Graduate Programs in Special Education

The BGSU School of Counseling and Special Education offers graduate programs in special education leading to the Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, eligibility for Ohio educator licensure, and university certificates. Program graduates are prepared to assist individuals with exceptionalities to access a quality education and assume roles as valued, contributing members of their communities. Our programs are designed to position graduates to take the next step in their professional development and career advancement.

M.Ed. in Special Education Programs

Are you interested in pursuing Ohio licensure as an intervention specialist at the graduate level? If so, our on-campus licensure programs are just for you. You will take licensure coursework as part of a master’s degree program in special education.

Intervention Specialist – Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (K-12)
Intervention Specialist – Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs (K-12)

Are you looking for the flexibility of completing your master’s degree entirely online? Expand your expertise by selecting one of our  specialized preparation programs in assistive technology, autism spectrum disorders or secondary transition.  Our online graduate degree programs in education were recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as being one of the best online education degree programs in the nation.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with classes starting in August, January, and May.   

Special Education – General Click here to view the program sheet

Online Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Assistive Technology

Online Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Online Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Secondary Transition

Master’s Degree Application Procedures

Online Graduate-Level Certificate Programs

Do you desire specialized training in a focused area of study through the convenience of an online program? Consider one of our 15-credit hour graduate certificate programs taught by tenure track faculty and seasoned practitioners. We currently offer certificate programs in Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Secondary Transition (leading to the Ohio Transition-to-Work Endorsement.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with classes starting in August, January, and May. 

Online Assistive Technology Certificate
Online Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Certificate
Online Secondary Transition Certificate (leading to Ohio Transition-to-Work Endorsement)

Graduate Assistantships  

The School of Counseling and Special Education offers a limited number of scholarships and graduate assistantships to degree-seeking students engaged in full-time graduate study. Graduate financial support is awarded based on the excellence of student credentials and the availability of funding. Eligibility is restricted to students with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 when graduate semesters hours are nine or greater). To receive full consideration, submit the Application for Graduate Funding by March 1 for study to begin summer or fall semester and October 15 for study to begin spring semester.

For more information about the graduate programs in special education, contact Brittany Joseph, M.Ed.  419-372-0253  bjoseph@bgsu.edu

Learning Outcomes – Assistive Technology
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Special Education - Assistive Technology are expected to be able to:

• Examine the definition and scope of AT devices and services within the context special education service delivery.
• Evaluate and interpret assessment data to properly select AT tools and strategies, make data-based decisions, and monitor student progress.
  
• Modify instructional methods and materials, including evaluating, assessing, planning, and implementing AT for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate effectively with parents/families and other professionals who work with individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.
  
• Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education through completion of the master’s capstone experience.
• Interpret research in special education.
  
• Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings.

Learning Outcomes – Autism Spectrum Disorder
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorder are expected to be able to:

• Examine the nature and characteristics of students with ASD, including the history and current trends of thinking on ASD.
• Assess the impact of ASD on students' learning and development, social perception, attention and interaction, control and regulation, and communication.
  
• Analyze behavioral data to identify factors contributing to the behavior of individuals with autism and plan interventions.
• Select effective instructional interventions, support strategies, teaching methodologies and materials, monitoring systems and assistive technologies.
  
• Collaborate effectively with parents/families and other professionals who work with individuals with ASD across the lifespan.
• Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education through completion of the master’s capstone experience.
  
• Interpret research in special education.
• Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings. 

Learning Outcomes – Secondary Transition
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Special Education – Secondary Transition are expected to be able to:

• Integrate information about students’ strengths, preferences, interests, and needs to develop effective transition plans.
• Apply person-centered planning strategies to actively involve students and families in transition planning and IEP development.
  
• Plan and implement transition-focused education and services designed to prepare students for competitive employment, postsecondary education, and community living. 
• Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, adult service providers, and community members on behalf of transition-age students with disabilities.
  
• Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education and secondary transition to complete the master’s capstone experience.
• Interpret research in special education.
  
• Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
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 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Special Education program is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is in good standing.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Special Education program requires professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)     
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Special Education program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.