Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in 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.
Program Overview
What our online learning and behavior disorders (LBD ) master’s program offers you
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.
In this online learning & behavior disorders program, you will:
- 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
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.
Some programs may be TEACH Grant eligible. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.**
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
Learn more about our affordable tuition
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 | Required Fees | 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:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
Explore important dates you need to know
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Spring 1 | 1/12/26 | 1/2/26 | 1/6/26 | 1/9/26 | 1/12/26 |
| Spring 2 | 3/16/26 | 3/4/26 | 3/9/26 | 3/13/26 | 3/16/26 |
| Summer 1 | 5/11/26 | 4/29/26 | 5/4/26 | 5/8/26 | 5/11/26 |
| Summer 2 | 6/29/26 | 6/17/26 | 6/22/26 | 6/26/26 | 6/29/26 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
See the qualifications for our online LBD 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
- Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement: Print, sign, and submit the Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement to the Office of Graduate Education
- 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
Advance your knowledge in the online master's in education – teacher as leader LBD classes
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.
Students must take the following courses:
Students must take the following courses:
Students pursuing Learning & Behavior Disorders certification must take the following additional courses:
** 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.
