UVA School of Education and Human Development Launches Restructured, Online Master’s Degree to Support Special Educators

Beginning in the summer of 2024, the UVA School of Education and Human Development will admit students to its newly restructured Master of Education in Special Education degree. For the first time, the degree will be offered fully online and will focus on deepening the expertise and skills of those currently in or pursuing a new role in special education.

The degree, which does not lead to initial licensure, will support the career advancement of special educators in Virginia and around the United States who are already licensed teachers or administrators, as well as those working in special education settings outside of the traditional classroom.

“This degree—now made more accessible by being fully online—can provide these educators with additional knowledge and expand their skill,” said Stephanie Morano, assistant professor in the special education program. “I’m excited about this degree because it will provide an opportunity for special educators to go beyond the coursework required for initial licensure to deepen their expertise. It adds to the limited options for already-licensed special educators to pursue a graduate degree focused exclusively on special education. It’s also a great option for those considering a Ph.D. in the future.”

The Master of Education degree will include three areas of emphasis: applied behavior analysis, which includes a course sequence required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination; special education general curriculum, which meets the requirements for an add-on endorsement to an existing Virginia teaching license; and special education leadership, which utilizes the Council for Exceptional Children’s Advanced Preparation Standards to prepare educators for special education leadership roles.

The online degree is offered both full and part time. The typical length of study for full-time students is one year and is 2-3 years for part-time students.

Ranked among the top five programs in the nation for seven consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, the special education program at the UVA School of Education has long been a national leader. With the relaunch of the Master of Education, the School of Education now offers four degrees—from bachelor’s to doctorate—as well as a professional learning portfolio for those interested in studying special education.

Information sessions about the M.Ed. degree will be held February 6, 5:00pm (EDT) and March 18, 7:00pm (EDT). More details can be found on the degree page.