Online Special Education Programs

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Teach Learners With Exceptionalities

Expand your expertise and position yourself as a leader in the education field. Whether you are a current educator, a service provider or looking for a change from your current profession, we have the program for you. You can expand your education with a master’s degree, enroll in a licensure-only program or earn a master’s degree that leads to licensure.

Complete Your edTPA Requirements

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 and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). As a graduate of Purdue’s online special education program, you will be empowered to design and deliver effective instruction for students with exceptionalities.

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 build your network beyond the classroom with alumni, guest speakers from the field, faculty members, course instructors and university supervisors.

Towards the end of your degree, our Induction Seminars will continue to provide much-needed support as you complete the program and move into your full-time role as a special educator. Purdue is committed to our alumni and will continue providing meaningful content, a supportive community and guest experts from the field to keep you motivated and encouraged as you begin your professional career.

The program offers several options to meet your career needs.

Purdue’s selection of special education programs offers you the opportunity to study exactly what you need to move your career forward. You have the option of pursuing:

  • MS in Education (MSEd) in Special Education
  • MS in Education (MSEd) in Special Education + Licensure
  • Licensure Only

Choose the program option below that best suits your career path.

MSEd in Special Education

This is a master’s in special education that prepares you to work within the field of special education, but not as a licensed teacher. Please note, this degree does not lead to a teaching license.

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

Credits: 31

Two Paths to Licensure

Currently on an emergency or provisional Special Education permit? 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!

In the concentrations below, you have the option of earning your MSEd with the licensure listed, or you can enroll in the concentration’s licensure-only option.

You have a bachelor’s degree (in any field/area) and a desire to teach special education.

Requires: A practicum and student teaching

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

You’re prepared for licensure exams in:

  • Mild Intervention
  • Blended and Online Teaching

Credits: 36

Licensure-Only Option: 33 credits

You have a bachelor’s degree (in any field/area) and a desire to teach special education.

Requires: Two practicums and student teaching

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

You’re prepared for licensure exams in:

  • Mild Intervention
  • Intense Intervention
  • Blended and Online Teaching

Credits: 48

Licensure-Only Option: 45 credits

You have a teaching license* and a desire to teach special education.

Requires: A practicum

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

You’re prepared for licensure exams in:

  • Mild Intervention
  • Blended and Online Teaching

Credits: 32

Licensure-Only Option: 29 credits.

You have special education teaching license and want to work with those who need intense interventions.

Requires: A practicum

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

You’re prepared for licensure exams in:

  • Intense Intervention

Credits: 32

Licensure-Only Option: 14 credits.

You have an initial teaching license* and a desire to teach learners with exceptionalities who need mild and intense intervention needs.

Requires: Two practicums

Graduate with your MSEd in Special Education

You’re prepared for licensure exams in:

  • Mild Intervention
  • Intense Intervention
  • Blended and Online Teaching

Credits: 44

Licensure-Only Option: 41 Credits

*Candidates seeking an additional license in Mild and/or Intense Intervention must show proof of an initial teaching license in any content areas. Please note: Emergency and/or Substitute Teaching Licenses are not considered an initial teaching license.

Why Students Choose Purdue

Purdue faculty strives for excellence in teaching and developing our programs, which is reflected in their numerous top-level rankings.

#13 Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs —
U.S. News & World Report 2023

#15 in Best Online Master’s
in Education Programs —

U.S. News & World Report 2024

#17 in Top Public Schools (tie)
in the U.S. —

U.S. News & World Report 2024

#7 Most Innovative School
in the U.S. —

U.S. News & World Report 2024