This program prepares aspiring and current educators to become certified K–12 special education teachers, with the potential to earn dual certification in elementary education.
With two certification pathways, this program is designed for emergency-certified teachers, paraprofessionals, after-school program aides or other professionals working with children, as well as career changers.
Certification routes include:
- Traditional certification
- Complete online coursework while gaining classroom experience through internships and residencies in local schools. This route leads to certification in K–12 special education, with the option to add a credential in K–8 elementary education.
- Alternative pathways certification
- Developed for those currently working as a full-time teacher of record with an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states), this route allows you to apply coursework immediately but does not offer dual certification.
If you’re interested in a degree without certification, the Master of Education in special education may be a better program for you.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
In this program, you’ll build a strong foundation in teaching and content knowledge while gaining real-world experience through internships and residencies. These professional experiences equip you to:
- Develop instructional programs and strategies for students with disabilities.
- Design experiential learning activities.
- Evaluate student performance and adjust teaching methods.
- Modify materials to support varying learning needs.
- Plan activities that foster confidence and self-esteem.
Are you passionate about becoming a certified special education teacher? Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in special education – teacher certification equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to support students with mild-moderate disabilities in K–12 classrooms. With flexible pathways to certification, this program prepares you to lead accessible classrooms and improve student outcomes.
The curriculum integrates certification-aligned coursework with hands-on experience in K–12 classrooms. You’ll complete 44 credit hours or up to 47 if pursuing dual certification in special education and elementary education. An applied research project allows you to identify an education challenge and design an intervention.
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 must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Please note: This program has an earlier application deadline than other online degrees offered by Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
International applicants are not eligible for teacher certification plans. Please consider the Master of Education in elementary education, Master of Education in secondary education or Master of Education in special education.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Provisional admission may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99, provided the application is otherwise strong.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Proof of English proficiency
- This program has its own English proficiency requirements in addition to the university's minimum standards.
- The following are accepted to meet this requirement of the master’s and Arizona certification programs:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): score of at least 90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “fair” - “Good” range (22-30). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. Only electronic copies of scores are accepted.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions needing to be at least 6.5 (6 = Competent User, 7 = Good User). No institutional code is needed.
Please note the appropriate AEPA/NES exam (NES Special Education 601 exam) may be required prior to enrollment in the program, depending on state requirements for certification, particularly for Alternative Teaching Certification Route students.
- The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities, and who can attest to your aptitude in this field and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
- Applicants must provide a personal statement on the following:
- Describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for the MEd in Special Education.
- Explain what has led you to this career path and how you’ll excel as a special teacher in the classroom.
- The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
- Applicants are required to answer the following additional questions as part of the application:
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Are you now or have you ever been subject to any investigation regarding child abuse or neglect?
- Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted for any criminal offense involving a child?
- Have you ever previously enrolled in any program or courses that lead to teacher certification?
- Have you ever been subject to sanction, discipline or dismissal by any academic institution?
- Have you ever been employed by and/or terminated from an Arizona K–12 school or school district?
- Have you already submitted an application to DPS for your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
- Do you understand this program requires daytime internship and/or student teaching commitments?
Note: Although not required for admission, students must provide a copy of their valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance card (or equivalent in their state if outside Arizona) prior to enrolling in the first term professional experience. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be unable to start the program in the desired term/session.
Professional licensure and certification:
- Graduates are eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education.
- Graduates can directly apply for licensure through the Arizona Department of Education and via licensure-to-licensure review in another state. To be eligible for an educator credential in Arizona, candidates must meet all requirements specified by the Arizona Department of Education. To apply via licensure-to-licensure review, candidates must hold a comparable, standard and valid out-of-state educator license before applying for licensure.
- Note: The out-of-state license must have no pending/active deficiencies or disciplinary actions.
- Arizona Revised Statutes require many professions to have an active fingerprint clearance card before or as a condition of licensure, certification or employment. We highly recommend that students apply for an Identify Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card before degree completion to facilitate teacher certification.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions about licensure or certification.
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.”