Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Special Education Online
This online master's program prepares you to help exceptional children and young adults thrive in an inclusive academic environment.
Program Overview
The NKU online special education master’s degree experience
Gain the specialized skills and content knowledge you need to provide exceptional support to students with special needs with the Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Special Education from NKU. This 100% online program specializes in teaching in special education and is designed for general education teachers who want to work with children with exceptionalities, as well as become a more effective teacher for all children.
Learn how to assess students with disabilities, plan differentiated lessons, and use applied behavior analysis techniques applicable to all special need students. You will also study intellectual and orthopedic disabilities, learning and behavior disorders, and collaboration and inclusive practices. Taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus, this online special education degree program also allows you to attain Rank 2 teaching certification in Kentucky.
In this online special education program, you will:
- Explore effective strategies for improving the classroom behavior of students, as well as the fundamentals, assessment processes, and strategies used to ensure that all students succeed
- Gain expertise in research, instructional design, and behavioral management
- Be able to create a strong learning environment for students who have emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders
- Develop and demonstrate culturally relevant and responsive approaches to meeting the needs of students
- Explore effective strategies for improving the classroom behavior of students, as well as the fundamentals, assessment processes, and strategies used to ensure that all students succeed
- Gain expertise in research, instructional design, and behavioral management
- Be able to create a strong learning environment for students who have emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders
- Develop and demonstrate culturally relevant and responsive approaches to meeting the needs of students
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
The M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Special Education online program features the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Special Ed. | $422 | $ | $13,365 |
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
Our application deadlines and class schedules
With six start dates a year, the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Special Education online 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
Know the requirements for our online SPED master’s program
The admission process is the first step toward pursuing your M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Special Education 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 – Special Education 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.
- Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement: Print, sign, and submit the Teacher as Leader Admission Agreement to the Office of Graduate Education
- Supplemental application
- 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 grade point 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 you’ll learn in your online special education degree courses
In order to earn the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – Special Education online, students must complete 12 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
Students must take the following courses:
Students must take the following 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.
