Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
Advance Your Expertise and Impact as a Special Educator
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education at East Stroudsburg University is designed for certified teachers who want to deepen
their knowledge and expand their opportunities in the field of special education.
Whether you're looking to elevate your teaching practice, move into leadership roles,
or prepare for advanced professional responsibilities, this flexible fully online graduate program in special education can help you meet your goals.
This program supports educators in developing advanced instructional strategies, leadership
skills, and specialized knowledge to work effectively with students with disabilities
across a variety of educational settings.
Choose Your Path: Thesis or Non-Thesis Option
Students can tailor their learning experience by choosing between two distinct pathways:
- Thesis Option: Ideal for those interested in research, doctoral study, or pursuing leadership roles
that value data-driven decision-making.
- Non-Thesis Option: Designed for practicing educators seeking a practical, coursework-based approach
to enhance their expertise in special education instruction, classroom strategies, and inclusive teaching.
Both options are structured to accommodate working professionals, with many courses
offered in flexible or online formats.
Why ESU?
- Faculty with real-world experience and scholarly expertise in disabilities education
- Program holds accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
(CAEP).
- Alignment with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) teaching standards.
- Flexible course scheduling to meet the needs of working educators
What You’ll Learn
This fully online special education master’s degree program prepares you to:
- Design and deliver inclusive, evidence-based instruction for learners with a range
of disabilities.
- Evaluate student progress using formal and informal assessments.
- Collaborate with families, colleagues, and support personnel in multidisciplinary
teams.
- Apply ethical practices and leadership principles to advocate for students and educational
equity.
- Engage in professional inquiry to improve instruction and student outcomes.
The curriculum aligns with national standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and prepares students to work in settings including public schools, private agencies,
and educational support services.
Accreditation & Standards Alignment
This program meets the highest standards in special education teaching preparation,
including:
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Special Education are well-positioned for career advancement. This program supports roles such as:
- Special Education Teacher or Learning Support Teacher
- Inclusion or Co-Teaching Specialist
- Behavior Support Specialist
- Instructional Coach or Curriculum Specialist
- Early Intervention or Transition Coordinator
- Case Manager or Educational Consultant
