Master of Education in Special Education

The Augustana University Master of Education (M.Ed.) Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Augustana is also accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education.

Applications for the 13-16 month, non-thesis Augustana Master of Education in Special Education (M.Ed. in SPED) Program are reviewed when completed applications have been received, with a rolling admission process.

• Fall 2025 — Deadline on Thursday, Aug. 21

The application requires official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a 2- to 3-page typed personal statement and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Applications should also include documentation of certification.

For more information, visit the graduate education page.

Augustana University seeks to prepare graduates of the Master of Education in special education (M.Ed. in SPED) program to become well-prepared teachers and leaders competent to support children and youth with disabilities in educational settings.

The program provides in-depth knowledge within the K-12 specialization area, as well as application of research to educational practice.

The core courses component of the Augustana M.Ed. in SPED Program enables students to interface a liberal arts perspective with rigorous, professional education training.

The graduate degree program in the Sharon Lust School of Education emulates the Circle of Courage philosophy focusing on belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. The program is designed to enhance an individual’s ability to create positive learning environments by building classrooms and schools that promote belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. To that end, the program provides in-depth knowledge and application of educational research to classroom practice.

Goals

• Assume the role of teacher-scholar
• Exhibit strong communication skills, including writing with a variety of purposes and audiences in mind
• Demonstrate reflective, professional dispositions in both work and interactions 

Outcomes

• Apply legal and ethical standards related to the education of children and youth with disabilities
• Use evidence-based, research-grounded interventions to the support learning and behavior of children and youth with disabilities
• Develop and apply instructional practices based on knowledge of children and youth with disabilities, their families, communities and curricular standards
• Assess the development and learning of children and youth with disabilities and use that information to direct and monitor the effectiveness of interventions
• Develop skills for supporting collaboration with families, including skills needed to effectively collaborate with others to accomplish this
• Analyze, synthesize and apply research to inform professional practice
• Demonstrate ability in scholarly writing

Augustana also offers an online Alternative Certification for Special Education to currently certified teachers or those pursuing General Education Alternative Certification who have been recommended by the hiring school district and approved by the SD DOE.

In addition to enhancing your abilities to create positive learning environments for students, in most cases, a master’s degree correlates to increased compensation and, in the case of the M.Ed. in SPED, may lead to additional areas of certification.  

Because this program is offered online, students can complete their degree requirements and maintain their lifestyles. The online delivery also makes it possible for teachers in rural areas to further their education.  

Additionally, this program’s cohort model supports students, since the groups of up to 18 students offer varied perspectives and knowledge.

Yes, all applicants for this program must have earned a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. In addition, applicants should hold a current teaching license or be alternatively certified to teach. Applicants without an initial teaching license are encouraged to apply.

This program is 13-16 months, depending on the beginning term. Courses should be taken in the order offered.

A minimum of 30 course credits are required for graduation:

• Nine credits of electives
• 21 credits of core and K-12 specialization classes

A maximum of nine semester hours (K-12) of graduate credit earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred to Augustana and applied to a student's graduate program in the area of their electives only providing that:

• An official transcript is provided
• The credit is approved by the program director
• The credit has not been used in earning an undergraduate degree
• A grade of B- or better was earned for the credits
• The credit is not outdated (more than seven years old)

The cost is determined by cohort. Students entering this program in a particular term will have the same rate of tuition throughout the program.

For more information, visit the tuition & fees page.

Yes, financial aid is available to qualified students for core and specialization courses, not electives.

To be considered for admission to this program, submit the following items to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education:

• Official transcripts showing proof of completed degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, from the undergraduate institution mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@cnof86.com.
• A copy of current teaching license
• Names of two references with contact information
• A 400-500 word essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $60

Submit an application along with the following items:

• An indication of applicant’s completion of a program leading to licensure
• Two references’ contact information
• A 400-500 word typed essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• Indicate electives
• A non-refundable application fee of $60
• Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution and any graduate courses be mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@cnof86.com.

Applications are reviewed each month for the next available cohort, so it’s best to submit applications as soon as possible.

The fall cohort begins at the end of August.

Yes, Augustana has a strong collection in place to support graduate students’ studies. Research support will be provided by librarians via phone, chat, email and texting. Interlibrary loan services are available to supplement research needs. Library staff will assist with technology support inquiries and facilitate referrals to the Help Desk and/or instructional technologist.

Degree requirements for this program include a minimum of 30 credit hours.