Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)
Program Summary
100% Online
Duration: 24 months
Credits: 30 total
Cost Per Credit: $805
Degree: MEd
Accreditation: SACSCOC
College/School: College of Education and Human Development
Start Date: 5/16/25
Find Your Calling
Program Description
The online Master of Education in Special Education prepares students to address the complex learning needs of individuals with disabilities. George Mason's unique, innovative approach to inclusive education is designed to benefit learners with disabilities throughout their entire lives.
Students enrolled in George Mason University’s online special education master’s degree program have the option of the supporting graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate
- Field experience not required
- Extensive community, school, and agency perspectives addressed
- Emphasis on working with autistic individuals across their lifespans
Ranked #5 of U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Special Education Programs
Application Details
Who should apply?
Prospective students of George Mason’s MEd in Special Education come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Many students find special education through their experiences as a substitute teacher, instructional assistant, provisionally licensed teacher, or as professionals from completely different fields who are supporting a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What are the requirements for admission?
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent and a GPA of 3.0 GPA or higher is required for admission. No testing is required for admission, but test score equivalencies from SAT, ACT, Praxis, etc. may be used to compensate for a slightly lower GPA. All prospective students must adhere to university standards for English proficiency and degree equivalency.
Field experience (internship or practicum) is not required; simulations and application activities are built into coursework.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application to begin the admissions process for the online special education degree program. Be sure to apply for the MEd or Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis by spring of 2025 so that you have time to complete this online program before it is replaced by our new MS in Behavior Analysis program in 2026. You can apply for the MEd or Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders at any time. If you have other questions, please see the FAQs below.
Career Opportunities
The Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate track is ideal for:
- School Administrators
- Interventionists
- Psychologists
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Behavior Analysts
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Family Members Touched By Autism
A study by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)™ suggests a steep increase in the number of qualified behavior analysts needed internationally. According to a 2009 survey by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), most individuals are working full-time.
Graduates are prepared for a broad range of special education and administrative positions in schools, private practice, social service agencies, and to support at-home learning needs. George Mason’s online MEd in Special Education provides two specialized graduate certificate tracks in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialists
Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialists work with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in school, home and community settings. George Mason’s online special education graduate program is unique in that it emphasizes working with individuals with autism across their lifespans, from childhood to adolescence; adulthood to advanced ages.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the University Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Core Courses:
EDSE 501 Introduction for Special Education
EDSE 517 Computer Applications for Special Populations
EDSE 590 Special Education Research
Capstone:
EDSE 590 involves a research application project applying key concepts from multiple courses throughout the program.
Autism Track Courses for MEd in Special Education
- EDSE 634 Characteristics of Individuals with Autism
- EDSE 620 Supporting the Behavior and Sensory Needs of Individuals with Autism
- EDSE 635 Interventions for Individuals with Autism
- EDSE 636 Supporting Communication and Literacy for Individuals with Autism
- EDSE 637 Autism Across the Lifespan: Collaboration with Critical Partners
- EDSE 638 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Issues in Assessment and Intersectionality
*Students on the Autism track will need to take either EDAT 524 or EDSE 619 to reach 30 credit hours.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees (2024-2025)
Tuition is $805 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
- George Mason University’s online graduate program is part-time, which allows for busy professional and family schedules while providing a high-quality, immersive student experience.
- Students choose between two graduate certificate tracks in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Applied Behavior Analysis. Standalone certificates are also offered.
- An experienced faculty of distinguished scholar-practitioners delivers an education informed by extensive academic and professional experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the workload like?
The MEd in Special Education online program with the supporting Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate involves lectures, video-based case studies, guest speakers, discussion boards, interactive educational activities (e.g., Popplet, Padlet, collaborative case studies). Extension resources are available and clarifying lectures help to answer questions from students.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The online MEd in Special Education includes 30 credit hours and can be completed in 24 months. When pursued independently, the graduate certificates can be completed in one year.
Can I transfer credits from another University?
Transfer of similar courses from an accredited U.S. college or university may be possible on a case-by-case basis for the online MEd in Special Education. Transfer credit policies are included in the University Catalog.
When are classes offered?
Classes for the MEd and Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders will be offered online on a rolling basis.
Where can I find course descriptions?
Course descriptions for the MEd in Special Education are available in the University Catalog.
What tuition assistance is available?
George Mason’s Office of Student Financial Aid provides information on potential scholarships and aid packages for the online MEd in special education program.
How do I receive additional Information?
Prospective students can complete an online request for information form.
How much does it cost to apply?
While there is a $75 application fee, there are multiple times throughout the year that the fee may be waived.
What are the credit requirements?
Requirements: 30 total credit hours
Most courses for George Mason’s online MEd in Special Education are offered in convenient, online, asynchronous and synchronous (i.e. real time virtual participation) formats. Students complete four foundational classes in conjunction with courses in a selected area of focus. Two tracks are available allowing students to earn a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Applied Behavioral Analysis, along with their MEd in Special Education.
Virtual Open House
The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who would like to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to find out more about what you can expect from an online Master of Education in Special Education or one of our certificates, visit our pre-recorded Virtual Open House and watch at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Learn More
Accreditation
George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Contact
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request For Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.
Phone: 703-348-5006
Email: [email protected]
Web Page Disclosure
Risepoint maintains this web page in cooperation with George Mason University. George Mason University maintains responsibility for curriculum, teaching, admissions, tuition, financial aid, accreditation, and all other academic- and instruction-related functions and decisions. Learn more about Risepoint.
Learn more about how to file a complaint.