Why ODU for Special Education?

Reach and teach individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings with ODU's online Master of Science in Education, Special Education.

In this program, you may choose an endorsement in:

  • early childhood special education
  • special education: general curriculum K-12 (mild disabilities)
  • special education: adapted curriculum K-12 (severe disabilities)

Are you pursuing an adapted curriculum endorsement? You may qualify for tuition assistance from the Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Special Education Adapted Curriculum. Learn more at the Darden College of Education web site.

This program is designed to lead to Virginia teacher licensure. If you want to be licensed in a different state, we encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying.

TALK TO us

Step 1 of 2
Program Information


* Indicates a required field




Step 2 of 2
Contact Information


* Indicates a required field








Transform Your Career with ODUGlobal

At ODUGlobal, our programs empower future educational leaders to make a difference in their communities. Our graduates are stepping into leadership roles, ready to make a difference with passion and purpose. With ODUGlobal’s support, you too can achieve your professional dreams and contribute to the transformation of education.

Play 2024 Commencement image of a woman walking to the stage to receive her diploma with a smile

Program Information

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program is designed to equip students for a Virginia teaching license with a special education endorsement. This program is also authorized for field placements in Washington state, and WA students will be able to apply for educator certification using the out-of-state application.

Use these links to see if we have determined whether this program meets requirements in other states. We encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying to ODU.

View state licensure information

Learn about state licensures and authorizations

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program is designed to equip students for a Virginia teaching license with a special education endorsement. This program is also authorized for field placements in Washington state, and WA students will be able to apply for educator certification using the out-of-state application.

Use these links to see if we have determined whether this program meets requirements in other states. We encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying to ODU.

View state licensure information

Learn about state licensures and authorizations

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$620 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Special Education

  • Teaching: Pre-school, Primary, Elementary
  • Administration: Principal, Superintendent
  • Special Services: Guidance Counseling, School Psychology, School Social Work, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Audiology and Speech Pathology, Library/Information Services, Special Education, Curriculum Supervision, Subject Area Supervision

Note for students in Washington State from the Student Achievement Council:

"Eligibility for initial education certification in Washington is based on completion of a state approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Virginia and is authorized for field placements in Washington by the Professional Educators Standards Board. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/archive/outofstate for more information. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for teacher advancement."

Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Growth
1.6%
Median Salary
$65,270
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Growth
N/A%
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Growth
N/A%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Growth
-0.9%
Median Salary
$66,600
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Growth
-0.6%
Median Salary
$66,620

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program is designed to prepare students for Virginia teacher licensure. Admission to the graduate program in special education is granted by the department's graduate program director in conjunction with special education faculty.

For more information on becoming a teacher, please contact us with the form above or visit ODU's Office of Clinical Experiences online.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

Apply Now
Request Info

Related Programs

End Special Education Post Baccalaureate Endorsement View More
MSEd Elementary Teacher PreK-6 with initial VA licensure View More
Minor Special Education View More