M.A. in Special Education

Special Education Program

Master of Arts

With a special education degree, you’ll support students and their families while motivating students to meet their goals and live meaningful lives.

Apply Now Request Info

At a Glance

Delivery

Online

Finish in as few as

18-28 months (plus a thesis)

Estimated tuition

$23,370

Learn more about the cost of attendance.

Discover what’s next. In Bethel's M.A. in Special Education program, you’ll become a skilled professional in a high-demand profession. We believe teaching individuals with disabilities is a high calling. That’s why we equip strong and sturdy special education teachers to serve from a mindset of Christian values and current research-based practices. This will prepare you to help create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students and enjoy a sustainable, rewarding career.

Program Details

Our program will build your knowledge base and refine your skills to assess and educate students with mild to moderate and moderate to severe disabilities in several areas. You’ll develop into a confident, compassionate, successful teacher, serving kids, families, and communities.

If you're not already a licensed teacher, you will have to complete the Standards of Effective Practice concentration, which meets the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, a requirement for every Tier 3 and Tier 4 K-12 licensed teacher in Minnesota.

Contact Us

Request Information

Interested in learning more about Bethel's M.A. in Special Education program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.

Meet Your Counselor

Kristin Melendez

At Bethel, we're committed to helping you get the most out of your education. Your enrollment counselor is here to help you balance your program with your personal life and career goals.

Get in Touch

Program Highlights

Experienced faculty


Our professors are leading researchers and practitioners with experience in multiple specialties. Their experiences help make the coursework relevant to the real-world classroom.

Practical experience


You’ll practice what you’re learning so you are prepared to make a real difference in the K-12 educational setting.

Student success


We’re committed to helping you succeed from admission to graduation. You’ll be supported by advisors and professors who are caring and ensure that you have everything you need.

Flexibility


Our program can be completed mostly online and is designed for people who work full time, have families, and are involved in their community. Courses begin every six weeks, allowing you to start throughout the year and finish in as few as 18 months, plus a thesis—though students who need to complete the Standards of Effective Practice Concentration require more time.

Christian environment


We integrate faith into ideas and practices. In this way, we model how your values and beliefs influence your teaching and scholarship.

Scholarship Opportunities


Some scholarship opportunities may be applied to the program, including scholarships through the Minnesota Low Incidence Project.

Upcoming Events

APR 4 2024

Growing Minds: Bethel University Virtual Education Fair

6:30 p.m. CT

Join us online to learn more about our Education programs at Bethel University!

Preparing Compassionate, Competent Educational Leaders.

M.A. in Special Education

Here, we recognize that teaching children with disabilities is a high calling. Our faculty members—who are both recognized researchers and practitioners in multiple specialties within the field—train special education teachers to serve students, teachers, and families from a mindset of Christian values. With this frame, you’ll help create a positive environment that will keep your students engaged in learning and your work rewarding. Our multiple licensure options will help you lead in the largest growing field in education.

95%

Students who pass the MTLE Pedagogy exam

100%

pass rate for MN Teacher Licensure Exam in Special Ed Foundational Skills

Career Outcomes

Outcomes

Our master's degree in special education program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident, compassionate, successful teacher serving kids, families, and communities.

Skills

Learn how to:

  • Effectively teach students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities
  • Develop strategies for managing academic and behavioral challenges
  • Ethically carry out legal requirements of special education
  • Collaborate with parents and colleagues
  • Engage with students from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds
  • Use a range of technology tools to interpret, evaluate, and apply information

Careers

Our graduates become:

  • Special education teachers in public, private, and charter schools
  • Early childhood special education teachers
  • Directors of special education
  • Principals
  • Superintendents
  • instructional coordinators
Kresge Courtyard

Start your journey

Apply Now

You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.

Start your application Schedule a visit

Explore Related Programs