Locations Offered
2-3 Years
Credit Hours Required
Improve and Support Special Education Services at the Classroom, School, Community and System Levels
Webster University’s Master of Arts in Special Education will empower you to create an inclusive classroom for exceptional learners through:
- Expert faculty mentors. Benefit from direct access to experts in special education with real-world, long-term experience working in the field.
- Hands-on learning experiences. Complete a practicum experience in a school setting, giving you an opportunity to put theory into practice.
- A collaborative learning environment. Work with and learn from parents, teachers and other professionals to create a supportive learning environment for all students.
Tailored to Your Individual Interests
Personalize Your Learning Experience
Specialize your knowledge and skills in special education by focusing on a specific area of study that interests you. Webster University’s Master of Arts in Special education offers the following emphases:
- Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Practices
Designed for educators, parents, case managers and mental health professionals to support and advocate for academic success for all types of learners. Teaches technical and meta-professional skills to teach diverse populations. Fully aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)’s Professional Preparation Standards designed to advance your career in special education. - Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Designed for educators, advocates and other professionals interested in deepening their knowledge of teaching and advocating for individuals with severe developmental disabilities and autism. Qualifies educators who have initial teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities (K-12) in the state of Missouri to apply for the Severe Developmental Disabilities certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE
Program Curriculum
Students in the Master of Arts in Special Education program are required to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours, 24 of which must be in special education. Students considering graduate study at the doctoral level are encouraged to complete six credit hours of field research and complete a thesis, for a program total of 36 credit hours.
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Advance Your Career While Advocating for Children with Disabilities
According to the American Association for Employment in Education 2020-2021 Supply and Demand Report, there is a considerable shortage of teachers in the special education field, with a 4.59% shortage in school districts. Some of our graduates go on to work with community organizations to advocate for people with disabilities. With your master’s in Special Education from Webster, you’ll be prepared for a career such as:
Special Education Teacher
Median Annual Salary
(National, May 2022)
Community Service Manager
Median Annual Salary
(National, May 2022)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Achieve your Personal and Professional Goals
We’re Here to Help
Webster is committed to your success and you'll never be alone as you pursue your Special Education master’s.
- Admissions staff members help you navigate the application, financial aid and enrollment process so you can start your classes with confidence.
- Faculty members provide personalized support, thanks to Webster's intentionally small classes.
- Tutors and other academic support staff can help you tackle particularly tough assignments and classes.
- A global education broadens your perspective and gives you both the knowledge and experience to thrive, no matter where you are.
An Education Nationally Recognized for Quality
Earn your CAEP-accredited Master of Arts in Special Education from Webster University, an independent, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Professors. Professionals. Mentors.
Gain real-world knowledge from faculty experts with professional experience. Our professors serve as mentors eager to support your career goals and connect you to opportunities, including internships and jobs.
A Well-Rounded Experience
By receiving my master’s through Webster University, I was able to balance taking courses, working a full-time job and preparing for my BCBA certification exam. I was able to learn a lot from people from different perspectives on ABA and what special education should look like. All the courses did a great job giving me a well-rounded experience and preparing me for the different perspectives of ABA that I would experience after graduating.
- Christopher Ike Timbreza
Webster Special Education Graduate
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