Overview

The Exceptional Student Education programme at the University of South Florida is specifically designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in a non-education field who wish to transition into special education. This comprehensive graduate course provides the essential foundations in disability theory, legislation, and evidence-based instructional practices. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates academic theory with immediate real-world application.

This hybrid programme is structured to support working professionals, allowing candidates to complete their studies while employed in teaching or paraprofessional roles. The curriculum leads to vital teacher certification, further enhanced by Reading and ESOL endorsements.

Why Exceptional Student Education at University of South Florida?

The University of South Florida offers a unique fast-track route that combines flexible hybrid learning with embedded field experiences every semester. Candidates have the opportunity to engage in clinical practice within their own classrooms, ensuring that pedagogical strategies are tested in real-time environments. The programme also provides access to specialised financial support, including the Laurie Ann Richardson Scholarship and the TEACH Grant.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16666 per year
National fee: USD 16666 per year
Local fee: USD 7840 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Exceptional Student Education Legislation
Disability Theory
Evidence-based Instructional Practices
Reading Endorsement Studies
ESOL Endorsement Studies
Data-driven Progress Monitoring
Behavioural Strategies
Action Research Project

Careers with Exceptional Student Education

Graduates are highly sought after for various roles within the K-12 education sector. The programme prepares individuals for high-demand positions such as Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers and reading interventionists. Many alumni also find success as behaviour specialists or instructional facilitators within diverse school settings.

The focus on inclusive learning environments and data-driven decision-making ensures that graduates are equipped for leadership roles in student advocacy. By completing the capstone Action Research Project, students develop the professional resiliency required to solve complex practical challenges in modern classrooms.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Educational Research

Practicum in Exceptional Student Education

Creating Positive Learning Environments for Students with Disabilities

Developing Individualized Educational Programs for Students with Disabilities

Implementing Programs for Students with Disabilities

Psychological of Education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tampa, United States

Disciplines

Education Special Education Teaching View 2516 other Masters in Education in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an approved regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent).

Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale)

A letter of application that addresses why the candidate desires to pursue a master’s degree in education.

At least one (1) letter of recommendation from a person who has observed the candidate teach and/or work with children and youth.

Interview with the M.A.T. program faculty.

English language proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Out-of-State

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7840 USD / year

≈ 7840 USD / year

Living costs

Tampa

United States

1122 - 1951 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Exceptional Student Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Tampa

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners