EASTERN NEWSROOM

New Online Master of Education in Special Education

September 18, 2018 By David Meany
Picture: Top of Showalter Hall

CHENEY, Washington – Eastern Washington University has announced the launch of an addition to their current graduate programs – a 100 percent online, accelerated Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education.

Students can begin applying to the M.Ed. in Special Education Program immediately. Delivered in an accelerated, online format to meet the needs of working teachers, students will be able to graduate in as few as 12 months while maintaining full-time employment. Online courses permit easy access to the program for educators outside Cheney and Spokane, including rural and underserved areas where special education teacher shortages are acute.

Tuition for the program is extremely affordable at just over $263 per credit, and consists of 50 credit hours. The program offers seven start dates per year with courses beginning Jan. 4, 2019, and the next term starting Feb. 15, 2019.

“The availability of an online, accelerated and affordable M.Ed. in Special Education is a tremendous benefit to the state and will assist in diminishing the shortage of such educators,” said EWU Provost Scott Gordon. “We are excited about the leadership role Eastern is taking in offering this program.”

The program is approved by the Professional Educators Standards Board with an endorsement from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). It provides advanced training in special education for certified teachers who are seeking an endorsement in specialized areas as well as teachers ready for leadership opportunities in special education, career advancement and higher compensation.

“The new accelerated, online M.Ed. in Special Education Program provides an accessible, flexible way for educators to expand their educational expertise in meeting the needs of students with disabilities,” said Kathleen Waldron-Soler, associate professor of special education at EWU. “I am excited to work with educators from near and far.”