Special education instructional specialist reading a book with K-12 student in a classroom setting.

Master of Science in Education in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 Online

This degree program offers educators an advanced performance-based program of study based on the recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting associations such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25

Program Overview

Explore our MSE in Special Ed. – Instructional Specialist K-12 online program

The purpose of the Master of Science in Education in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 is to offer educators an advanced performance-based program of study based on the recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting associations such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and CAEP.

Courses are tightly integrated and focused on application-based curriculum. This degree allows individuals to obtain Arkansas licensure as a special education teacher in grades K-12.

As licensure requirements may change without notice, it is the responsibility of the student to confirm the requirements for licensure in his/her state as it applies to the participation in an out-of-state degree program.

Additional documents

Textbook Information (.PDF)

This program requires Live Text.

State Program Approvals (.PDF)

Educators completing this program gain expertise in the following areas:

  • Teaching students exhibiting developmental, learning and behavioral exceptionalities
  • Consulting with general education teachers who have students with exceptionalities in their classrooms
Educators completing this program gain expertise in the following areas:+
  • Teaching students exhibiting developmental, learning and behavioral exceptionalities
  • Consulting with general education teachers who have students with exceptionalities in their classrooms

Prepare for roles in K-12 special education, including:

  • Elementary School Special Education Teacher
  • Middle School Special Education Teacher
  • High School Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Instructional Specialist
Prepare for roles in K-12 special education, including:+
  • Elementary School Special Education Teacher
  • Middle School Special Education Teacher
  • High School Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Instructional Specialist
+

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $12,240
Program Duration: As few as 16 months
Credit Hours 36

Accreditation

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Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

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FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION DEGREE

Tuition

Pay for your online program by the course

Our MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $340
Total Tuition: $12,240

Calendar

See the important milestones to guide your journey

Our MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.

Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.

View full calendar  + 

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/16/2412/18/241/9/251/10/252/28/25
Spring 23/10/252/24/252/28/253/6/253/7/255/2/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 2/24/25
Start Class 3/10/25

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

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Admissions

Learn how to apply to this MSE in Special Ed. – Instructional Specialist K-12 program

A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a valid teaching certificate. Make sure to review full admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Valid teaching license
View all admission requirements +

  • A baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.75 (or 3.0 on the last 60 hours) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution
  • A valid teaching certificate
  • Commitment from an administrator who will function as your mentor during the degree program. View acceptable mentors (.PDF).

    • Application submission requirements

    • Complete online application
    • Pay the nonrefundable $30 fee
    • Send official transcript(s) from the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
    • Provide contact information for the supervisor who will function as your mentor

Note: Candidates seeking licensure in Arkansas must take and pass Praxis Exam 5511-Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge with a score of 148, Praxis Exam 5354-Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications with a score of 138, and Praxis Exam 190-Foundations of Reading with a score of 233. Student may also submit a waiver form indicating the student understands they must pass state licensure exams in order to receive teaching licensure.

Submit all documents to:

A-State Online
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467


Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Unless otherwise noted, Arkansas State University has not confirmed if a program has met requirements for an out-of-state licensure. Please refer to the Program Approval Map to determine which programs are eligible to be offered in states and to find relevant State Agency contact information. Eligibility to offer in a state does not guarantee the program will meet state licensure/certification requirements.

Please contact your state’s Professional License Department/Board to ensure that your chosen distance education program meets your state’s requirements in which you intend to practice.

Appeals process

Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to [email protected]

Transfer credits

Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the Program. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.

Best Online Master's in Education

Recognized among the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2024)

Courses

Take a look at the MSE in Special Ed. – Instructional Specialist K-12 courses

Students are required to complete 36 hours of coursework.

Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course prepares teachers to meet the needs of elementary and secondary students with learning and behavior problems in a variety of settings based on current research and best practices.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Relationship of language acquisition and literacy development for exceptional learners, focusing on the identification, analysis, and correction of literacy development in print knowledge, oral reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the principles and practices for assessment and identification of individuals with disabilities with emphasis on the administration of formal and informal assessment instruments and interpretation and reporting of assessment data.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Developing comprehensive understanding of diagnostic and corrective needs of individuals with reading disabilities in special education classrooms.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of models for the planning and delivering of instruction to students with disabilities who require an individualized general curriculum Includes techniques and materials for teaching reading, math and writing.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the team planning process, working with families, and service delivery options for special education, including special class placement, consultation, and collaborative teaching.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a basis of understanding and addresses behavior challenges of diverse learners. A range of issues, concepts, and practices centering on Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) in school, communities, and other social settings.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Advanced Methods of Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities Evidenced-based research is presented with regard to all educational programs for students with severe, intellectual disabilities and autism, including strategies educators use in concert with team members to plan, teach, and monitor students’ progress.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of legal aspects of special education with emphasis given to the following six principals of special education law: (1) zero project, (2) nondiscriminatory classification, (3) individualized and appropriate education, (4) least restrictive placement, (5) due process, and (6) parent participation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Instructional approaches, strategies and materials for addressing the academic needs of students with exceptionalities, including the selection and use of various strategies to teach students with exceptionalities in the content areas of writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Special Education Laboratory Experience is the internship component of the MSE in Special Education K-12 program. Candidates will develop and implement field-based projects for the purpose of applying the knowledge and skills sets obtained in all courses leading up to the Laboratory Experience course. Implementation of projects will take place in a special education setting to provide an opportunity for candidates to work with students with exceptionalities. Emphasis is on practical application of theoretical methods. Prerequisites: Passage of Special Education Praxis II and permission from advisor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Addressing cultural, linguistic, and educational needs of learners with exceptionalities in schools through culturally responsive teaching, with emphasis placed on developing positive partnerships between schools, students, and their families and communities.

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