Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
A special education degree equips you to empower all students to learn and thrive.
About This Program
The Master of Education in Special Education has two specializations, Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Populations.
While both are similar, there are some key differences you should keep in mind.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Students taking the ABAI accredited Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization study the evaluation, assessment, and intervention techniques necessary to help children and adults struggling with behavioral issues both in and out of the classroom.
The Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization will prepare you to help students and clients learn new behaviors and reduce problem behaviors associated with various behavioral, developmental, medical, and psychological disorders.
Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Plan
Special Populations
The Special Populations specialization uses intensive coursework to help students understand the connection between theory, research, and practice in the diverse and fast-paced field of special education.
The Special Populations specialization is accredited by CAEP and the Mississippi Department of Education Advanced Licensure.
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Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Education
School
Duration
2 years
Degree
M.Ed. in Special Education
Emphases
Applied Behavior Analysis;
Special Populations
Required Credit Hours
30
Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
You’ll study the evaluation, assessment, and intervention techniques necessary to help children and adults struggling with behavioral issues both in and out of the classroom.
The M.Ed. in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) requires the following courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
To complete the Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, students must complete:
- 21 hours of specialized courses in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 6 hours of Practicum Placement
- 3 hours of the Capstone Research Project
Specialization Courses (21)
- EDSP 680 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
- EDBA 603 Single Case Experimental Design
- EDBA 602 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- EDBA 604 ABA Methods & Assessment
- EDBA 605 ABA Methods & Interventions
- EDBA 606 Ethics in ABA
- EDBA 607 Supervision & Training in ABA
Practicum Placement (6)
- EDBA 610 Practicum Placement
Other Academic Requirements
M.Ed. in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) candidates must successfully complete EDCI 630 and have a minimum of 45 hours of advisor-approved field experiences.
Students applying to the Applied Behavior Analysis specialization must meet the following requirements. Students must have:
- An undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of their coursework.
- A teaching license OR the results from a national standardized achievement/aptitude test predictive of the ability to complete a graduate program successfully.
- These may include but aren't limited to: a passing score on the Praxis II Content Field or on the Praxis II PLT, or a competitive GRE score (all sections), or a valid teaching license.
To properly complete the application process for fall admission, students must submit all application materials before the following deadlines:
- Priority application deadline: May 1
- Secondary application deadline: July 1
Meet the Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Program Coordinator
If you have any questions about the Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization, please reach out.
Kayla Camille Crook
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Special Populations Specialization
You'll study the connection between theory, research, and practice in the field of Special Education.
The M.Ed. in Special Education (Special Populations) requires the following courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
To successfully complete the Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Special Populations, students must complete:
- 9 hours of Professional Core courses
- 18 hours of specialized courses (Gifted, EmD, or Special Populations)
- 3 hours of the Capstone Research Project.
Professional Core Courses (9)
- EDCI 601 Advanced Learning Theory & Practice
- EDCI 603 Measurement & Evaluation for Classroom Teachers
- EDCI 614 Teachers as Leaders
Specialization Courses (18)
M.Ed candidates must select one of the following specializations:
- Gifted
- Emotional Disability (EmD)
- Special Populations
Please refer to the Special Populations Degree Plan for more information.
Other Academic Requirements
M.Ed. in Special Education (Special Populations) candidates must successfully complete EDCI 630 and have a minimum of 45 hours of advisor-approved field experiences.
Students applying to the Special Populations specialization must meet the following requirements. Students must have:
- An undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of their coursework.
- A teaching license OR the results from a national standardized achievement/aptitude test predictive of the ability to complete a graduate program successfully.
- These may include but aren't limited to: a passing score on the Praxis II Content Field or on the Praxis II PLT, or a competitive GRE score (all sections), or a valid teaching license.
To properly complete the application process, students must submit all application materials before the following priority deadlines:
- April 1 (for summer admission)
- May 1 (for fall admission)
- November 1 (for spring admission)
Meet the Special Populations Graduate Program Coordinator
If you have any questions about the Special Populations Specialization, please reach out.
Diane Lawrence Lowry
Clinical Associate Professor of Special Education
How much more can you make with a master's degree in Special Education?
According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, a "master's degree earns teachers an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor's degree."
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?