

Master of Science
in Special Education
DEGREE HIGHLIGHTS
Earning a Master’s in Special Education is a powerful step toward making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with diverse learning needs. Graduates are prepared to serve as advocates, leaders, and change agents within schools and communities, helping to ensure that all students receive equitable access to high-quality education. Whether working in classrooms, administrative roles, or policy development, a Master’s in Special Education opens doors to fulfilling, in-demand careers that center on empathy, innovation, and transformative teaching.
CLASSES INCLUDE:
-
Human Learning, Development, and Motivation
-
Characteristics of Students with Exceptionalities
-
Language and Literacy Development for Diverse Young Learners
-
Nature of Autism: Theory & Practice
-
Introduction to Educational Research Consultation and Collaboration
Degree
Master of Science in Special Education
Credit Hours
43 Credit Hours
Cost through Smarter by 1 Degree
$30,745
Cost from University
$35,045
Savings
$4,300
Degree Type
Master Degree
DESCRIPTION
The goal of this program is to provide teachers with the knowledge of instructional principles and practices for teaching students with disabilities and to offer the opportunity to pursue a master of science in education degree. Special educators in today’s world are dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. They are committed to the field of special education. They appreciate and embrace the diverse range of students’ needs. They remain lifelong learners as they seek out and implement validated practices supported by research in the field. They are able to work effectively within a variety of settings, situations and personalities.
Special education teachers are able to assess and evaluate student progress, make appropriate accommodations and deliver individualized instruction that is based upon each student’s individual educational program. Finally, special educators are constant agents of positive change in a demanding yet exciting field.
*Pre-requisites: 2 Science, 2 Math, 2 English, 2 Social Science, and an Accuplacer Exam
PROFESSIONAL CAREERS
-
Special Education Teacher
-
IEP Coordinator
-
Behavior Intervention Specialist
-
College Disability Services Coordinator
-
Curriculum Developer


GREAT OPTION FOR:
-
Empathetic Teachers
-
Adaptable Teachers
-
Patient Teachers
-
Strong Communicators
-
Advocacy-Minded
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
Since our founding in 1856, Niagara University has been guided by our mission of confidence, clarity of direction, and a heightened sense of purpose. Our students are encouraged to participate in projects that improve our community and serve the disadvantaged, and our curriculum strives to enrich the life of each and every student that crosses our threshold, developing purpose-driven leaders and neighbors who continue to live out the values of their Vincentian education.
Niagara University is a private university where tomorrow’s leaders gain the confidence to reach for their goals, clarity of thought and direction, and a heightened sense of purpose. You won’t just gain an education – you’ll realize your full potential to make an impact on the world around you.
Niagara University is located near Niagara Falls in Lewiston, New York, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
We SAVE our students $32,000*!
The SAME degree, LESS money!

*The average cost of a Master's Degree is $62,820.
TESTIMONIAL

"I went to a state university and had over 112 credits when I suddenly had to drop out of college and get a job to help my family. Having a job is great, but not having a college education set me back. It was extremely frustrating because I couldn’t get interviews since I didn’t have a degree or that check mark. Years later, I went back to the same university to finish my degree and they told me I would have to complete an additional 60 credits to graduate. Thankfully, I found Janine at Smarter by 1 Degree. She explained to me I didn't need all of those credits and helped me graduate in 4 months!
OLIVER M.
-SB1D Graduate
CHECK OUR GOOGLE REVIEWS!

Smarter by 1 Degree offers academic advisors, success coaches, and mentors to help you save time and money while earning your degree.
We do not confer degrees or award credit. We provide current university costs & requirements.