Special Education (Teacher Certification), MEd
Arizona’s top-ranked teacher preparation programs are now more accessible and affordable
No matter where you’re located, you can earn your master’s degree in Special Education leading to teacher certification from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. This program is available in both traditional certification and alternative certification routes for added flexibility.
Accessible
All courses are delivered remotely to meet the needs of working professionals. Choose from two delivery formats:
ASU Sync offers regularly scheduled classes via synchronous learning over Zoom. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space but do meet at the same time, offering a live learning experience with peers.
ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules.
Affordable
You may be eligible for funding such as the Arizona Teachers Academy full-tuition scholarship. Learn more
What is the Master of Education degree in Special Education (Teacher Certification)?
The MEd in Special Education (Teacher Certification) is for candidates who have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach special education or who want to pursue dual-certification in special education and elementary education. Coursework is taught by experts in the field and includes hands-on professional experiences to prepare you to thrive in today’s learning environments. The program culminates in an applied action research project in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned to address a challenge in your classroom.
Time to completion
Total credit hours: 44-46
Time to completion: This program is offered in three continuous semesters allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students can also enroll part-time over additional semesters.
Locations & start dates
ASU Sync*: Fall
ASU Online: Spring, Summer, Fall
*Students completing their program through ASU Sync must still apply and be admitted to the ASU Tempe campus.
Credentials
The traditional certification route qualifies you for Arizona certification in:
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12
- Elementary Education, K–8
The alternative certification route qualifies you for Arizona certification in:
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12
You may be required to pass exams required by the state. Learn more from the Arizona Department of Education.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more
Careers
This degree program prepares you for a career as a:
- Certified teacher in public, charter or private schools including:
- K-12 special education teacher
- K-8 general education teacher
- Educator in non-school settings
Professional experiences
MLFTC Professional Pathways include internships and residencies that allow you to apply knowledge from your coursework in varied school settings. You will be mentored by experienced teachers who are experts in their field. Their personalized guidance will provide the support you need to succeed as a student and as an educator.
Prepare for teacher certification through one of two routes:
In the traditional certification route, you'll complete an internship each semester during your first two semesters — one in a special education setting and one in an elementary education setting. In your final semester, you’ll complete an 8-week teaching residency.
In the alternative certification route, you will need to secure a full-time position as a teacher of record on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states) before starting the program. You will be able to immediately put coursework into practice while receiving guidance from a mentor teacher and your ASU instructors.
Cost & aid
To get an idea of what you can expect to pay, view ASU’s standard cost of attendance.
You can learn about the many ways to reduce your costs, including scholarships and grants just for education students such as the Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU tuition scholarship. The ATA scholarship covers your tuition and fees when you complete an initial teacher certification program and fulfill a commitment to teach in Arizona public schools after graduation. Explore your options.
Admission requirements
You must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
You must also have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor's program). If you don't meet the GPA requirement, you may be eligible for provisional admittance or a non-degree pathway.
View complete admission requirements
Professional licensure
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: GradEducation@asu.edu
