Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education online
Program Overview
Serve a broader span of learners with a master’s in special education
Expand your abilities to teach students with varied learning, intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. The CAEP-accredited Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education online program prepares you for the Indiana content licensure and Mild Intervention P-12 exam.
Explore assessment, literacy, behavioral supports, collaborative relationships, special education law, and evidence-based learning strategies and pedagogical practices. Benefit from 100 percent online, seven-week courses and a practicum at your current school of employment with a school-based mentor and a university-based instructor. Earn an online master’s in special education and be prepared to create literacy-rich classroom environments, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and evidence-based lessons plans and projects.
Upon completion of the online master’s in special education, you will be able to:
- Understand the relationship between schools and their surrounding community to ensure equitable and respectful treatment of all stakeholders
- Critically evaluate research, such as pedagogical practices, student learning and educational polices, and engage in action research using improvement science methodology to advance student learning
- Apply ethical and legal considerations and practices in curricular, instructional and operational decision-making with a focus on special education, ensuring decisions are inclusive, compliant with laws and regulations, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities
- Develop and implement literacy-rich classroom environments that support diverse learners, including students with exceptionalities, by utilizing evidence-based reading instruction strategies that integrate writing, technology and professional leadership
- Create and maintain an inclusive, structured learning environment by employing functional behavioral assessments, behavioral intervention plans and effective strategies to promote positive social, emotional and behavioral development in students with and without exceptionalities
- Analyze and apply research-based instructional strategies for diverse learners with exceptional needs, ensuring access to the general education curriculum
- Utilize assessment tools and data-driven decision-making to monitor, evaluate and adapt instruction for students with exceptionalities, ensuring progress toward educational goals and compliance with legal requirements
As a graduate of this online master’s program, you will be qualified for various roles in special education such as:
- Special Education Teacher (Public/Private School)
- Resource Specialist
- Tutor Specialist
- Curriculum Adaptation Specialist
Also available:
USI also offers multiple education concentrations online. Check out all our education online programs.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the Teacher Education Department at the University of Southern Indiana. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Tuition
Benefit from pay-by-the-course tuition
USI is committed to providing an outstanding education that is also affordable. Tuition is structured to give our students the best value and flexibility.
Tuition Breakdown
For more information about tuition, fees and other costs, visit our Financial Aid Cost of Attendance page.
*Tuition applicable for current start dates and is subject to change. Any questions regarding tuition should be directed to the Bursar's Office. If you step out of the program, returning to the program may have different tuition and fees applied.
Application Fee
Application fee: $40
Active military service members and veterans receive an admission fee waiver. Simply apply online and select the "military waiver" option, then contact our office at 800-467-1965 so we may submit the proper forms to Graduate Studies.
Billing and Payment Schedule
Financial Aid
The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your FAFSA must be received by the federal processing center by April 15th each year to be considered for state financial aid as well as federal financial aid. USI's Federal School Code is 001808. You will need an FSA ID to electronically sign your FASFA. If you do not have an FSA ID, you may create one at StudentAid.gov.
Once you are admitted to the program and we receive your FAFSA, you can see the financial aid you qualify for and accept or decline your Direct Student Loan on your myUSI. For more information about tuition reimbursement or financial resources that may be available to you, visit our Student Financial Assistance page, access our Financial Aid FAQs, or contact us.
Student Financial Assistance Office
Local Phone: 812-464-1767
Toll Free Phone: 800-467-1965
Fax: 812-461-5305
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CDT)
Tuition Breakdown:
Calendar
Mark your calendar for these upcoming deadlines
Now is the time to start earning your MSE with a concentration in Special Education online and take the fast track to a more successful career. USI provides you with the convenience of an accelerated application-to-start calendar.
Now Enrolling
| Session | Course Start | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Drop Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall I | 8/18/25 | 8/1/25 | 8/8/25 | 8/15/25 | 8/22/25 |
| Fall II | 10/20/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/10/25 | 10/17/25 | 10/24/25 |
Billing and Payment Schedule - Please visit https://www.usi.edu/bursar/bill-and-payment-schedule/
Now Enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Request InfoReady to take the next step toward earning your degree online from USI?
Apply NowAdmissions
Follow these steps to apply to the MSE in special education
The University of Southern Indiana’s online MSE with a concentration in Special Education has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Out-of-State Students:
Are you an out-of-state student interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education at USI? Please visit our Professional Licensure page for information on whether the program meets the educational requirements for certification in your state.
The Education programs are limited to working with certain states in the U.S. only. Moving into a state may limit your opportunity for professional licensure.
https://www.usi.edu/online-and-adult-learning/out-of-state-students
- Undergraduate Degree a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- GMAT or GRE is not required
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must be admitted to graduate study under University graduate policies and then be accepted into the specific MSE track. In addition to the requirements for admission to graduate study at USI, admission to the MSE program requires the following:
- A baccalaureate degree (minimum cumulative GPA 2.75) from an accredited college or university with a degree in education or a related field
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses taken at the graduate level at all schools attended
- A copy of a standard U.S. teaching license (recommended for all programs and required for licensure related programs)
Application Procedures:
- Submit an online application, $40 application fee and a list of 3 references (names, relation to you and email address). One must be an employment supervisor and the other two must be professional references.
- Upload a current resume/curriculum vitae to your application account. The file should be a PDF and use the following naming convention: First Name Last Name MSE resume.pdf (example: Joe Smith MSE resume.pdf).
- Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies.
- Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to [email protected]
- Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted via email by the applicant to [email protected]
- Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed.
- Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:
Graduate Studies
University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47712
- Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
- International applicants may be required to submit additional information.
Courses
Check out the topics in these special education master’s courses
To complete this MSE with a concentration in Special Education, students must take 10 core courses to complete 30 credit hours.
Students will take all of the following courses:
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