Overview

The Special Education programme at Northern Kentucky University is designed to empower educators with advanced skills to support students with diverse learning and behaviour needs. This specialist degree focuses on creating positive learning outcomes through evidence-based instructional strategies and clinical experiences.

Students engage in a curriculum that bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom application. The programme prepares professionals to take on leadership roles within special education, ensuring they can effectively manage complex classroom environments and advocate for the needs of every student.

Why Special Education at Northern Kentucky University?

Northern Kentucky University is recognised as a Top Public College by Forbes, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student success. The College of Education holds prestigious accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring high standards in teacher training.

The programme is delivered by the same experienced faculty who teach on campus, providing online students with access to expert mentorship. The curriculum is specifically designed to help practitioners build towards Rank 1 teaching certification in Kentucky, adding significant professional value to the degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13365 per full
National fee: USD 13365 per full
Local fee: USD 13365 per full

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

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours across ten courses, including a capstone project. Modules may include:

Research-Based Teaching
Educational Research
Collaboration & Inclusive Practices
Supervision of Field & Clinical Experience
Research-Based Teaching I
Research-Based Teaching II
PBIS for Students w/ Mild-Mod Needs
Intellectual and Orthopedic Disabilities
Learning and Behavior Disorders

Careers with Special Education

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for advanced roles in the field of special education. The degree supports career progression into leadership positions within schools and educational organisations, focusing on the management of instructional programmes for students with disabilities.

Common career paths include becoming a lead special education teacher, instructional coach, or educational consultant. The expertise gained in applied behaviour analysis and inclusive practices is highly valued across public and private school sectors, as well as in specialised learning centres.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Learning and Behavior Disorders

Behavioral Analysis Procedures for Students with Exceptionalities

Intellectual and Orthopedic Disabilities

Educational Assessment of Learning and Behavior Disorders

Research Based Teaching

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-07 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-24 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Highland Heights, United States

Disciplines

Special Education View 509 other Masters in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete online application for admission

Pay $40 non-refundable application fee

If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from accredited institutions. One transcript must show successful completion of a master's degree in education or in the content area of the applicant's teaching certificate.

Teaching Certificate: Submit a copy of current teaching certificate showing certification at the Rank 2 level or out-of-state equivalent. New teachers in Kentucky may submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility.

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

8910 USD / year

≈ 8910 USD / year
Out-of-State

8910 USD / year

≈ 8910 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8910 USD / year

≈ 8910 USD / year

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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Special 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

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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