Special Education (M.Ed.)

Earn a Master’s Degree in Special  Education

The Special Education with Licensure (M.Ed.) program is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial Professional Educator License with an endorsement in special education (K-Age 21).  The program is for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are seeking a teaching license.
 
The College of Education also has several years of experience preparing teacher candidates to successfully complete the edTPA, a national assessment designed to lead aspiring teachers to a high level of professional performance. The assessment requires teacher candidates to demonstrate substantial academic and cultural knowledge of their students, as well as use data to improve instruction. USF teacher candidates can count on extensive support and guidance to ensure positive results on the edTPA. 

Delivery Format

Online

Program Cost

$555/credit hour

Program Length

24 Months

Program Overview

This program cultivates educational leaders committed to fostering positive change in special education within their schools and communities.

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Competitive Curriculum

The Secondary Education graduate program at the University of St. Francis includes a competitive curriculum. 

What You’ll Learn

Interact with experienced faculty who model teaching strategies inspired by the latest research.

Grow through the direct application of concepts you are learning while collaborating with teaching professionals in schools in the surrounding area.

Benefit from the College of Education’s excellent reputation with area schools and be highly employable after graduation.

 

Accredited

usf business acbspThe University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).

Respected

Our programs are top-ranked! U.S. News & World Report has placed the University of St. Francis on several of its annual listings, year after year, including its “Best National Universities,” “Best Value Schools” and “Best Online Programs” lists.

USF's Centennial Gateway

“I chose the M.Ed. program at the University of St. Francis because it has an outstanding reputation amongst local educators. In addition, as a mom of two kids, the hybrid schedule allowed me to continue to work and was flexible for my family’s busy lifestyle. I appreciate the tremendous support from my professors and advisor throughout the program. The opportunity to become close with other students provided additional support for our learning journeys. I am very pleased with my decision to attend USF and highly recommend the program to other prospective students.”

Amy Randolph, Program Graduate

 

More Details

Let Us Assist

Coursework Evaluation

CLICK HERE to initiate a review of previously completed coursework to determine individual program requirements.

Online Learning & You

The University of St. Francis offers more than 120 online courses and serves more than 1,500 student registrations per semester.

Curious to know more about online learning and what it entails? USF prides itself on delivering a practical, real-world curriculum and faculty expertise in a medium proven to be conducive to the needs of working adults. Explore USF’s online learning environment here!

Finance Your Education

Continuing and adult students are eligible for some aid and scholarships. Review our scholarships page to see what’s available to make financing your education easier.

Returning to Learning

Our admissions staff is here to make sure every question you have about graduate studies gets answered. Learn more about graduate studies and make an appointment today!

A Welcoming Community

Graduate students are invited to participate in student life, even if you’re an adult or studying from afar! Learn about the resources USF provides to all students to prepare them for success.