Northern Arizona University - College of Education

Northern Arizona University
College of Education
PO Box 5774
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5774
(928) 523-2611

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALTIES (ESP)
Master's degree programs in Special Education

Throughout the nation, the demand for special education teachers continues to outweigh the supply. The most recent survey of relative demand by teaching area once again confirms the high demand for special education teachers throughout the nation.

We offer special education programs in the following areas:

• M.Ed. in Special Education (Cross-categorical, non-special education certified)
• M.Ed. in Special Education with Certification (Cross-categorical or Severe/profound emphasis)
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education

M.Ed. in Special Education (non-special education certified)

This program 36 unit program of study prepares candidates for careers serving individuals with disabilities in private settings, through human service agencies, or may be used to increase and enhance your knowledge and skills in serving individuals with disabilities in school settings. The program focuses on serving individuals with mild-moderate disabilites (high-incidence) such as learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mild-moderate intellectual disabilities, as well as orthopedic and health impairments. This degree program does not lead to teaching certification.

M.Ed. in Special Education with Certification

The M.Ed. in Special Education with Certification is a 46 unit program of study that prepares candidates to assume roles as special education teachers. This degree program is appropriate for candidates who are entering the teaching force for the first time (second career, late career professionals) or for those candidates who have teaching certification in another area (elementary education, secondary education) who want to become certified in special education as a second area of teaching expertiese. Candidates who complete the M.Ed. in special education with certification are eligilbe to receive an institutional recommendation from NAU.

This program of study includes two areas of emphasis:

• Cross-Categorical (learning disabilties, emotional/behavior disorders, mild-moderate intellectual disability, orthopedic and health impairments)
• Severe-Profound (moderate-severe intellectual disability, autism, orthopedic and health impairements, multiple disabilities)

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education

This 36 unit degree program is appropriate for candidates who are interested in working with infants (0-3 years) and young children (3-8 years of age) with disablilities. Candidates who complete this program of study are prepared to work in integrated kindergarten settings, early childhood special education or integrated settings, as well as providing early intervention services to infants and young children in non-school settings. The degree program requirements are aligned to Arizona Department of Education certification requirements for the early childhood special education certificate. Candidates who are interested in obtaining that certification must submit their official transcripts for review by a certificaiton specialist since the degree program does not result in an institutional recommendation from NAU.

To learn about the admissions requirements for this program, click here.

For more information about the the degree requirements for any of these programs of study, please click here to visit the NAU Academic Catalog.