Nationally recognized for student experience
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Master of Education (M.Ed.)
7-week 100% online
Special Education
Bowling Green State University was founded as a teacher’s college in 1910. Preparing educators isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are.
Our unique special education master’s program allows you to earn two credentials – a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in assistive technology, autism or secondary transition, plus a graduate certificate in one of the other two areas or another area of education.
This dual-credential approach helps you expand your skill set across multiple areas of special education.
- Program completion in 18-24 months
- 10 online, 7-week courses (30 credits)
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Multiple start dates
This program does not lead to initial state teaching licensure.
Choose your specialization
Assistive technology
Explore tools and strategies that help students access learning and communicate more effectively.
Autism
Build evidence-based strategies to support learners across the autism spectrum.
Secondary transition
Focus on helping students successfully transition from school to work and independent living. This program includes preparation for a transition-to-work endorsement.
Is the online special education master’s right for you?
The BGSU online program is the right fit for:
- Educators ready to deepen their expertise in special education and increase earning potential
- Professionals in related fields like school counseling, social work, occupational therapy or speech pathology
- Those who have a certificate and want to take the next step and earn a master’s
- Anyone who wants to build skills across multiple areas of special education
Have questions?
Our online enrollment specialists are here for you from registration to graduation. Contact us with questions about applying, financial aid, program details, student support and more. online@bgsu.edu | 419-372-3226
Program highlights
- Practical skills. Apply what you learn immediately in your current role.
- Flexible, online format. Advance your career while continuing to work.
- Customize your path. Choose a specialization in assistive technology, autism or secondary transition.
- Two credentials for the price of one. Our curriculum is designed so that you can build expertise in more than one area by adding a second certificate or electives.
- Accredited program. The BGSU special education master’s program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and is designed to align with state and national standards.
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
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Career opportunities
You’ll leave the master’s program better able to support students with diverse needs. Graduates often use this degree to:
- Expand their role in special education settings
- Support inclusive classrooms
- Collaborate with families, caregivers and administrators
- Move into leadership or specialist roles
Curriculum
Build your 10-class, 30-credit master’s program with:
- 2 core classes in special education (6 credits; includes a capstone project – no thesis required)
- 4 core classes (12 credits) in a specialization of your choice
- 4 electives or 4 graduate certificate classes (12 credits)
This format allows you to graduate with expertise in more than one area of special education.
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The Master of Education in special education is a program in the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Development.
Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.