Jun 14, 2026  
Graduate Record 2026-2027 
    
Graduate Record 2026-2027

Special Education, M.Ed.


Program Requirements


The M.Ed. in Special Education program requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework at the 5000-level or higher. Fifteen credits must be earned within the core requirements. The fifth course in the core requirements includes the comprehensive exam. Coursework selections are based on a student’s prior experiences, program course offerings, and desired educational outcomes.

No Concentration, Area of Emphasis (15 Credits)


Students who do not enroll in the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration must complete 15 credits of elective coursework. Advisors assist students in selecting elective coursework in an area of emphasis. The areas of emphasis are Special Education General Curriculum, Special Education Leadership, and Customized Coursework.

Culminating Experience


M.Ed. students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam within the fifth core course. This course is taken during the final semester of the program. 

Total Required Credits: 30


Public Professional Licensure Disclosure


As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. Although California does not participate in SARA, it allows students to enroll in out-of-state programs. Additional information is available on the NC-SARA website. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).

Upon completion of the Master of Education in Special Education program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).