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Master of Science in Education: Special Education

Acquire new tools to help learners with individualized needs thrive, equipping yourself for classroom effectiveness and school-wide leadership.

School of Education | On-Campus

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What You'll Learn

Drake University’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) Special Education program bridges the gap between theory and practice. Through intensive, collaborative classes, you’ll dive deep into the latest research while exploring applications in today’s K-12 classrooms.

This approach covers the characteristics of students with mild and moderate disabilities, the dynamics of learning environments, assessment and evaluation, positive behavior support, literacy instruction, vocational planning, and the broader community context of education.

Apply course concepts and get expert feedback to spur your growth in a field-based practicum. Throughout, you’ll gain new insights you can use right away in your current setting to reach more students with learning and behavioral needs.

Designed for working educators, this part-time program gives you a choice of six special education endorsements, so you can strategically prepare for your next career move.

About the MSE in Special Education Program

  • Learn from experienced, top-notch faculty who are both skilled instructors and active researchers in the field.
  • Develop relationships with faculty and peers with small class sizes that foster dynamic interaction.
  • Customize the curriculum to target your choice of six special education endorsement areas.

Program Facts

  • Class schedules for working educators
  • Courses held on nights and weekends
  • Complete in two years
  • Start in fall, spring, or summer
  • 32-36 total credits

Admission Requirements

Program Options

Upgrade your credentials with a master’s degree or add a special education endorsement to your Iowa Teaching Certificate.

Master of Science in Special Education

Designed for those already in the classroom, this program enhances your theoretical knowledge and imparts practical strategies you can use right away. Completing the degree equips you with the competencies and credentials for advanced roles.

Endorsements

Add one or more special education endorsements to your Iowa Teaching Certificate. Six options are available: Instructional Strategist I (K-8 or 5-12), Instructional Strategist II LD/BD (K-12), Instructional Strategist II ID (K-12), Work Experience Coordinator, and Special Education Consultant.

Meet the Faculty

Learn to assist students requiring different levels of support from professionals who have led special education classrooms and now conduct research that influences instructional methods.

Michael Couvillon, Ph.D.

Michael Couvillon, Ph.D.

Professor, Education

All Faculty Members

Outside the Classroom

Complement and extend your classroom learning through activities that fuel your development as an instructor and scholar, whether you’re partnering with faculty to study intervention strategies or gaining mentored teaching experience at a local school.

A student researching on the computer

Integrated Research

A focus of the program is evidence based practice. All students learn to become critical consumers of educational research and have opportunities to join faculty in innovative projects.

A professor working with students in an soe classroom

Preparation for Six Endorsements

Align your training with your interests and career trajectory. Choose from six distinct special education endorsements that equip you to support students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or emotional and behavioral health needs.

Professor Jen Thoma working with a table of students

Professional Development

Grow as a professional and expand your ties within the special education community as you network with colleagues and engage in events like the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavioral Disorders.

The annual soe community org fair

Our Local Connections

Study in a program with strong regional connections. Drake has ongoing partnerships with urban, rural, suburban, public, and private schools that help you obtain the experience you need to move forward.

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Scholarships

Several students receive a scholarship designated for teachers studying special education each year. Other sources, including forgivable loans, are available to help you fund your training.

Experiential Learning

Careers & Skills

Lead with insight. Teach with impact. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you’ll explore the role of a special education teacher and gain research based strategies for effective instruction and classroom leadership.

Advance your impact. Expand your role. With expert training built on your teaching experience, you’ll be prepared to step into specialized roles and take on greater responsibility in your classroom, district, or Area Education Agency.

Opportunities

  • Special education teachers
  • Special education technology specialist
  • Behavior intervention specialist
  • College instructor
  • Educational consultant
  • Transition coordinator

Skills

  • Access and evaluate research to inform practice
  • Apply behavioral management strategies
  • Assess student needs and monitor progress
  • Communicate and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents
  • Create individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to student needs
  • Identify appropriate assistive technologies
A student teaching in a classroom

Salary & Growth Outlook

$

The average salary for special education teachers as of 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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Take the Next Step

Understand how to empower learners with individualized needs as you increase your career opportunities with Drake’s MSE in Special Education program.

Contact

Michael Couvillon, PhD
Professor of Education
michael.couvillon@drake.edu
515-271-4690

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