Program highlights
- Maximum flexibility. Work at your own pace, around your schedule. The 100% online graduate program offers 7-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. Finish your degree in 18-24 months.
- Two credentials, more impact. You can earn an M.Ed. plus a certificate in assistive technology, autism or another education area at no added time or cost. This streamlined pathway enables you to build expertise across multiple areas of special education aligned with your career goals.
- Skill enhancement. The BGSU M.Ed. program helps you:
- Build your professional expertise.
- Put evidence-based transition knowledge into practice.
- Strengthen your teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills.
- Virtual community of practice. Join this vibrant community and learn from faculty and peers across disciplines representing secondary education, counseling, career and employment services, and higher education. Discussions are lively as we share wide-ranging experiences, knowledge and resources and grapple with contemporary challenges to providing effective transition planning and services.
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Career opportunities
A secondary transition master’s degree from BGSU will assure employers that you possess the knowledge and skills to support youth with disabilities as they move into adulthood. M.Ed. graduates are prepared to excel in transition leadership positions within K-12 schools, community agencies and institutions of higher education.
Career paths
- School transition specialist
- Development disabilities transition specialist
- Transition rehabilitation counselor
- Job training coordinator
- College teacher
- Senior professional educator
I chose BGSU’s secondary transition program because it helped fellow teachers achieve their dream jobs. The professors were approachable and knowledgeable. They shared many great resources that I continue to use. This program supported my career goals through the convenience of being online. That made it possible for me to teach full time while completing my master’s program.
Jenna Lahood
Intervention Specialist [Special Education Teacher]
Medina City Schools
I am beyond impressed with the program structure and the opportunity it provided me to continue growing as a professional. I obtained my master’s while I was a service and support administrator at the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and it was extremely valuable for me. I have recommended this program to just about everyone who is working with transition-aged youth.
Britta Hough
Regional Community Life Engagement Project Manager
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
I work with students who have moderate to significant disabilities. I felt there was more my district could be doing to support my students’ outcomes, and ultimately, I learned there is more I could be doing, too. I am excited that I have the tools to vastly improve students' lives and our district’s stance on supporting individuals with significant disabilities in their pursuit of adulthood. I would recommend this program to anybody in a heartbeat.
Nicole Holder
High School Intervention Specialist [Special Education Teacher]
Upper Arlington City Schools
I work with English learner students who are seniors transitioning to life after high school. I utilize so many of the career assessments and tools that were shared in my classes. I have also gained so much knowledge about organizations in my community that I can reach out to when needed. It was an amazing program that taught me so much.
Melissa Simashkevich
English Language Teacher
Westerville City Schools
Curriculum
The 30-credit curriculum combines three areas of focused study:
- Secondary transition core (12 credits) – Gain the knowledge and skills to lead and make an impact in your field.
- Special education master’s courses (6 credits) – Deepen your knowledge and apply evidence-based practices.
- Graduate certificate or electives (12 credits) – Choose a pathway that aligns with your career goals and interests.
NOTE: This program does not lead to an initial teacher license.
Sample courses
- Transition from School to Adult Life
- Transition Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Competitive Employment, College and Careers
- Partnerships in Work-based Learning
- Interagency Collaboration for Transition
- Research in Education
- Master's Capstone
Ohio TTW Endorsement
Program graduates who hold a standard Ohio intervention specialist, career-technical teaching, or professional pupil services license or certificate are recommended by BGSU to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for the Transition-to-Work (TTW) endorsement. The endorsement is added to their existing license or certificate.
The TTW endorsement is a valuable credential many school districts require for their transition specialists, job training coordinators, career assessment specialists and others who coordinate or provide transition services.
For school counselors, occupational therapists, social workers, school psychologists and other pupil service professionals, earning the TTW Endorsement certifies that they have the knowledge and skills to support effective transitions for the students with disabilities they serve.
#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 with a specialization in secondary transition is a program in the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Development.