Online
Special Education
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies
Attention Indiana Teachers!
Purdue’s Special Education program has been selected to receive funding by the Indiana Department of Education Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) program. With documentation from your school district and the program director, candidates can apply to receive the ISEAL funds to pay program tuition costs after they begin the program.
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Hear directly from our directors of admissions, program directors and faculty to learn more about the program’s objectives, what it’s like to learn online, the resources we have to assist you throughout your education, and career paths after graduation.
Courses
Choose from Six Concentrations
Earn your master’s degree and match a concentration below to your current teaching status and career goals.
The programs listed below are for candidates seeking a Master’s degree in special education with licensure and non-licensure options. Candidates looking for licensure only can learn more about the Special Education Licensure Only Program.
Master’s Only
MSEd in Special Education – Non-Licensure (Master’s Only)
Earn your master’s in special education. No practicum is required; an additional elective course is taken in its place.
31 credit hours
- Foundations of Online Learning (EDPS 59000)
- Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues Across the Lifespan (EDPS 56800)
- Development of Learners with Mild Intervention Needs (EDPS 57701)
- Introduction to Educational Research (EDPS 53300)
- Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings (EDPS 51500)
- Data-Based Decision Making for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56300)
- Math Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56500)
- Transition Education and Services (EDPS 55800)
- Effective Instruction for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties (EDPS 52400)
- Literary Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 52700)
- Medical and Physical Management of Learners with Disability or Chronic Illness (EDPS 57300) OR
- Development of Learners with Intense Intervention Needs (EDPS 52000)
Additional Licensure
For teachers already licensed, looking to add special education licensure
MSEd in Special Education – Additional Mild Only Licensure
Intended for those who already have an initial (teaching) license and want a master’s degree and additional licensure in mild intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
32 credit hours
- Foundations of Online Learning (EDPS 59000)
- Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues Across the Lifespan (EDPS 56800)
- Development of Learners with Mild Intervention Needs (EDPS 57701)
- Foundations of Clinical Practice and Licensure (EDPS 50002)
- Introduction to Educational Research (EDPS 53300)
- Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings (EDPS 51500)
- Data-Based Decision Making for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56300)
- Math Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56500)
- Transition Education and Services (EDPS 55800)
- Effective Instruction for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties (EDPS 52400)
- Literary Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 52700)
- Clinical Practice Experience I (Practicum) – Mild (EDPS 56010M)
MSEd in Special Education – Additional Mild and Intense Licensure
Intended for those who already have initial (teaching) licensure and want additional licensure in mild and intense intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
44 credit hours
- Foundations of Online Learning (EDPS 59000)
- Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues Across the Lifespan (EDPS 56800)
- Development of Learners with Mild Intervention Needs (EDPS 57701)
- Foundations of Clinical Practice and Licensure (EDPS 50002)
- Introduction to Educational Research (EDPS 53300)
- Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings (EDPS 51500)
- Data-Based Decision Making for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56300)
- Math Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56500)
- Transition Education and Services (EDPS 55800)
- Effective Instruction for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties (EDPS 52400)
- Literary Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 52700)
- Clinical Practice Experience I (Practicum) – Mild (EDPS 56010M)
- Medical and Physical Management of Learners with Disability or Chronic Illness (EDPS 57300)
- Development of Learners with Intense Intervention Needs (EDPS 52000)
- Curricula for Learners with Intense Intervention Needs (EDPS 57600)
- Clinical Practice Experience I (Practicum) – Intense (EDPS 56010I)
MSEd in Special Education – Additional Intense Only Licensure
Intended for those who already have initial special education teaching licensure in mild intervention and want additional licensure in intense intervention. This concentration requires practicum experiences.
38 credit hours
- Foundations of Online Learning (EDPS 59000)
- Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues Across the Lifespan (EDPS 56800)
- Development of Learners with Mild Intervention Needs (EDPS 57701)
- Foundations of Clinical Practice and Licensure (EDPS 50002)
- Introduction to Educational Research (EDPS 53300)
- Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings (EDPS 51500)
- Data-Based Decision Making for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56300)
- Math Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 56500)
- Transition Education and Services (EDPS 55800)
- Effective Instruction for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties (EDPS 52400)
- Literary Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities (EDPS 52700)
- Medical and Physical Management of Learners with Disability or Chronic Illness (EDPS 57300)
- Curricula for Learners with Intense Intervention Needs (EDPS 57600)
- Clinical Practice Experience I (Practicum) – Intense (EDPS 56010I)
Careers
Complete Your edTPA
Purdue’s online special education programs incorporate the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) measures. You’ll complete your program ready for this multi-measure assessment that requires new teachers to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to teach according to state and national standards – including:
- Common Core State Standards
- Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC)
As a graduate of Purdue’s online special education program, you will be empowered to teach students effectively.
Credentials & Certifications
Earn Additional Credentials as You Work Towards Your Degree
Purdue’s Online Special Education Program offers candidates the opportunity to earn additional credentials while completing their advanced degree or licensure. Learn more about our Blended and Online Teaching State Licensure, Google and Apple Certification, and the Orton Gilligham Credential below.
Blended & Online Teaching State Licensure
When you complete a non-intense intervention special education program online with Purdue, you’ll graduate with the requirements to earn an Indiana licensure in Blended and Online Teaching. While not a stand-alone content area or exclusive to a specific age group, the online Blended and Online Teaching licensure prepares teachers for online and blended classrooms.
Purdue’s non-intensive intervention online programs utilize Blended and Online Teaching standards along with International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards to develop specific competencies that students will master upon completing their programs. With this approach, additional courses or field experiences are not required beyond those in their current plan of study. Instead, these experiences will be modified to emphasize diverse learning environments.
Google and Apple Certification
The Apple Teacher certification and the Google Workspace for Education Certification material is integrated into the coursework of the program. Candidates are required to obtain the necessary technology to complete the material. In EDPS 57701, candidates will develop a portfolio that will showcase their certificates and competencies they collect throughout the program.
Orton Gillingham Credential
The Orton Gillingham Online Academy is partnering with Purdue University to bring the OG Approach to pre-service teachers as a Master’s degree requirement. The course (EDPS 52400 – Effective Instruction For Students with Significant Reading Difficulties) will explore significant reading difficulties, such a dyslexia, and essential components of effective reading instruction. This course will investigate scientifically-based reading research (SBRR), evidence-based and developmentally appropriate reading instruction and interventions to support students with exceptionalities.
Candidates completing this course will obtain an Orton Gillingham Certificate of Completion. This certificate may result in a candidate’s ability to secure an additional reading credential within his/her state. Please contact your state’s Dept of Education or speak with your school district officials to see how this additional certificate will be viewed within their district/state.
resources
We Build A Resourceful Community of Teachers
The online MSED in Special Education Faculty and Staff are committed to providing essential support to each candidate as they complete the program and move into a full-time role as a special education instructor. With a variety of resources and events offered through this program, candidates will be able to step confidently into a special education teacher role and provide an impactful learning experience to students with exceptional needs.
Mentor & Induction Program
Purdue’s Mentor and Induction Program provides a series of seminars to help you connect content from course to course, integrate technology tools and provide networking opportunities beyond the classroom with alumni, guest speakers from the field, faculty members and course instructors and university supervisors.
Practicum & Licensure Support
Collaborate one-on-one with the Clinical Practice Coordinator to help you and your administration design a clinical practice experience(s) that works for your licensure area.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions decisions are based on individual experience and the applicant’s fit with the program. We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy in applying for the program.
To be considered for admission, students must complete a phone interview with an admissions advisor and submit a completed application as well as the following items:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA
- An updated resume
- (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your abilities
- Two Statements
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits*
- Transcript Evaluation & Credential Review (TECR) – For All Licensure Track Applicants
- An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)
*Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a conferred master’s degree from an institution other than Purdue may not be used as transfer credit.
Currently on an Alternative Special Education Licensure? As of July 1, 2022, many states, including the State of Indiana, are requiring permit holders to enter a professional license preparation program. Come see what Purdue can offer you!
Purdue’s special education online degree program is designed to give you the skills and training needed for licensure in the state of Indiana. The State of Indiana has a compact agreement with most states, meaning a student with a valid Indiana teaching license can obtain a license in another state. Specific coursework, testing, or grade point averages may be required.
For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website.
To learn more about each state’s requirements for licensing, please contact the Department of Education in your desired state or visit the United States Department of Education website for license requirements and application procedures.
View additional information regarding licensing.
View additional information regarding accreditation, standards, and program recognition.
In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.
- Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
- International applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Prior to starting your online application, you must first complete a phone interview with an admissions advisor. To schedule your phone interview, call 877-497-5851.
Once you have completed your phone interview, you are ready to complete the online application.
If you have questions on eligibility or the documents required for your application, please call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.
Send All Other Application Materials To:
Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
West Maitland, FL 32751
Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step
Cost
Program Costs
| Program Costs – Master’s ONLY | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate | $421.20 | $671.20 |
| PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) | $18.80 | $18.80 |
| Digital Education Fee (per credit hour) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour | $490.00 | $740.00 |
| Total Credit Hours | 31 | 31 |
| Practicum Fee I | N/A | N/A |
| Practicum Fee II | N/A | N/A |
| Student Teaching Fee | N/A | N/A |
| edTPA Fee | N/A | N/A |
| EDPS 52400 Course Fee | $495.00 | $495.00 |
| Total Program Cost | $15,190.00 | $22,940.00 |
| Rate/Cost | Additional Licensure – Mild | Additional Licensure – Mild & Intense | Additional Licensure – Intense | Initial Licensure – Mild | Initial Licensure – Mild & Intense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition rate – In-State (per credit hour) | $421.20 | $421.20 | $421.20 | $421.20 | $421.20 |
| Tuition Rate – Out-of-State (per credit hour) | $671.20 | $671.20 | $671.20 | $671.20 | $671.20 |
| PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) | $18.80 | $18.80 | $18.80 | $18.80 | $18.80 |
| Digital Education Fee (per credit hour) | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour – In-State** | $490.00 | $490.00 | $490.00 | $490.00 | $490.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour – Out-of-State** | $740.00 | $740.00 | $740.00 | $740.00 | $740.00 |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | 44 | 38 | 36 | 48 |
| Subtotal Cost without course fees – In-State | $15,680.00 | $21,560.00 | $18,620.00 | $17,640.00 | $23,520.00 |
| Subtotal Cost without course fees – Out-of-State | $23,680.00 | $32,650.00 | $28,120.00 | $26,640.00 | $35,520.00 |
| Practicum Fee I | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 |
| Practicum Fee II | N/A | $1,140.00 | N/A | N/A | $1,140.00 |
| Student Teaching Fee | N/A | N/A | N/A | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 |
| edTPA Fee | N/A | N/A | N/A | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| EDPS 52400 Course Fee | $495.00 | $495.00 | $495.00 | $495.00 | $495.00 |
| Total Program Cost – In-State | $17,315.00 | $24,335.00 | $20,255.00 | $20,875.00 | $27,895.00 |
| Total Program Cost – Out-of-State | $25,315.00 | $35,335.00 | $29,755.00 | $29,875.00 | $39,895.00 |
*Additional program costs related to licensure, testing, course materials and books may apply depending on program track. Estimated additional costs over the course of the whole program ranges from $500–$2200 depending on the track and preference of book format, paper (higher end) or electronic (lower end). Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increases. Annual increases may change the total program cost. Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be available to the online MSEd in Special Education program.
**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Licensure
Licensure Information
The type of Indiana Instructional License (Initial or Addition) is contingent on the specific “learning concentration” selected. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the program application if you have questions about licensure.
testimonial
Even as a new special education teacher, I felt extremely prepared in understanding my role in educating students with exceptionalities across K-12 environments.
Teri Baxter
program FACULTY
Learn From the Experts
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the online MS in Education in Special Education can prepare you for leadership and advancement in your teaching career.
Frequently asked questions
Purdue’s Online Special Education Program focuses on mild intervention, high incidence disabilities such as learning disabilities, mild intellectual disability, emotional/behavior disability, and high functioning autism. Candidates do have the option to add a focus on intense intervention (moderate to significant intellectual disabilities, medical and physical impairments as well as chronic illness) to complement your studies in mild intervention.
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Special Education with a concentration based on the program of admission:
- Special Education Initial License Mild Only
- Special Education Initial License Mild/Intense
- Special Education License Addition Intense Only
- Special Education License Addition Mild Only
- Special Education License Addition Mild/Intense
- Special Education Non-Licensure
This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective. Please review the Licensure section of this page before applying for a program.
This program is designed to prepare candidates for Indiana licensure. As such, candidates completing the Initial or Additional Licensure Program will earn an Indiana Licensure and a master’s degree. Given Indiana’s reciprocity with 42 additional states, it is possible that your state will accept your Indiana Teaching License based on the qualifications and required clinical experience(s). Please note, reciprocity is subject to change at anytime.
Individuals seeking licensure outside of the State of Indiana will need to work with their individual state to check for reciprocity and if they may have additional licensing requirements. Individuals desiring a master’s ONLY will NOT be eligible for a license in special education in the State of Indiana.
No. Practicum and Student Teaching requirements can be completed outside of Indiana and are supervised electronically. It is strongly encouraged candidates are employed or seek employment as a special educator (on an alternative/provisional/emergency licensure) or para-professional in effort to expedite the placement(s) opportunities as well as provide candidates with much needed experiences while completing the program.
Yes. Purdue’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) has expert advisors to assist you regarding Indiana licensure.
Individuals seeking licensure outside of the State of Indiana will need to work with their State Department of Education to determine if Indiana licensure fulfills the licensure requirements within that State. Yes, Purdue offers licensing advisors who can assist you with specific licensure questions for Indiana licensure.
Office of Professional Preparation & Licensure
Purdue University College of Education
Main Office: 765-494-2345
Fax: 765-494-0587
Email: licensure@purdue.edu
Individuals who seek licensure in other states will need to work with their state department of education to determine and fulfill its specific licensing requirements.
Individuals not seeking licensure can choose the Non-Licensure Track (master’s ONLY) Program. The MS Only program does not require Clinical Practice Experiences and will NOT lead to licensure.
Clinical Practice I (Practicum) can range from 8 to 16 weeks and is only offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Practicum cannot be offered in the Summer.
Clinical Practice II (Student Teaching) is a 16 week experience and is only offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Student Teaching cannot be offered in the Summer.
All students in the Online Special Education Program are required to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) on an ANNUAL basis while enrolled in the program. Purdue uses Castlebranch to conduct all CBCs.
All students must complete a Professionalism Agreement and present a valid criminal background check. Candidates seeking licensure will eventually obtain CPR-Heimlich Maneuver-AED Certification, complete a suicide prevention training (available through Purdue at no charge while enrolled. If this is not completed while enrolled, there will be a fee), state content and pedagogy tests. Please Note: Licensure requirements are subject to change. Please check with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) or Purdue’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) if you have any questions.
Candidates who are not U.S. citizens can complete the Master’s Only. If you believe you have a special case, you can contact the Program Coordinator.
Yes. Licensure requirements are subject to change. Please check with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) or Purdue’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) if you have any questions.
The Online Special Education Program requires candidates to have a computer (laptop or desktop) that meets the minimum processor/software requirements in order to access and participate in the online program. In addition, candidates are required to have an iPad that meets the programs minimum series/IOS. The iPad in conjunction with your computer will be used to develop the knowledge and skills need to integrate technologies into the classroom, home, hospital, or other environment where individuals with disabilities can receive educational services according to the IEP. Given the iPad requirement, many of the require texts/readings will be available free to candidates. A list of required textbooks (not available for free) will be provided prior to beginning the program and is subject to change.
It depends on when the credits were taken and the content covered within the course. Professional Standards and Practices change over time and were updated in 2020. Courses not aligned with CEC 2020 Standards may not be accepts. Please submit transfer request prior to beginning the program, as transfer credit will NOT be considered after the student has begun his/her program.
Master’s Only – does NOT require any clinical practice experience as it does NOT lead to licensure in the State of Indiana.
Additional Licensure in Special Education – DOES require practicum experiences at both the elementary and secondary level. The Program Coordinator will meet with you to develop these individual experiences.
Initial Licensure in Special Education – DOES require both practicum and student teaching experiences. The Program Coordinator will meet with you to develop these individual experiences.
No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma. Online students are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony on campus upon program completion.
Most coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments, and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, e-mail, and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. You can log on and do your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.
As in an on-campus program, you should plan on devoting about 15 to 20 hours a week to coursework, depending on your study habits.
The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success at the University and in the future. Your instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultations and will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support is available to help you handle hardware and software issues, and we have dedicated staff available to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling, or any other administrative issues.
