Special Education and Child Development: Special Education Concentration, M.Ed. – Online
Program Overview
Ready to take your expertise in special education to the next level and make a lasting impact? UNC Charlotte’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Special Education program is designed for experienced teachers like you.
Empower yourself as a leader
Develop critical skills: Master evidence-based or research-based instructional practices, collaborative leadership, and responsive instruction to promote student learning in your classroom.
Advance your career: Earn the M-level North Carolina Professional Educator’s License and qualify for leadership roles in special education.
Enjoy flexibility: Pursue your degree 100% online with a schedule that accommodates your busy professional life.
Deepen your knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of behavioral assessment, transition-focused education, special education research, and specialized approaches for learners with varied needs.
Special Education and Child Development: Special Education, M.Ed. at a Glance
Enroll today in the Special Education and Child Development: Special Education M.Ed. program to become a leader in special education and make a lasting impact. Gain expertise in evidence-based practices, assessment, and intervention strategies to support learners with varied needs.
Delivery
Online
Credits
33 Credit Hours
Admits
Spring, Summer & Fall
Courses
The courses are delivered in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous modes. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots.
Core Courses (9 credit hours)
EDUC 6254: Individualizing Instruction for Diverse Learners (3)
SPED 6202: Behavioral Assessment (3)
SPED 5200: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
or SPED 5203: Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3) (for candidates who selected the Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialty Track as electives)
Introductory Research Course (3 credit hours)
RSCH 6101: Research Methods
Research Courses (9 credit hours)
RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research (3)
SPED 6692: Research Proposal (2)
SPED 6693: Research Implementation (2)
SPED 6694: Research Dissemination and Leadership (2)
Specialty Track Courses (12 credit hours) Select elective courses within a single specialty track:
General Curriculum (add-on license) Specialty Track
Or other graduate level courses offered in the Cato College of Education, as developed with approval of advisor
The program’s rigorous courses are designed to support candidates in developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies to be excellent educators, leaders and professionals. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, classes provide an environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Students will learn how to design effective instruction and develop strategies that will help promote the academic and social behaviors of students with disabilities.
Admissions & Requirements
The next available term for admission will be Spring 2026.
A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor, with a major in special education.
An A-level Professional Educator’s License in Special Education from North Carolina or its equivalent from another state.
All previous work beyond high school documenting an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).
Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
Official agency reports of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score (30th percentile or above).
At least 6 months of documented experience working with individuals with exceptionalities.
Three recommendations from professional educators familiar with the applicant’s personal and professional qualifications. Applicants will provide reference contact names and email addresses through the application portal.
A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s professional experience.
A statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in special education.
Application Deadlines
The next available term for admission will be Spring 2026.
What Can You Do with the M.Ed. In Special Education and Child Development from UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte M.Ed. in Special Education graduates go on to work as special education teachers or other roles in organizations. They can be found in school districts and educational providers such as:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Cabarrus County Schools
Iredell-Statesville Schools
Gaston County Schools
McDowell County Schools
Newton-Conover City Schools
Henderson County Public Schools
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Strong salary expectations
Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast sampled graduates of our M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development program and found the average annual estimated wage to be approximately $78,600.
Why UNC Charlotte?
Accredited program: Recognized for its quality and commitment to preparing exceptional educators. All teacher education programs at UNC Charlotte are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Special Education has been approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education.
Experienced faculty: Learn from dedicated professionals who understand the challenges and rewards of your field.
Supportive learning community: Connect with fellow educators and build a valuable network.
Affordable tuition: Invest in your future with competitive tuition rates and financial aid options..
Tuition
Resident: $288.82 per credit hour
Outside of NC Non-Resident: $536.98 per credit hour