Special Education (MA)

The Program

Program Overview

Known as MASPE, this program helps close Kentucky's shortage of certified special education teachers by opening the field to qualified college graduates — including those with degrees outside education. Students earn both a master's degree and certification as a special education teacher (LBD, P-12). Recognized by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), the program offers three routes: Option 6 Initial Alternative Certification (for CA-TP teachers already serving in special education classrooms), Initial Traditional Certification (for candidates without prior teaching certification), and Advanced Traditional Certification (for teachers adding LBD to an existing certification). Kentucky graduates are classified and compensated as Rank II. Coursework is delivered in accelerated 8-week sessions with 24/7 support, and all tracks except Option 6 require a practicum in an accredited public school classroom with students on IEPs.

M.A.

Special Ed · LBD

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Special education teachers are in sustained demand across Kentucky and nationwide. Graduates are prepared to fill certified Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD, P-12) classroom positions — one of the most persistently under-supplied teaching fields in the Commonwealth — and to move directly into Rank II teaching roles upon certification.

LBD Classroom Teacher

Serve as a certified P-12 special education teacher supporting students with learning and behavior disorders.

Rank II Advancement

Move into Rank II classification and compensation upon certification in Kentucky.

Inclusion & Collaboration

Lead inclusion efforts, collaborate with general educators, and advocate for students on IEPs.

High-Need Field

Enter one of the most persistently under-supplied teaching fields in Kentucky and nationwide.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Students first gain admission through the KYSU Office of Graduate Studies, then are screened by the School of Education Graduate Committee. Coursework aligns with Kentucky Teacher Standards, CEC, NCATE, and INTASC standards, and prepares students for the PRAXIS II examination (required before enrolling in education courses). Praxis I and the GRE are no longer required. Up to six graduate credit hours in special education may transfer from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of B or above.

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
Completed graduate application packet
Selected certification track (Option 6, Initial, or Advanced)

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Curriculum

What You'll Study

Coursework is delivered as accelerated, interactive 8-week sessions with field experiences. All three tracks share the same first three semesters and differ only in their final clinical/practicum requirement.

Year 1 – Year 2 Term 3

Shared Core (33 hours)

ESP 502 — Legal/Parental Issues in Special Education
ESP 504 — Theories of Reading/Educational Practice
ESP 505 — Teaching Math to Children/Youth with Learning Disabilities
ESP 507 — Introduction to Special Education
ESP 510 — Curriculum/Methods in Learning & Behavior Disorders
ESP 511 — Methods/Strategies of Behavior Management
ESP 515 — Research in Special Education
ESP 523 — Individuals with Learning Disabilities
ESP 524 — Instructional Assessment Methods
ESP 525 — Inclusion, Collaboration & Advocacy
ESP 526 — Prescriptive Teaching

Track-Specific Final Requirement

Option 6 — 33 total hours (no additional practicum)
Advanced — 39 total hours (ESP 574 Practicum II, 100 field hours)
Initial — 45 total hours (ESP 575 Practicum III, 200 field hours)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition is billed per credit hour. See Tuition & Financial Aid for current rates.

See tuition & financial aid

Master of Arts in Special Education — Learning & Behavior Disorders