Special Education and Child Development: Special Education Concentration, M.Ed. – Online

The courses are delivered in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous modes. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots for real-time interactions.

Core Courses (9 credit hours)

• EDUC 6254: Individualizing Instruction for All 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 or other graduate level courses offered by the Cato College of Education approved by the advisor. 

Note: The credit hours within the Adapted Curriculum and General Curriculum Specialty Tracks enable candidates to add on an additional North Carolina teaching license in Adapted Curriculum or General Curriculum or upgrade an existing license in either area to the master’s level. Candidates choosing the Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialty Track may co-enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder to receive the graduate certificate.

Adapted Curriculum Specialty Track

• SPED 5274: General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)
• SPED 5380:  Multiple Disabilities and Systematic Instruction (3)
• SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
• SPED 6800: Individual Study in Special Education (3)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialty Track

• SPED 5200: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
• SPED 6115: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3)
• SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
• SPED 6335: Evidence-Based Practices for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3)

General Curriculum Specialty Track

• SPED 5372: Planning Mathematics Instruction for Students with Exceptional Needs (3)
• SPED 5375: Foundations of Literacy for Students with Disabilities (3)
• SPED 5377: Advanced Literacy for Students with Disabilities (3)
• SPED 6800: Individual Study in Special Education (3)

Candidates who are interested in pursuing an Exceptional Children (EC) Program Administrator licensure may take three additional in-person courses (beyond the 33-credit hour M.Ed. program). Completion of these courses plus passing of the required PRAXIS tests in conjunction with earning the master’s degree can lead to EC Program Administrator licensure through NCDPI.

• ADMN 6100: Fundamentals of Educational Leadership (3)
• ADMN 6120: Instructional Leadership (3)
• ADMN 6130: Supervision of Instruction (3)

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.

• Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
• 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.

• August 1 (fall)
• December 1 (spring)
• May 1 (summer first half term)
• June 15 (summer second half term)

Applicants can apply via the UNC Charlotte Graduate Admissions website.

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.

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..

NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour