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.
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
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.
To learn more about this program, please complete the Request Information form on this page.
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
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.
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.
2021-22 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.
Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
---|---|---|
Session A | Friday, August 13 | Monday, August 23 |
Session M | Friday, September 10 | Monday, September 20 |
Session B | Friday, October 15 | Monday, October 25 |
Session C | Tuesday, December 21 | Monday, January 10 |
Session T | Friday, January 28 | Monday, February 7 |
Session D | Friday, March 4 | Monday, March 14 |
Session E | Friday, April 29 | Monday, May 9 |
Session F | Friday, June 10 | Monday, June 20 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
- Submit your application at www.regent.edu/apply.
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
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Career Switcher | $250 | 6 | $1,500 |
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 6 | $3,390 |
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Career Switcher | $250 | 9 | $2,250 |
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 9 | $5,085 |
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 9 | $7,200 |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $800 |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $650 |
Part-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Career Switcher | $250 | 6 | $1,500 |
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $550 | 6 | $3,300 |
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $775 | 6 | $4,650 |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $775 | 3 | $2,325 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $775 | 3 | $2,325 |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Career Switcher | $250 | 9 | $2,250 |
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $550 | 9 | $4,950 |
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $775 | 9 | $6,975 |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $775 | 6 | $4,650 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $775 | 6 | $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.
Faculty
Dr. Hunter is the concentration chair for the Special Education Program and is committed to your success.
Dr. Elizabeth Hunter earned her B.A. in Fine Art from Old Dominion University and her M.Ed. in Special Education concentrating in MR, LD and ED at Regent University. In 2005, Hunter became a Doctor of Education in Special Education & Communications. Her doctoral studies culminated into a final dissertation that incorporated an ethnographic documentary film about the expressed opinions of young adults with Down Syndrome about their classroom placement.
Hunter is an assistant professor in the School of Education M.Ed. K-12 Special Education and Reading Specialist programs and the Ed. S. Educational Leadership with Special Education emphasis program. She has built years of experience in the field of Special Education, as well as Communication Technology especially in television and video education production. Hunter has been involved in numerous publications and presentations in her areas of expertise and holds honors and awards for her contributions to both fields.
Using her talents as a painter, photographer and production designer, Hunter has successfully worked in film and television production since 1979. She has won several awards for her contribution to television and film, one in particular an after-school special that earned her the honor and privilege to judge for the Annual Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards. She has been a voting member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences since 1987.
Hunter currently holds appointments and positions of leadership in both fields in her church and community. She serves as the president of the Virginia Federation of Council for Exceptional Children and represents the VA CEC at the International Council for Exceptional Children Representative Assembly and Leadership sessions.
She consults with ETS in assessment development of the Special Education and the Intellectual Disabilities PRAXIS II exams. Additionally, Hunter consults privately with schools, churches and parents in the areas of exceptional disabilities especially Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities.
Hunter has expertise in instructional technology and media and enhances her on-line and face-to-face courses and publications with visual media technology. She presents her course curriculum using her skills to turn words into pictures and uses video streaming as an educational tool. She has also been instrumental in turning the hybrid courses into an online format providing content to students nationally and internationally.
Hunter pursues ethnographic research to produce educational and documentary film with content based on grounded research that is appropriate for use in higher education. She writes and produces educational articles and books utilizing instructional videos and documentary film that educate and entertain. She has embarked on the production of a documentary series and book called Waking Up with Jack, an autobiographical story that touches on how a family deals with Down Syndrome and all the things that go along with it. It is an ongoing examination of special needs students.
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.
Deadlines to submit internship applications:
- October 1st for Spring internships
- March 1st for Fall internships
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