Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Empower Students with Diverse Needs

Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Train to teach and support students with exceptional learning needs across a range of developmental and educational settings

100% Online

Complete your degree online from anywhere.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

4 Emphases

Customize your degree and work toward endorsements.

Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Our nationally accredited, 100% online graduate programs in Special Education are designed to equip you to provide effective, evidence-based instruction for learners with special educational needs in general education and special education settings.

The curriculum is designed to teach you to understand the complexities of issues related to the challenges often faced by persons with disabilities. Students acquire and develop skills requisite for providing an effective delivery of services needed to assist such persons as they strive for success in inclusive settings.

Learning experiences are structured in a way that helps you develop a comprehensive knowledge of the multifaceted nature of special education.

The MEd in Special Education program allows pre-service and in-service teachers to select one or more emphases. These areas of study can be aligned so that the program meets specific endorsement requirements on your teaching license. The four areas of emphasis include: Special Education-General Curriculum, K-12; Special Education-Adapted Curriculum (K-12); Early Childhood Special Education (birth to 5); and Special Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Mission and Program Goals

Mission

The MEd in Special Education Program is dedicated to preparing special educators to make positive contributions in the lives of persons with disabilities and to serve as positive change agents in their work settings.

Graduates will articulate a comprehensive understanding of current research, issues, and trends in the field of special education. In addition, graduates will apply in-depth knowledge of the legal-regulatory, biological, psychological, and sociological (including culture, SES, age, and gender) dimensions of disability when engaging in responsibilities expected of a special educator.

2a. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to assess, interpret, synthesize, and summarize the abilities and needs of individuals with disabilities using appropriate formal and informal assessment measures in applicable areas (including academic, functional, adaptive, social-emotional, physical-motor, and communication skills—respective of area of emphasis).

2b. Using informal and formal assessment data, graduates will design individualized educational plans (IEPs) that take into account the comprehensive needs (including academic, functional, adaptive, social-emotional, physical-motor, and communication skills—respective areas of emphasis) of individuals with disabilities.

Graduates will implement data-based special and general educational programs that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities using knowledge of standards of practice, techniques, and principles in the areas of classroom and behavior management—respective areas of concentration).

Graduates will implement data-based, special education instruction and curricula that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities using knowledge of standards of practice, techniques, and principles in the areas of instruction and curriculum—respective areas of concentration).

Graduates will employ effective communication and problem-solving skills in collaboration with professionals and families in order to enhance the educational opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities

Upon the successful completion of our state-approved program, you may apply for your teaching license in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education regulations.

MEd in Special Education Emphases

You have the opportunity to customize your degree by selecting an emphasis that aligns with the Virginia Department of Education endorsement area best suited to your professional and personal needs.

General Curriculum Emphasis

Prepare to create inclusive and empowering learning environments for students with mild to moderate disabilities in K-12 classrooms. This emphasis equips you with evidence-based strategies to support diverse learners, helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally within the general education curriculum. You’ll gain the skills needed to collaborate with general education teachers, adapt curriculum to meet individual needs, and advocate for student success in inclusive settings.

  • Focus: Mild to moderate disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.
  • Setting: Inclusive K-12 classrooms where students access the general curriculum alongside their peers.
  • Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education General Curriculum (K-12).

 

Adapted Curriculum Emphasis

Make a transformative impact on the lives of students with moderate to severe disabilities by specializing in adapted education. This emphasis focuses on teaching functional and life skills, as well as alternative learning strategies, to help students overcome significant challenges. You’ll learn to develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs), ensuring students receive the tailored support they need to grow academically, socially, and personally.

  • Focus: Moderate to severe disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities and Autism, requiring intensive, personalized support.
  • Setting: Specialized or adapted K-12 classrooms designed to address unique learning and developmental needs.
  • Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education Adapted Curriculum (K-12) and a Career and Technical Education – Transition and Special Needs Add-On Endorsement.

 

Early Childhood Special Education Emphasis

Become a champion for young children with developmental delays or disabilities by focusing on early intervention and individualized instruction. This emphasis prepares you to work with children from birth to age five during their most critical developmental years, supporting them in reaching key milestones. You’ll collaborate with families, caregivers, and specialists to design and implement effective strategies that set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

  • Focus: Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children (birth to age five) with developmental delays or disabilities.
  • Setting: Early intervention programs and preschool settings focused on developmental support and family-centered care.
  • Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth – Five).

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emphasis

Advocate for and empower students who are Deaf or hard of hearing by creating accessible and inclusive learning environments. This emphasis provides specialized training in communication strategies, including sign language and assistive technologies, to help students succeed academically and socially. You’ll develop the skills needed to foster independence, self-advocacy, and confidence in students as they navigate their educational journey and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

  • Focus: Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, requiring communication tools and tailored instruction.
  • Setting: K-12 classrooms and specialized environments designed to support communication and accessibility needs.
  • Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing (K-12).

Curriculum and Resources

2024-25 Academic Year Information

Prerequisite (3)

SPED 600 — Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education (3)*

* SPED 600 or its equivalent undergraduate course is required for all students seeking eligibility for a provisional special education teaching license in Virginia.

To be eligible for a teaching license in Special Education students must complete two internship placements at the preschool, elementary, and/or secondary levels. Internships at the graduate level are analogous to student teaching at the undergraduate level. An internship is required only for those seeking their initial licensure through the University of Lynchburg.

Required Courses (18 hours):

  • EDHH 600
  • EDHH 601
  • EDHH 602
  • EDHH 603
  • SPED 601 — Designing and Implementing Individualized Education Plans (3)
  • SPED 616 — Assessment and Evaluation (3)

The suggested course schedule allows you to meet all SPED-specific requirements for your provisional license in two years. Additional professional studies courses may be required depending on your previous coursework.

FALL YEAR 1

SPRING YEAR 1

SUMMER YEAR 1

General Curriculum

SPED 601

SPED 606

General Curriculum

SPED 616

SPED 645

General Curriculum

SPED 635

Adapted Curriculum

SPED 601

SPED 665

Adapted Curriculum

SPED 616

SPED 605

Adapted Curriculum

SPED 635

Early Childhood SPED

SPED 651

SPED 662

Early Childhood SPED

SPED 620

SPED 653

Early Childhood SPED

No class

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

SPED 601

EDHH 601

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

EDHH 602

SPED 620

SPED 616

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

EDHH 600

FALL YEAR 2

SPRING YEAR 2

SUMMER YEAR 2

General Curriculum

SPED 625A

SPED 625

General Curriculum

SPED 620

SPED 675

 

Adapted Curriculum

SPED 625A

SPED 666

Adapted Curriculum

SPED 620

SPED 675

 

Early Childhood SPED

SPED 625B

SPED 601

Early Childhood SPED

SPED 660

EDHD 675

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

SPED 625

SPED 670

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

EDHH 675

SPED 681

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

EDHH 603

MEd in Special Education Application Process

Application Deadlines

  • Summer semester: May 1
  • Fall semester: July 31
  • Spring term: Nov. 30

How to Apply

  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Submit a brief (approximately 2 double-spaced pages) essay on the following topic:
    • Why you want to pursue the Master of Education in Special Education (MEd) degree and/or how this degree will assist you in achieving your career goals.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
Prerequisites for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emphasis
  • Four classes of ASL or
    • Qualifying score of 2+ on American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) or
    • Intermediate on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview: ASL (SLPI)

Learn more about the application process if you are one of the following:

  • International student.
  • Student seeking a second master’s degree.
  • Non-degree seeking graduate student.

Admissions

Master of Education in Special Education (MEd) Faculty

Lucinda Spaulding

Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD

Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Andrew Bruce

Andrew Bruce, PhD

Associate Professor of Special Education ...
Headshot of Randall Dunn

Randall Dunn, EdD

Associate Professor of Education ...

Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD

Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...

Andrew Bruce, PhD

Associate Professor of Special Education ...

Randall Dunn, EdD

Associate Professor of Education ...
decorative The University of Lynchburg's School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling has obtained full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This accreditation signifies that the college meets the comprehensive standards for educator preparation. The accreditation process evaluates several aspects of an educational institution, including the effectiveness of its teaching programs, the preparation of its students for careers in education, and the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and current educational practices. As a CAEP-accredited institution, the college has demonstrated its ability to prepare its students for teaching roles in pre-K to 12th-grade education. This achievement reflects the college's ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards and adapting to the evolving requirements of teacher education. This accreditation is an important milestone for the School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling, and it ensures that the college continues to provide quality education to its students.

CAEP Accountability Measures

Title II Report Cards

Licensure and Certification

Per federal regulations from the U.S. Department of Education and CAEP, we must disclose whether our educational programs are eligible for state credentialing such as certification or licensure. The University of Lynchburg has been approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education to offer 11 initial licensure programs at the undergraduate level. If you gain licensure in Virginia, it can lead to reciprocal licensure in other states and jurisdictions. The teacher education program at the University of Lynchburg can assist you in obtaining the following types of licenses:

Reciprocal Licensure and Other State Requirements

Educators who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for reciprocal licensure in more than 45 states across the U.S. However, it is important to note that some states may require additional temporary, testing, or other requirements that educators must meet before teaching in that jurisdiction. To determine the necessary steps for teaching outside of Virginia, refer to the state reciprocity information or contact the Department of Education in each state.
A woman with long dark hair sits at table with her laptop. She is looking at the laptop screen and practicing sign language.

As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll benefit from:

Graduate Tuition

Below is an overview of the cost of the program:

The 40% Aspiring Special Education Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing an MEd in Special Education.

Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

$ 570 Cost Per Credit Hour
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $333 (40% Discount)
  • Credit Hours: 33
  • Estimated Cost of Completion: $19,470
  • Estimated Cost of Completion: $11,682 (40% Discount)

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