Online MEd in Special Education Application Deadlines

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Education in Special Education

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online Master of Education in Special Education Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

^*Required application packet materials include:

• valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate or statement of eligibility for candidates outside Kentucky
• personal statement
• two letters of recommendation
• signed code of ethics and technology use agreement

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

Transfer Credit for Online MEd in Special Education Students

If you have received graduate credit from another institution, you may transfer up to 6 credits that directly replace approved courses in the program. Approval must be granted by the program director.

Out-of-State Online MEd in Special Education Students

Due to the strict requirements of a Kentucky teaching license, field experience and local in-person practicum, it is unlikely that teachers who live outside of Kentucky or outside of the United States will qualify to complete the licensure program. However, potential exceptions are handled on a case-by-case basis, and those who intend to complete this online program at UofL must contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu prior to applying.

If you live outside of the United States, be sure to view special requirements for international students.

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

Online MEd in Special Education Courses

The MEd in Special Education is a 36 credit hour program. The curriculum you will follow is determined by your concentration.

• LBD Concentration

  Course Title	Credit Hours
  Prerequisite for entry into the program
  EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children (or equivalent)
  Inquiry (9 hours)
  EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis*	3
  EDSP 639 Education Research in P-12 Setting	3
  EDSP 669 Single Subject Research Methods and Designs	3
  Advocacy (6 hours)
  EDSP 652 Academic and Behavior Response to Intervention	3
  EDSP 627 Applications of Assistive Technology	3
  Action (3 hours)
  EDSP 645 Learning and Behavior Disorders Practicum*	3
  LBD (18 hours)
  EDSP 647 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities	3
  EDSP 512 Methods for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders*	3
  EDSP 516 Assessment Procedures for Students with Learning & Behavior Disorders*	3
  EDSP 675 Characteristics, Needs, and Responds to Students with EBD*	3
  EDSP 518 Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners*	3
  EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding or EDSP 650 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis or EDSP 650 Behavior Assessment	3
  Minimum Total Credits Required	36

• MSD Concentration

  Course Title	Credit Hours
  Prerequisite for entry into the program
  EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children (or equivalent)
  Inquiry (9 hours)
  EDSP 639 Research Analysis in Special Education	3
  EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis*	3
  EDSP 669 Single Subject Research Methods and Designs	3
  Advocacy (6 hours)
  EDSP 627 Applications of Assistive Technology	3
  EDSP 652 Academic and Behavior Response to Intervention	3
  Action (3 hours)
  EDSP 635 Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum	3
  MSD (18 hours)
  EDSP 520 Assessment of Exceptional Learners	3
  EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication*	3
  EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding	3
  EDSP 594 Foundational Concepts in Intellectual and Physical Disabilities*	3
  EDSP 609 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods I*	3
  EDSP 611 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Methods II*	3
  Minimum Total Credits Required	36

* Required for certification

Entry, midpoint and exit assessments are also required for graduation.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MEd in Special Education Course Descriptions

Online MEd in Special Education Success Team

Online MEd in Special Education Featured Faculty

Online MEd in Special Education FAQ

• Which term should I apply for?

  You can apply for whatever upcoming term best meets your needs! Whether you prefer to start your academic journey in August, January, or even during the summer months, you have the opportunity to select the term that best suits your goals and schedule. You can view application deadlines and requirements on our Application tab.

• Can I start teaching with this degree?

  The MEd in Special Education, with concentrations in LBD and MSD, is designed for the Kentucky certified teacher to add to their certification. Therefore, as qualified applicants, students should already have the certifications required for teaching.

• Who is this program for?

  The MEd in Special Education, with concentrations in LBD and MSD, is designed for the Kentucky certified teacher to add to their certification. Bachelor’s-level certified teachers may use the program to add certification in LBD or MSD and complete the required Rank II/master’s degree. Teachers who have already earned a master’s degree may use the program to add certification and complete the Rank I.

• Where can I find state licensure information?

  You can view our Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures resource.

• Is financial aid available for this program?

  Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.