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An teacher with a student: Pursue a special education degree online at Regent University, Virginia Beach.

M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (Licensure)

Unlock Potential Through an Online Master’s in Special Education

Are you ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of your students? Regent’s CAEP-accredited Master of Education in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) is designed for those seeking K-12 teacher licensure with an endorsement in special education, as well as special educators seeking further training. Here’s your chance to increase your understanding of special education laws and study best practices in disability services, teaching gifted students, addressing behavior disorders, and using assistive technology.

Online
30
March 13, 2023
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INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE & SALARY

Advance in leadership roles and earn a higher salary.

WIDEN YOUR JOB PROSPECTS

Enjoy rewarding opportunities in schools and communities.

UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL IN CHILDREN’S LIVES

Create engaging special education environments that foster learning.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE through the m.ed. in k-12 special education licensure program

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for three years (2019, 2020 and 2022). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 5 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 10 consecutive years. Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to 865 alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Logo
Best Online Master's Education - AC Online - 2018-19
Best Online PHD - AC Online - 2018-19
Regent University ranked #10 of the Best Master's Degree Colleges in Virginia | UniversityHQ, 2022
The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s interdisciplinary studies program are awarded TEAC accreditation by the Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2023.

On completing the Master of Education – K-12 Special Education (Licensure) degree, you will be able to:

  • Understand characteristics of students with disabilities and how to manage behaviors and train in social skills.
  • Integrate language acquisition, reading tools, instructional methods and data-driven assessment techniques.
  • Apply all of the Virginia Department of Education competencies and skills required for state licensure.

Career Opportunities

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Consultant
$69Thousand
Approximate mean annual wage for special education teachers, 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Education.
Before the awarding of a degree, successfully complete a culminating experience. For most, the project will consist of providing evidence, in the form of a portfolio, that critical program competencies have been met. Cross-listed with EFND 698.

Prepares participants to develop students' communicative competence through a focus of the language modes: listening, speaking, and writing. The course content addresses language development, language theories, and best practices of assessing and teaching language. Particular attention will be given to language difficulties of students with mild disabilities, and/or language deficit, and/or second language acquisition.

Prepares participants to assess reading skills and to teach reading to student with mild disabilities and/or language deficit and/or second language acquisition. The course will specifically address reading processes, approaches, and stages, early intervention practices, corrective reading, diagnosis and remediation of reading problems, and assessment and instruction of reading in the content areas. Investigate and analyze record reviews and interviews; design, administer, and interpret tests; write reports; and design, implement, and critique instruction. The focus will be on the application and generalization of knowledge to realistic classroom situations.
Participants will acquire the necessary knowledge base and skills to collaborate and/or consult with other professionals, students, and parents. Particular attention will be given to teaming, collaborative consultation, and co-teaching.
A university supervised internship with guidance of a mentor teacher in a resource and/or self-contained setting working with learners with exceptional needs. Literacy instruction (reading, writing, & speaking), math interventions, and assessment design emphasized through general curriculum studies. Seminar requirement during course.
A university supervised experience with guidance of a mentor teacher in an inclusive setting. Participation in co-teaching/collaborative instruction for general education and learners with exceptional needs. Literacy instruction (reading, writing, & speaking), math interventions, and assessment design emphasized through general curriculum studies. Seminar requirement during internship.

Learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities investigated from theoretical, philosophical, medical, and legal perspectives. Emphasis on instructional methods for students with learning and behavioral concerns including Attention Deficit Disorder. The impact of learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities across the life span with emphasis on curriculum, instructional strategies, and transition issues will be studied. Interpretation of assessment and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are included.

Foundations of education in the U.S. from historical, philosophical, sociological development, including key legislative, judicial decisions that have shaped the current special education laws and policies. Addresses physical, cognitive, cultural, social/emotional, spiritual, psychological development of children and adolescents. Emphasizes theories of human development and identification for special education services.
In-depth overview of identification, assessment, program options, intervention and behavioral management solutions for learners with exceptional needs. Identifies appropriate behavioral interventions and social skill teaching strategies through case studies, simulations, and role-playing. Emphasizes modifying strategies based on learning style and cultural considerations.
Reading and Math standards and curriculum methods for diagnosis, remediation, instructional design, and curriculum adaptation will be examined. Students will identify reading and math difficulties; conduct record reviews and interviews; administer and interpret formal and informal tests; write reports; and design, implement and critique instruction.
Advancing literacy (reading and writing skills) across subjects and grade levels. Techniques that support independent reading, writing, and learning and organization, summarizing, note-taking, reading/writing strategies and techniques, and reflective thought in content courses will be covered.
The study of achievement assessment, IQ test, validity and reliability, constructs, construction of authentic assessment and scoring, norm referenced v. criterion referenced, determination of biased assessments and factors that may influence assessment such as cultural, behavioral, and learning diversity. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used individual and group instruments, including norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and curriculum-based measures and task analysis, observation, portfolio, and environmental assessments; and synthesis and interpretation of assessment findings for eligibility, program planning, and program evaluation decisions will be addressed.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 12Monday, August 22
Session MFriday, September 9Monday, September 19
Session BFriday, October 14Monday, October 24
Session CWednesday, January 4Monday, January 9
Session TFriday, January 27Monday, February 6
Session DFriday, March 3Monday, March 13
Session EFriday, April 28Monday, May 8
Session FFriday, June 9Monday, June 19

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire

  • After you submit your application, you will receive a link to complete the required admissions questionnaire.

Step 3: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2506$1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2509$2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2506$1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5506$3,300
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$7756$4,650
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$7753$2,325
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$7753$2,325

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$2509$2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5509$4,950
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$7759$6,975
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$7756$4,650
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$7756$4,650

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

Background Checks

The School of Education requires a background check for all students who participate in Field Experience that includes direct contact with students. Regent University School of Education has entered into an agreement with Castle Branch, a private vendor that conducts background checks for many universities and educational institutions. After you are admitted into the program, you will be provided instructions to set up an online profile with Castle Branch.

Internship Information

Regent University requires two internships for the K-12 Special Education General Curriculum Licensure program:

  • ETSP 561 provides an internship experience in a small-group setting working with identified students.
  • ETSP 561A provides a co-teaching opportunity to collaborate with other educators within an inclusive general education setting.

Review the graduation assessments for this program here.

Deadlines to submit internship applications:

  • October 1st for Spring internships
  • March 1st for Fall internships
Apply Now

For additional information, you may contact:

Brenda Vaughan
Field Placement Coordinator
757.352.4744
bvaughan@regent.edu

Rachel Copeland
Internship Coordinator
Certification/Licensure Official
757.352.4663
rachcop@regent.edu

“When I felt called to teaching after a career in the military, Regent University bridged the gap and laid a solid, Christian-based path for me to follow.”

John Pienkowski, M.Ed., 2017 Level II Career Switcher

“The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.”

Altina Suber, M.Ed., 2015 Teacher

“What I love about Regent is being treated not only as a student trying to pursue an education but as a person who is trying to make a difference in the world.”

Jasmine Farnsworth, Doctor of Education, 2022

“The Career Switcher program gave me the skills that I needed to feel comfortable stepping into my classroom and allowed for my success. I am now a first-year teacher who is thriving in an environment that applauds creativity and innovation.”

Breanna Mead, M.Ed., 2018 Career Switcher

“As I pondered what do to with the rest of my life when I retired from the Navy, I knew I wanted a job that made me feel valuable and one in which I felt I was making a difference. Thanks to Regent's Career Switcher Program, I know in my heart that as a teacher I do that every day.”

Beth Lambert, M.Ed., 2010 Senior Curriculum Developer