Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders Online
This online Ed.S. program prepares you for advanced roles in the field of special education working to address the needs of academically and behaviorally challenged students.
Program Overview
What our online learning and behavior disorders Ed.S. program offers you
Influence a positive future for children with disabilities and exceptionalities with the Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders (LBD) online degree from NKU. This 100% online program is the only nationally recognized education program of its kind in Kentucky and enables you to earn Rank 1 teaching certification.
Become a mentor for new LBD teachers and develop research and leadership skills to evaluate teaching practices and curriculum as well as position yourself for leadership opportunities in your school or district. In this online teaching program, you also will learn skills to become a better educator for students with diverse learning needs in the general education classroom. The curriculum includes clinical experiences and an embedded capstone project.
In this online learning and behavior disorders teaching program, you will:
- Study procedures and methods for remedial learning and behavior disorders, intellectual and orthopedic disabilities, and educational assessment techniques
- Conduct and report the results of a research project reflecting synthesis and application of knowledge acquired in prior coursework to address a specific educational issue
- Gain a working understanding of legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities
- Learn from the same experienced faculty who teach on campus
- Study procedures and methods for remedial learning and behavior disorders, intellectual and orthopedic disabilities, and educational assessment techniques
- Conduct and report the results of a research project reflecting synthesis and application of knowledge acquired in prior coursework to address a specific educational issue
- Gain a working understanding of legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities
- Learn from the same experienced faculty who teach on campus
As a graduate of this online program, you will have the tools and knowledge you need for advanced educational roles, including:
- Special Education Teacher
- Resource Teacher
- Inclusion Teacher
- Intervention Specialist
- Special Education Teacher
- Resource Teacher
- Inclusion Teacher
- Intervention Specialist
Online education programs also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate education programs online. Check out our other quality online education programs.
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
Find out how and when to pay your tuition
The Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders | $422 | $ | $13,365* |
*This does not include the additional hours needed for certification.
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
NKU online dates and deadlines
The Ed.S. – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program is convenient and flexible, featuring six start dates on an accelerated course schedule. View the calendar to find the best start date for you and be sure to note all corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/18/25 | 6/23/25 | 6/27/25 | 6/30/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/18/25 | 8/6/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/15/25 | 8/18/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/15/25 | 10/2/25 | 10/7/25 | 10/10/25 | 10/15/25 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
See what you need to know before applying
The admission process for the Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program is streamlined to help you get started right away.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- Teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent
- 3.0 GPA or higher in all master's-level coursework
Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders Online Admission Requirements
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from accredited institution(s). One transcript must show successful completion of a master's degree in education or in the content area of the applicant's teaching certificate.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in master's-level coursework
- Teaching Certificate: Submit a copy of current teaching certificate showing certification at the Rank 2 level or out-of-state equivalent. New teachers in Kentucky may submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility.
- Supplemental application
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Read about our online learning & behavior disorders classes
For the Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program, students who already hold certification must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. For students seeking certification, an additional 19-21 credit hours are required, for a total of 49-51 credit hours.
Students pursuing LBD certification must take all of the following courses. Students who are already LBD-certified must choose five of the following courses.
For EDG 630 and EDG 666, consult your advisor if you have taken similar courses previously.
