Program Overview
A snapshot of the online master’s in special education
The Master of Education in Special Education online program from Florida Gulf Coast University is built for general educators—as well as those without teaching experience—who want to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities while advancing professionally.
In this M.Ed. Special Education online program, you will develop a familiarity with trends and issues related to the education of exceptional students. You will also cultivate your understanding of instructional strategies and techniques that are effective for teaching students with behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities and learning disorders.
In this innovative program, you will study the foundations of special education, advanced assessment procedures, transitional programming for those with exceptionalities, database and metacognitive strategy instruction, the complexities of social and biological aspects of intellectual disabilities, and much more. In addition to our vigorous core curriculum, you will participate in one advanced seminar that is a critical examination of topics in the field of special education.
The Florida Gulf Coast College of Education educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by CAEP.
Ranked among the "Best Online Master's in Education Programs" by U.S. News & World Report (2024)
Graduates of this M.Ed. Special Education online program will be able to:
- Review and critique a variety of assessment procedures that are commonly used in special education programs
- Utilize collaborative models and theories to work with teams of professionals and parents
- Implement techniques that effectively meet the needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders in the classroom
- Enhance opportunities for successful transitions of exceptional students in areas such as social skills, strategy and career/vocational training
- Become academically prepared to sit for the Florida Subject Area Examination for Special Education Endorsement
- Review and critique a variety of assessment procedures that are commonly used in special education programs
- Utilize collaborative models and theories to work with teams of professionals and parents
- Implement techniques that effectively meet the needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders in the classroom
- Enhance opportunities for successful transitions of exceptional students in areas such as social skills, strategy and career/vocational training
- Become academically prepared to sit for the Florida Subject Area Examination for Special Education Endorsement
- Review and critique a variety of assessment procedures that are commonly used in special education programs
- Utilize collaborative models and theories to work with teams of professionals and parents
- Implement techniques that effectively meet the needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders in the classroom
- Enhance opportunities for successful transitions of exceptional students in areas such as social skills, strategy and career/vocational training
- Become academically prepared to sit for the Florida Subject Area Examination for Special Education Endorsement
This online education program prepares you for roles such as:
- Director of Special Education
- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Supervisor or Coordinator
- Leader in agencies for adults with disabilities such as Lighthouse for the Blind
- Expert in state agencies including Division for Developmental Disabilities
- Director of Special Education
- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Supervisor or Coordinator
- Leader in agencies for adults with disabilities such as Lighthouse for the Blind
- Expert in state agencies including Division for Developmental Disabilities
Also available
FGCU offers a variety of specialized education degrees. Check out all of our online education programs.
Tuition
Discover the value of our low-cost tuition
The M.Ed. Special Education online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. – Special Education | $373 | $1,119 | $13,428 |
*Tuition is as low as $13,428. Waiver available for out-of-state tuition. Prices subject to change at any time.
Calendar
Review the schedule for our online education program
FGCU online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Get started today!
Now enrolling:
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Drop/Add Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 11/25/24 | 12/2/24 | 1/5/25 | 1/10/25 | 1/8/25 | 2/22/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/3/25 | 2/14/25 | 3/9/25 | 3/14/25 | 3/12/25 | 4/26/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/5/25 | 3/30/25 | 4/16/25 | 5/4/25 | 5/9/25 | 5/7/25 | 6/21/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/23/25 | 5/18/25 | 5/25/25 | 6/22/25 | 6/27/25 | 6/25/25 | 8/9/25 |
Admissions
Read the details of our admission criteria
At FGCU, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the master’s in special education online degree, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them.
You must meet the following requirements for admission to the M.Ed. Special Education online program.
- Submit graduate application and $30 application fee
- Official academic transcripts from every college or university attended
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours accrued to the undergraduate degree OR a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- An in-person, phone or virtual interview if GPA is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- One-page personal statement about your career and personal goals connected with pursuing graduate work in special education. This statement should explain your motivation for pursuing a master's degree in special education.
- For international students: a TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based)
Performance in courses taken in other graduate degrees and/or non-degree seeking post-baccalaureates will be taken into consideration for admission.
Official transcripts, test scores and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to:
Email address: [email protected]
Mailing address:
10501 FGCU Blvd. SouthFort Myers, FL 33965-6565
FGCU is ranked #7 (tie) among the “Most Innovative Schools, Regional Universities South” by U.S. News & World Report (2022)
Courses
Advance your knowledge in our online special education curriculum
For the M.Ed. Special Education online program, you must complete 36 credit hours of core courses, which includes one advanced seminar.
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