Throughout this early childhood special education degree, you’ll master the skills necessary to support and educate young children, including those with exceptionalities. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of child development theories and best practices, learn about both typical and atypical child development and the use of research-based interventions and develop skills in assessing and planning instruction for young learners. Your training will enable you to design inclusive, developmentally appropriate curricula and foster positive relationships with families and community organizations. These skills will prepare you for a variety of roles in educational settings that don’t require public school certification, enhancing your ability to support child growth and community collaboration effectively.
Who’s an ideal candidate for this master’s in early childhood special education?
You may be an ideal candidate for this program if you possess a bachelor's degree and are eager to deepen your expertise in working with children from birth to age eight or grade three. This program suits individuals currently engaged in educational settings, such as schools or nonprofits, where you interact with young children who are at risk or experiencing developmental delays. Additionally, you should have access to children within this age range in a professional or community setting to fulfill the practical requirements of the coursework.
This program isn’t suited for those who’ve already completed a teacher preparation program in early childhood or special education, as it covers similar ground. If you're looking to broaden your knowledge and skills in early childhood special education without pursuing teacher certification, this program is designed for you. Alternatively, if you’re interested in becoming certified, check out our Master of Education in early childhood special education – teacher certification program.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in early childhood special education offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on family and community collaboration, early childhood development and special education practices. You'll learn to assess, plan and monitor the progress of young children, incorporating effective practices for engaging with families. With a strong foundation in child development theories and best practices, you'll graduate prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children with exceptionalities and their families in roles such as non-certified teaching, educational administration, social services, curriculum development and more.
Throughout this program, you'll complete a 32-credit curriculum that directly applies to your work in diverse settings, such as private schools, charter schools, child care centers and nonprofits. This flexible program doesn’t require relocation or field experience hours, allowing you to integrate your learning seamlessly into your current or future professional environment.
This program culminates with an applied project, where you’ll conduct research, implement interventions and synthesize findings. This capstone experience sharpens your research and problem-solving skills, empowering you to apply theoretical frameworks effectively and communicate the significance of your findings within a broader social and global context.
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.
best online master’s in educational administration programs.
best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.
best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.
best online master’s in special education programs.
best online master's in education programs for veterans.
best online master's in education programs.
Applicants 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 in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- 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 have worked with you in professional or academic capacities and who can attest to your aptitude for the teaching profession and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
- The personal statement should describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for this program, what has led you to this career path and how this program will help you excel as an early childhood special education teacher. The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
- GRE testing or scores aren't 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.”