Master of Education in Special Education

The Augustana University Master of Education (M.Ed.) Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Augustana is also accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education.

Applications for the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education (M.Ed. in SPED) Program are reviewed when completed applications have been received, with a rolling admission process.

• Fall 2027 — Deadline of Friday, Aug. 20

The application requires official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a 2- to 3-page typed personal statement and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Applications should also include documentation of certification.

For more information, visit the graduate education page.

Augustana University seeks to prepare graduates of the Master of Education in special education (M.Ed. in SPED) program to become well-prepared teachers and leaders competent to support children and youth with disabilities in educational settings.

The program provides in-depth knowledge within the K-12 specialization area, as well as application of research to educational practice.

The core courses component of the Augustana M.Ed. in SPED Program enables students to interface a liberal arts perspective with rigorous, professional education training.

The graduate degree program in the Sharon Lust School of Education emulates the Circle of Courage philosophy focusing on belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. The program is designed to enhance an individual’s ability to create positive learning environments by building classrooms and schools that promote belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. To that end, the program provides in-depth knowledge and application of educational research to classroom practice.

Goals

• Assume the role of teacher-scholar
• Exhibit strong communication skills, including writing with a variety of purposes and audiences in mind
• Demonstrate reflective, professional dispositions in both work and interactions 

Outcomes

• Apply legal and ethical standards related to the education of children and youth with disabilities
• Use evidence-based, research-grounded interventions to the support learning and behavior of children and youth with disabilities
• Develop and apply instructional practices based on knowledge of children and youth with disabilities, their families, communities and curricular standards
• Assess the development and learning of children and youth with disabilities and use that information to direct and monitor the effectiveness of interventions
• Develop skills for supporting collaboration with families, including skills needed to effectively collaborate with others to accomplish this
• Analyze, synthesize and apply research to inform professional practice
• Demonstrate ability in scholarly writing

Why earn a Master of Education in Special Education from Augustana?

An Augustana M.Ed. in SPED degree helps licensed teachers create positive learning environments for students and in most cases, correlates to increased compensation. The degree may lead to additional areas of certification. As an online program, M.Ed. in SPED students can complete their degree requirements and maintain their busy lives. Online delivery also makes it possible for teachers in rural areas to further their education.

Who is eligible to apply for Augustana's Master of Education in Special Education program?

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in education or a related field and be a licensed teacher and/or eligible for teacher licensure. Applicants who do not currently hold an initial teaching license are also encouraged to apply, provided they meet the applicable state licensing or alternative certification requirements.

Admission to the program is restricted to applicants residing in states where the program meets the applicable licensure or alternative certification requirements. Applicants may apply and be considered for admission only if they meet the eligibility requirements of one of the states listed below.

Applicants are responsible for reviewing and verifying the specific teacher licensure or alternative certification requirements established by their state's licensing agency prior to applying. Meeting the program's admission requirements does not guarantee eligibility for or issuance of a teaching license or certification.

View the licensure & disclosure page for states eligible for application and admission.

What are the admission requirements for Augustana’s Master of Education in Special Education program?

To be considered for admission to the Augustana M.Ed. in SPED Program, submit an application, as well as the following:

• Official transcripts showing proof of completed degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better from the undergraduate institution mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@augie.edu.
• A copy of current teaching license
• Names of two references with contact information, including a reference from a principal or supervisor/lead teacher 
• A 400-500 word essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $60

How many credits are required for the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education degree?

Augustana M.Ed. in SPED students complete at least 30 graduate credits. The degree includes 21 credits of core and K-12 specialization courses, as well as nine credits electives.

Can I transfer other courses into the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education program?

Augustana may accept up to nine semester hours of eligible (K-12) graduate credits from another accredited institution toward the student's graduate program electives. Students must:

• provide an official transcript;
• receive approval from the program director; and,
• show that a grade of B- or better was earned for the credits and the credits are not outdated (more than seven years old).

How long does the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education Program take to complete?

The Augustana M.Ed. in SPED Program can be completed in approximately 14 to 16 months, depending on the term in which the student begins. Courses are designed to be taken in the sequence offered with the student's cohort.

How much does the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education Program cost?

The cost of the Augustana M.Ed. in SPED Program is determined by cohort. Students entering the program in a particular term will have the same rate of tuition throughout the program. 

For more information, visit the tuition & fees page.

Is financial aid available for students in the Augustana Master of Education in Special Education Program?

Yes. Financial aid is available to qualified M.Ed. in SPED students for core courses in the program.

What is the application deadline for Augustana’s Master of Education in Special Education Program?

Applications are reviewed monthly for the next available cohort, so prospective students should apply as soon as possible.

Augustana also offers an online Alternative Certification for Special Education to currently certified teachers or those pursuing General Education Alternative Certification who have been recommended by the hiring school district and approved by the SD DOE.