Special Education (MEd)
Exceptional teachers for exceptional learners.
You want all your students to succeed, and a Special Education degree from MBU gives you the tools to provide assessments, resources, and strategies for exceptional learners. Special education interventions can make a world of difference to a student, and with an MBU special education credential, you can be the one to change their lives.
This program can prepare students for an additional teaching endorsement in Special Education General Curriculum K-12 or add-on’s in Special Education General Curriculum K-6, 6-8, or 6-12.
- Time to Completion12-15 months
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Education
Next steps
Why Pursue a Special Education MEd at MBU?
Change the path of a student’s life, or change the course of your career. A special education degree from MBU opens up new career opportunities with an in-demand skill set, endorsements, and certifications. The methods taught at MBU can help you identify the needs of exceptional students and develop and implement IEPs in pursuit of an inclusive classroom where all students can excel.
With three different Special Education curricular pathways—K-12 Licensure, Licensure Add-On, and Non-Licensure—MBU will surely have the program that’s right for you.
Flexibility and Convenience
With all courses available online, you can complete coursework on your schedule and practicums in any accredited classroom. Whether you’re shifting your teaching focus or looking for an additional endorsement, the Elementary Education program at MBU rewards your time and efforts.
MEd students don’t need to be Commonwealth of Virginia residents to seek licensure—they can complete practicums and student-teaching in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Next steps
Teacher Education Program
Students accepted to the MEd program are automatically enrolled in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP). Upon completion of their degree program and TEP requirements, Commonwealth of Virginia-licensed MEd students will be prepared to obtain an additional teaching endorsement by Commonwealth of Virginia standards.
If you have a provisional license, conditional admission may be possible. talk to an advisor about pursuing an MEd endorsement.
The MBU classes I took were practical and useful, and I often reference the lessons and materials from my classes. The lessons I learned at MBU helped frame my thinking about how to best serve students.
Kara IrvingPBTL Student, Special Education
Curricular Pathways
The Special Education MEd program at Mary Baldwin combines theory and practice to develop an integrated approach to educating and empowering exceptional students.
This MEd program offers three distinct curricular pathways for applicants depending upon their:
- licensure status
- target grade-level position
- career field
Click on each drop-down for more information on courses and program requirements.
Curricular Options
MEd students can choose to pursue the Special Education Non-Licensure program for the degree alone, and not an additional endorsement. This program is ideal for students that don’t possess a Virginia teaching license, and for those working with exceptional students outside the public school classroom.
Click here to learn more about the Special Education Non-Licensure curriculum.
Students entering the Special Education MEd with an active Virginia teaching license in Elementary Education or Middle/Secondary Core Content areas may complete the program, and TEP requirements, to earn a licensure endorsement in Special Education, as well as a degree.
Click here to learn more about the Special Education K-12 Endorsement curriculum.
The Special Education add-ons are for students that have obtained or are currently working towards an initial Virginia teaching license in Elementary Education, Middle Education Core Content, or Secondary Education Core Content.
Students will complete a lessened course-load, along with TEP requirements, to receive their respective licensure add-on in addition to a degree.
Click here to learn more about the Special Education Add-On curriculum.
Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Outstanding Outcomes and Opportunities
MBU’s reputation for producing exceptionally qualified educators means that an MEd from MBU translates into a career.
MBU is committed to training teachers for every student, no matter their financial or geographic situation. That’s why an average of 92% of Teacher Education Program graduates are in one of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Top Ten Critical Shortage Areas.
Next steps
Cost & Financial Aid
We work hard to make an MBU education one of the most affordable in the country. Many MBU students receive scholarship awards or financial aid. Additionally, current Commonwealth of Virginia school employees or MBU alumni may be eligible for a tuition discount.