\u2019s online graduate program for special education was one of the best professional decisions I have made. The faculty truly understand the demands of teaching and go out of their way to be helpful and accommodating.\r\n\r\nI would encourage all teachers to enroll in SAU\u2019s SPED K-12 program. No matter what grade or subject you teach you will benefit from the knowledge you will gain in this program, and more importantly, your students will also.[\/su_testimonial]","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"","custom_tab_text":"","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"Master of Education in Special Education\" type=\"Graduate\" comments=\"true\" notify_emails=\"jrsamples@saumag.edu\"]","completion_time":"2 years"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10833\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17762,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/10833\/revisions\/17762"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"college_department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college_department?post=10833"},{"taxonomy":"delivery","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/delivery?post=10833"},{"taxonomy":"types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types?post=10833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}