Earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in gifted education is a way to build critical competencies related to working with gifted children. Topics in this program can enhance your advocacy work in your current role or lead to new career opportunities. You’ll be better equipped to identify academic potential in students and imagine new ways of supporting their development. The program is designed to benefit:
- Administrators.
- Behavior analysts.
- Early interventionists.
- Family members.
- School psychologists.
- Teachers.
- Therapists.
The online curriculum in this gifted education graduate program offers opportunities to apply your education to practical challenges. Several courses require you to have access to learners or educational settings where you can gain hands-on experience and apply your learning.
With a thorough understanding of the latest research and educational theories, you’ll be encouraged to explore learning and instructional design while using emerging technologies. Basic computer skills and an openness to new technology is essential to being successful in the program.
Do gifted education teachers have to get a gifted education degree?
Depending on the job requirements in your state, school district and educational environment, a degree from a gifted education graduate program may be required. Even for paths where a degree isn’t strictly needed, the program still provides a useful background.
With a greater understanding of the latest theory and pedagogy, you’ll be able to more effectively support gifted children using contemporary instructional methods and services. The practical component of this degree builds experience collaborating with school boards, parents and others to implement and evaluate a wide variety of services for gifted learners. Individuals who coordinate programs or serve in administrative roles may also benefit from the coursework.
Will this degree certify me to be a gifted education teacher?
The gifted education master’s program includes 12 semester hours of coursework in the specialization, which may satisfy requirements for earning an Arizona gifted education endorsement for working with students in kindergarten through 12th grade. You should consult with your state education agency to confirm if this program meets the requirements in your area. Note: This degree does not lead directly to teacher certification or an initial educator license.
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the State of Arizona that may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check our professional licensure page for Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation to determine if this program meets the requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation lead to professional licensure. Speak with an enrollment coach for more information.

Gifted education master’s programs develop the knowledge and abilities needed to create and shape interventions that support academically talented students. After earning the Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in gifted education, you’ll be well-positioned to assist gifted learners in a variety of educational settings.
The gifted education graduate program features small class sizes and skilled faculty with a deep knowledge of gifted learners. A central focus of the program is applying what you learn in your classes to formal and informal educational settings. You’ll learn how to address the specific needs of gifted learners and expand your knowledge of how to incorporate technology into gifted education instruction. Some courses available in this program include:
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants to the Master of Education in curriculum and instruction program who wish to pursue a concentration in gifted education must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program.
The personal statement should describe the applicant's professional goals and how they align with this program.
GRE scores are not required for admission.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Your concentration in gifted education will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.