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Master of Arts in Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders Online
This online master's program is designed to give you a solid foundation in the theory and pedagogy needed to support all learners, with an option to pursue certification.
Apply by
10/8/26
Program Overview
What is the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders program at Northern Kentucky University?
Grow your leadership impact on student learning in your classroom and school while serving students with learning and behavior disorders in the NKU Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Learning & Behavior Disorders (LBD) online program.
Taught by the same dedicated faculty who teach on campus, this education master’s program promotes the knowledge and skill sets needed to advance the quality of services and educational programs for students with disabilities. Choose to achieve Rank 2 certification in Kentucky or select the non-certification option in special education and prepare to work as a leader and change agent in P-12 school settings.
What skills will I gain from the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders program?
- Learn skills to become a better teacher for students with diverse learning needs in the general education classroom
- Study the principles and procedures needed to plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders
- Explore instructional methods and techniques for designing and implementing effective teaching to meet the needs of students with mild disabilities
- Develop materials and methods for the inclusion of students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms
- Learn skills to become a better teacher for students with diverse learning needs in the general education classroom
- Study the principles and procedures needed to plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders
- Explore instructional methods and techniques for designing and implementing effective teaching to meet the needs of students with mild disabilities
- Develop materials and methods for the inclusion of students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms
What careers can you pursue with an online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders program?
- 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.
Some programs may be TEACH Grant eligible. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.**
Total Tuition Starts At
$13,365*
Program Duration
As few as 18 months
Credit Hours
As few as 30
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
How much does the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders program cost?
Our M.A.Ed. – Teacher Leader – LBD online program features the same affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition for all students, no matter where you live.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Total Program with Fees* |
|---|---|---|
| M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders | $422 | Starts at $13,365* |
*This does not include the additional hours needed for certification.
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
Total Tuition Starts At
$13,365*
Per Credit Hour
$422
A Top Public School
Recognized among the "Top Public Schools" by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Calendar
How often does the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader - Learning & Behavior Disorders program offer new start dates?
With six start dates a year, the learning & behavior disorders online master’s program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | 8/24/26 | 8/12/26 | 8/17/26 | 8/21/26 | 8/24/26 |
| Fall 2 | 10/21/26 | 10/8/26 | 10/13/26 | 10/16/26 | 10/21/26 |
| Spring 1 | 1/11/27 | 1/2/27 | 1/5/27 | 1/8/27 | 1/11/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/15/27 | 3/3/27 | 3/8/27 | 3/12/27 | 3/15/27 |
| Summer 1 | 5/10/27 | 4/28/27 | 5/3/27 | 5/7/27 | 5/10/27 |
| Summer 2 | 6/28/27 | 6/16/27 | 6/21/27 | 6/25/27 | 6/28/27 |
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
10/8/26
Class Starts
10/21/26
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders program?
The admission process is the first step toward pursuing your M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders online.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- 2.75 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Valid teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent
M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – 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 (if applicable) coursework from accredited institution(s)
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Teaching Certificate: Submit a copy of current teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent. New teachers in Kentucky may submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility.
- Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (general test) taken within the past five years
- The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and for applicants who have already earned a master's degree from an accredited institution
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
What courses are in the online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders curriculum?
In order to earn the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program, students not seeking certification must complete 10 courses, comprising 30 credit hours. For students seeking certification, an additional 18-21 credit hours are required—for a total of 48-51 credit hours.
Core Courses
Students must take the following courses:
EDG 690: Applied Action Research II
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 689 is taken.
EDG 689: Applied Action Research I
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 690.
EDA 602: Leadership in Contemporary Schools
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to school leadership. Students will engage in a thorough investigation of contemporary leadership research, scholarship, theory, and practice. This course will introduce the concept of “transformative” change in schools, classrooms, and in individuals. Participants will create personal and professional growth plans to enhance their effectiveness.
EDG 605: Introduction to Educational Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to education research enabling candidates to become effective consumers and users of research in education. It will improve candidates’ ability to apply research findings appropriately in school settings and will lay a foundation for an original action research project.
EDG 606: Leadership in a Diverse Society
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research, theory, policy, and practice in multicultural and diversity education; recognizing race, class, gender, learning, and linguistic diversity within home, schools, and community settings; developing and demonstrating culturally relevant and responsive approaches to meeting the needs of students.
EDG 607: Orientation to MAEd
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Orientation to the Master of Arts in Education program including graduate policies and procedures, selection of a specialization/endorsement, advising services, certification, educator dispositions, professional behaviors, online learning, and the action research sequence.
EDG 615: Instructional Design and Curriculum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research-based best practices and models of instructional design to meet the needs of all learners in a school setting.
EDG 691: Applied Action Research III
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 692.
EDG 692: Applied Action Research IV
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 691 is taken.
Required Courses
Students must take the following courses:
EDG 630: Language and Learning Across the Curriculum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Current views of literacy; theories of literacy; approaches, methods, and materials of reading assessment, planning, and instruction. Required for standard elementary certification.
EDG 658: Assessment Techniques for P-12 Mathematics
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning hierarchies in mathematics, cognitive processes, assessment and instructional techniques; concepts of the elementary school mathematics curriculum.
EDG 660: Learning and Behavior Disorders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Definitions, etiological factors, assessment, and remedial approaches for learning and behavior disorders.
EDG 662: Educational Assessment of Learning and Behavior Disorders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles, instruments, and procedures to place and plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders.
EDG 664: Procedures and Methods for Remedial Learning and Behavior Disorders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Instructional methods and techniques for designing and implementing effective teaching to meet the needs of students with mild disabilities.
EDG 666: Introduction to Students with Exceptionalities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Nature and needs of students with exceptionalities; overview of legal requirements and educational approaches.
EDG 667: Collaboration & Inclusive Practices
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities. Course covers various methods of co-teaching as well as locating, adapting, and developing materials and methods for including students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms.
EDG 561: Understanding the US College Student
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course delves into critical issues of access and equity for contemporary US college students, examining the evolving demographics and characteristics of this population. Participants analyze challenges and opportunities, exploring strategies to enhance inclusivity and address disparities in higher education, fostering a deeper understanding of student experiences.
EDS 570: Working with Families of Students with Disabilities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information, skills, and resources for effective interaction with parents and families of children with disabilities.
EDS 572: Secondary Special Education Programs
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of adolescents with learning and behavior disorders; educational programming for secondary students with mild disabilities.
EDS 588: Professional Laboratory Experiences
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3-6
Classroom field experience in added area of certification; individual project.
Required Courses for Certification
Students pursuing Learning & Behavior Disorders certification must take the following additional courses:
EDG 640: PBIS for Students w/ Mild-Mod Needs II
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Focuses on the development and implementation of a positive and proactive behavior intervention plan using on-going progress monitoring and data-based decision-making to determine intervention effectiveness. Candidates will utilize research-based strategies to demonstrate positive changes for students with mild to moderate disabilities. This is the second in a two-course sequence. Prerequisite(s): EDG 638
EDG 638: PBIS for Students w/ Mild-Mod Needs I
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles of behavior analysis applied to individualized interventions for self-regulation skills of students with mild to moderate disabilities. The focus is on writing problem definitions and functional behavior assessment for positive behavior intervention planning. This is the first half of a two- course sequence.
EDG 666: Introduction to Students with Exceptionalities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Nature and needs of students with exceptionalities; overview of legal requirements and educational approaches.
EDS 561: Intellectual and Orthopedic Disabilities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics and educational programs for students who have intellectual disabilities or orthopedic and/or health impairments.
EDG 662: Educational Assessment of Learning and Behavior Disorders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles, instruments, and procedures to place and plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders.
EDG 663: Behavioral Analysis Procedures for Students with Exceptionalities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles of behavior analysis applied to curriculum, methodology, and management of students with disabilities; behavioral teaching methods contrasted with alternative management techniques.
EDS 570: Working with Families of Students with Disabilities
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information, skills, and resources for effective interaction with parents and families of children with disabilities.
** The maximum grant amount can vary by year. TEACH Grants are available to qualified applicants and require approved recipients to sign a service agreement for certain teaching service obligations for four academic years. If obligations are not met within eight years after graduation, the grant will turn into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with all accrued interest from the date of disbursement. For more information, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach or contact the NKU Financial Aid Office.
