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A teacher with a student: Pursue a master’s in special education (licensure) at Regent University.

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 (M.Ed.) 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. Regent’s programs have been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report among the Top 10 Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row, 2013-2023. Experience the difference with the M.Ed. in in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) program.

Online
30
October 21, 2024
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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, 2022 and 2023). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 consecutive years, 2013-2023. Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to 900+ alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, the M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) program is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

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

The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s bachelor’s in education programs are awarded full national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2030.

On completing the Master of Education – K-12 Special Education (Licensure) degree, you can:

  • 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
$70Thousand
Approximate mean annual wage for special education teachers, 2022 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 students 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.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All 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 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

StateLicensing AgencyMeet Education Requirements
AlabamaAlabama State Department of Education 
PO Box 302101 
Montgomery, AL 36104 
(334) 694-4557 
edcert@alsde.edu 
www.alabamaachieves.org 
No
AlaskaAlaska Department of Education & Early Development – Teacher Certification 
PO Box 110500 
Juneau, AK 99811 
(907) 465-2831 
tcwebmail@alaska.gov 
education.alaska.gov 
No
ArizonaArizona Department of Education – Certification Unit 
PO Box 6490 
Phoenix, AZ 85005 
(602) 542-4367 
www.azed.gov 
Yes
ArkansasArkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure 
Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B 
Little Rock, AR 72201 
501-682-4342 
ade.educatorlicensure@ade.arkansas.gov 
dese.ade.arkansas.gov 
No
CaliforniaCalifornia Commission on Teacher Credentialing 
651 Bannon Street, Suite 600 
Sacramento, CA 95811 
credentials@ctc.ca.gov 
www.ctc.ca.gov 
Yes
ColoradoColorado Department of Education – Licensing Office 
201 East Colfax Ave. 
Denver, CO 80203 
720-739-3304 
www.cde.state.co.us 
No
ConnecticutConnecticut State Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification 
PO Box 150471 
Hartford, CT 06115 
860-713-6969 
teacher.cert@ct.gov 
portal.ct.gov 
No
DelawareDelaware Department of Education – Licensure & Certification 
35 Commerce Way, Suite 1 
Dover, DE 19904 
302-857-3388 
www.doe.k12.de.us 
Yes
District of ColumbiaDC Office of the State Superintendent of Education – Division of Teaching and Learning Educator Credentialing 
1050 First Street, NE 
Washington, DC 20002 
(202) 727-6436 
osse.asklicensure@dc.gov 
osse.dc.gov 
Yes
FloridaFlorida Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Certification 
Room 201, Turlington Building 
325 West Gaines Street 
Tallahassee, FL 32399 
800-445-6739 
www.fldoe.org 
Yes
GeorgiaGeorgia Professional Standards Commission – Educator Certification Division 
200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Suite 1716 
West Tower 
Atlanta, GA 30334 
404-232-2500 
www.gapsc.com 
No
HawaiiHawai’i Teacher Standards Board 
650 Iwilei Road, Suite 268 
Honolulu, HI 96817 
808-586-2600 
htsb@hawaii.gov 
hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org 
No
IdahoIdaho Department of Education 
650 West State Street 
Boise, ID 83702 
(208) 332-6882 
certification@sde.idaho.gov 
www.sde.idaho.gov 
Yes
IllinoisIllinois State Board of Education 
555 West Monroe Street, Suite 900 
Chicago, IL 60661 
(312) 814-2220 
www.isbe.net 
Yes
IndianaIndiana Department of Education 
100 N Senate Ave 
Indianapolis, IN 46204 
(317) 232-6610 
www.in.gov/doe 
Yes
IowaIowa Department of Education – Educational Licensure Office 
701 E Court Ave, Suite A 
Des Moines, IA 50309 
515-281-5294 
educate.iowa.gov 
Yes
KansasKansas State Department of Education 
900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102 
Topeka, KS 66612 
(785) 296-2288 
tlalicense@ksde.org 
www.ksde.org 
Yes
KentuckyKentucky Education Professional Standards Board 
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor 
Frankfort, KY 40601 
502-564-5846 
kdelicensure@education.ky.gov 
www.education.ky.gov 
No
LouisianaLouisiana Department of Education – Teach LA Live (Educator Certification) 
PO Box 94064 
Baton Rouge, LA 70804 
877-453-2721 
certification@la.gov 
www.teachlouisiana.net 
Yes
MaineMaine Department of Education 
23 State House Station 
Augusta, ME 04333 
207-624-6608 
cert.doe@maine.gov 
www.maine.gov/doe 
Yes
Maryland​Maryland State Department of Education – Division of Educator Effectiveness 
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201 
(410) 767-0100 
certinfo.msde@maryland.gov 
marylandpublicschools.org 
No
MassachusettsMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure 
135 Santilli Highway 
Everett, MA 02149 
(781) 338-3000 
www.doe.mass.edu 
No
MichiganMichigan Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence 
608 W. Allegan 
Lansing, MI 48933 
833-633-5788 
www.michigan.gov 
No
MinnesotaMinnesota Department of Education – Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 
400 NE Stinson Blvd. 
Minneapolis, MN 55413 
651-539-4200 
pelsb@state.mn.us 
education.mn.gov/MDE/index.htm 
Yes
MississippiMississippi Department of Education 
PO Box 771 
Jackson, MS 39205 
601-359-3483 
www.mdek12.org 
No
MissouriMissouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education 
PO Box 480 
Jefferson City, MO 65102 
573-751-0051 
certification@dese.mo.gov 
dese.mo.gov 
Yes
MontanaMontana Office of Public Instruction 
PO Box 202501 
Helena, MT 59620 
(406) 444-3150 
cert@mt.gov 
opi.mt.gov 
Yes
NebraskaNebraska Department of Education 
500 S. 84th St. 
Lincoln, NE 68510 
402-471-2295 
www.education.ne.gov 
Yes
NevadaNevada Department of Education 
700 E. Fifth Street 
Carson City, NV 89701 
775-687-7300 
license@doe.nv.gov 
doe.nv.gov 
Yes
New HampshireNew Hampshire Department of Education – Bureau of Credentialing 
25 Hall Street, 3rd Floor 
Concord, NH 03301 
(603) 271-2409 
cert.info@doe.nh.gov 
www.education.nh.gov 
Yes
New JerseyNew Jersey Department of Education 
PO Box 500 
Trenton, NJ 08625 
(609) 292-2070 
www.nj.gov/education 
Yes
New MexicoNew Mexico Public Education Department – Licensure Bureau 
300 Don Gaspar, Room 103 
Santa Fe, NM 87501 
505-827-5800 
licensureunit@ped.nm.gov 
webnew.ped.state.nm.us 
Yes
New YorkNew York State Education Department – Office of Teaching Initiatives 
89 Washington Ave., 5N EB 
Albany, NY 12234 
518-474-3901 
www.highered.nysed.gov 
Yes
North CarolinaNorth Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Licensure Office 
301 N. Wilmington Street 
Raleigh, NC 27601 
(919) 716-1800 
asklicensure@dpi.nc.gov 
www.dpi.nc.gov 
Yes
North DakotaNorth Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board 
2718 Gateway Ave, Suite 204 
Bismarck, ND 58503 
701-328-9641 
espbinfo@nd.gov 
www.nd.gov/espb 
Yes
OhioOhio State Board of Education – Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness 
30 W. Spring Street, 12th Floor 
Columbus, OH 43215 
614-466-3593 
educator.licensure@sboe.ohio.gov 
sboe.ohio.gov 
No
OklahomaOklahoma State Department of Education – Office of Teacher Certification 
2500 N. Lincoln Boulevard, #212 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405) 521-3337 
teachercertification@sde.ok.gov 
sde.ok.gov 
No
OregonOregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission 
250 Division St NE 
Salem OR, 97301 
contact.tspc@tspc.oregon.gov 
www.oregon.gov/tspc/pages/index.aspx 
No
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of Education 
Forum Building 607 South Drive 
Harrisburg, PA  17120 
717-783-6788 
www.education.pa.gov 
Yes
Rhode IslandRhode Island Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services 
255 Westminster Street 
Providence, RI 02903 
401-222-4600 
eqac@ride.ri.gov 
ride.ri.gov 
No
South CarolinaSouth Carolina Department of Education 
1429 Senate St. 
Columbia SC 29201 
803-734-8500 
info@ed.sc.gov 
ed.sc.gov 
Yes
South DakotaSouth Dakota Department of Education – Division of Accreditation and Certification 
800 Governors Dr. 
Pierre, SD 57501 
(605) 773-3134 
certification@state.sd.us 
doe.sd.gov 
No
TennesseeTennessee Department of Education 
710 James Robertson Parkway 
Nashville, TN 37243 
educator.licensure@tn.gov 
www.tn.gov 
No
TexasTexas Education Agency 
1701 N. Congress Avenue 
Austin, Texas, 78701 
(512) 936-8400 
tea.texas.gov 
No
UtahUtah State Board of Education 
250 East 500 South 
Salt Lake City, UT 84114 
(801) 538-7688 
sped-licensing@schools.utah.gov 
schools.utah.gov 
No
VermontVermont Agency of Education – Licensing Office 
1 National Life Drive, Davis 5 
Montpelier, VT 05620 
(802) 828-3440 
aoe.licensinginfo@vermont.gov 
education.vermont.gov 
Yes
VirginiaVirginia Department of Education – Department of Teacher Education and Licensure 
PO Box 2120 
Richmond VA, 23218 
804-786-2302 
licensure@doe.virginia.gov 
doe.virginia.gov 
Yes
WashingtonWashington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 
PO Box 47200 
600 Washington St. SE 
Olympia, WA 98504 
360-725-6000 
cert@k12.wa.us 
ospi.k12.wa.us 
No
West VirginiaWest Virginia Department of Education – Office of Certification 
Building 6, Suite 550 
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East 
Charleston, WV 25305 
(304) 558-7010 
certification.wvde@k12.wv.us 
wvde.us 
Yes
WisconsinWisconsin Department of Public Instruction 
PO Box 7841 
Madison, WI 53707 
(608) 224-6175 
dpi.wi.gov 
Yes
WyomingWyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board 
2001 Capitol Ave. 
Emerson Building Rm 128 
Cheyenne, WY 82002 
307-777-7291 
wyoptsb@wyo.gov 
wyomingptsb.com 
Yes

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
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
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)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
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
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)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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

For additional information, you may contact:

Brenda Vaughan
Field Placement Coordinator
757.352.4744
bvaughan@regent.edu

Ashley Rombs
Certification/Licensure Official
757.352.4260
arombs@regent.edu

Dr. Sonja Maggi
Internship Coordinator
sonjlew@regent.edu

“I am grateful for Regent’s rigorous, Christ-centered Special Education program. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with the next generation of special education teachers. I’m also excited to continue my research on educational practices utilized in public schools.”

Allisha Beerwart, Ed.D., 2018 Assistant Professor of Education, School of Education, GSW State University

“The adult track of the TESOL program in Regent's School of Education prepared me to work with students on a beginning English level as well as students on the postgraduate level.”

Joyce Erber, M.Ed., 2009 TESOL

“I looked at other institutions, but I understood the importance of a Christ-centered focus, and I wanted that to be a part of my graduate experience.”

Cheryl C. Askew, Ed.D., 2012 Principal, Landstown High School

“Regent opened a door to self-discovery and selflessness. My Regent instructors encouraged me to operate on a higher level of motivation and others-oriented awareness.”

Sandra Turner, M.Ed., 2016 Professional Development

“I was eager to fulfill a lifelong dream and make a career change to education. Regent's Career Switcher program allowed me to complete most of the training while still on active duty. I was hired immediately upon my retirement from the Air Force.”

Joe Sexton, M.Ed., 2012 Career Switcher