The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching Students with Disabilities is designed to develop professional educators committed to careers that involve children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Graduates are prepared to work as special education teachers or education consultants.

Program Tracks

Master’s Program

The traditional degree Master’s Program (MP) track is appropriate for teachers with a U.S. teaching certification in either general or special education who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills. The traditional degree MP track also may be suitable for individuals who are not teachers but have other experience in the disabilities and wish to pursue an advanced degree only. For previously certified teachers, the traditional degree track also may be a path to a second certification in special education. Because this program requires access to a classroom to complete assignments, this program is not intended for international students. This program does not offer assistantship funding. Please see more information about tuition and cost of attendance.

Some classes are offered in person on the Newark campus with a virtual option for distant learners. Other courses are available online (synchronous or asynchronous). Students need to be already affiliated with an area school

Within the MP track, concentrations include:

• K-12 Special Education
• Autism/Severe Disabilities

Master’s Plus Certification Program

The alternate route Master’s Plus Certification Program (MPCP) track is appropriate for individuals who seek to acquire advanced knowledge and skills while also obtaining their first teaching certificate. This option requires local/regional residence and employment. The MPCP track is not suitable for international students. Some classes are offered in person on the Newark campus with a virtual option for distant learners. Other courses are available online (synchronous or asynchronous).

Within the MPCP track, concentrations include:

• Elementary (K-6) Special Education
• Secondary (7-12) Special Education
• Autism/Severe Disabilities

4+1 for UD undergraduates

The 4+1 track is for current UD undergraduate majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education, and Secondary Education majors who want an additional certification in special education and an advanced degree. The M.Ed. in Teaching Students with Disabilities 4+1 track is an on-campus program requiring enrollment in in-person classes for fall and spring semesters. Some summer and winter online courses are required.

There are two 4+1 concentrations for students in the areas of:

• K-12 Special Education
• Autism/Severe Disabilities

Application Information

Please see this page for information on applying to the M.Ed. in Teaching Students with Disabilities program and visit CEHD’s graduate tuition page.