Education Master of Arts – Special Education
Program Overview
What is a master of arts in education – special education?
An M.A.Ed. in Special Education is a master’s program for educators who are seeking focused training to help diverse students with special needs including those with dyslexia and other learning and behavioral disabilities.
Why pursue an M.A.Ed. in Special Education at Furman?
In intentionally small classrooms and through a mix of delivery modalities, students in the special education master’s program learn tools to improve the educational outcomes and quality of life for children and adolescents with exceptionalities. Research-based, high-leverage practices in relating to students with special needs give candidates foundational skills to become better educators, adding to a solid teaching certification.
Backed by more than 100 years of experience, Furman’s Department of Education, boasting South Carolina’s first teacher residency program, is nationally recognized. Partner with some of the most respected and caring professors and practitioners in education. Learn more about graduate studies in education and how to apply.
How will you learn?
For teachers, the Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities or Emotional/Behavioral Disorders is designed to prepare candidates to address a specific area of special education through courses and practica dealing with the nature of a particular disability. Teachers pursuing the master’s degree learn even more specialized intervention techniques and strategies to deal appropriately with children and adolescents with special needs, while respecting the dignity and worth of all students. In the final practicum, candidates apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
Careers for M.A.Ed. – Special Education graduates
Graduates of the M.A.Ed. in Special Education program secure access to new professional vocations in a high-demand field across multiple grade levels. Graduates can also look forward to an increase in salary.
Some career possibilities include:
- Special education certified teacher, middle and/or secondary school
- Special education certified teacher, preschool, kindergarten or elementary school
- Inclusionary classroom teacher PK-12
- District-level curriculum coordinator
M.A.Ed. in Special Education courses: What will you study?
Sample courses include:
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14.4 %U.S. students (ages 3-21) in special education, 2019-2020
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13.7%South Carolina students in special education, 2019-2020
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12.3%Increase in special education students in the U.S. in the last decade
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17:1Student to special education teacher ratio in the U.S. based on 2019-2020 data
Our faculty
Judy Stuart
Hone teaching skills to address children of all abilities, cast a wider vocational net and elevate your annual salary with a master’s in special education. Some career options include middle school or secondary school special education certified teacher, elementary school special education certified teacher, inclusionary classroom teacher PK-12, and district-level curriculum coordinator, among others.
According to payscale.com, the average base salary for those who hold a master’s degree in special education is $63,000.
In Greenville County Schools, teachers with a master’s draw an annual salary from $52,074 to $83,676, based on years of experience.
The M.A.Ed. in Special Education at Furman is a 33-credit program, which includes a mix of online, in-person and hybrid courses. The master’s is typically completed within a year and a half to two years depending on when the candidate begins the program.
Apply today by visiting our Begin Your Application page.
