Program highlights
- Flexibility. Work at your own pace, on your schedule with seven-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. Complete your online master’s degree in 18-24 months.
- Engaging online community of practice. Connect with faculty and peers across disciplines through lively discussions where we share diverse experiences, knowledge and resources while tackling real-world challenges in transition planning and services.
- Scholarship opportunity. Students enrolling in their final three credit hours between spring 2025 and fall 2026 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for a tuition award covering their final three credit hours.
Career opportunities
By earning your master’s in secondary transition from BGSU, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and leadership skills to help youth with disabilities thrive in their transition to adulthood. Graduates are prepared to excel in leadership positions within K–12 schools, community agencies and higher education institutions.
Career paths
- School transition specialist
- Development disabilities transition specialist
- Vocational rehabilitation counselor
- Special education consultant
- Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program administrator
- Center for Independent Living (CIL) provider
- Youth advocate
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
As a former transition coordinator for a local school district, I learned more than expected and was able to improve our district’s transition programming. Now as a state support team consultant, I am able to use the knowledge and resources from these courses to assist and guide other districts in improving their transition programs.
Erin Curtis
Postsecondary Transition Consultant
Ohio State Support Team 11
BGSU's secondary transition program has been an invaluable opportunity for professional growth. As an out-of-state student working in the nonprofit sector with youth, I found the information and resources shared in classes to be relevant across state lines and employment settings.
Kelsey Trevethan
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Coordinator
Watauga Opportunities Inc., North Carolina
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
As a school counselor, the program has taught me about resources and tools I can use with my students and families. I would like to see more involvement from school counselors in transition planning for students with disabilities.
Dana Matunas
School Counselor
Columbus City Schools
Curriculum
The master’s in secondary transition program combines interdisciplinary coursework with hands-on field experiences, preparing you to collaborate effectively with students, families and professionals. Led by faculty with real-world expertise in career development, life design, student development and system change advocacy, this program provides evidence-based strategies to support successful transitions for youth with disabilities.
Through the program, you will gain leadership skills to drive meaningful change within your school, organization or community.
Program graduates are prepared to:
- Apply person-centered planning strategies to actively engage students and families in transition planning.
- Develop transition-focused education and services that prepare students for competitive integrated employment, postsecondary education and independent living.
- Translate research into practice to enhance students’ post-school outcomes.
- Collaborate across systems to align services and help youth and families access needed resources.
Sample courses
- Transition from School to Adult Life
- Partnerships in Work-based Learning
- Competitive Employment, College and Careers
- Transition Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Leadership and Law in Special Education - Elective
- Consultative Collaboration in Schools - Elective
- Career and Life Planning Approaches - Elective
- Interagency Collaboration for Transition I, II and III
- Special Education Seminar
- Research in Education
Submit your graduate college application online
Apply Now or Return to Existing Application
- For Campus/Degree Selection, select “Online – Masters.”
- For Program of Study, select “Special Education: Secondary Transition – MEd (Certificate) [with Endorsement classes]”
Required Application Materials: Transcripts and Statement of Purpose
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join our community of dedicated professionals committed to supporting youth with disabilities in leading self-determined lives. Apply today and take the first step toward shaping the future of transition services.
We’re here to support you every step of the way! Reach out to our online enrollment specialists for more information or to get started.
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.
News
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.