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Special Education (M.A.)

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Overview

Degree Level(s)
Licensure/Certification
Master's
Modality
Hybrid
School
Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education

About the Special Education Graduate Program

The Master of Arts in Special Education program is designed to prepare teachers for supporting students of all abilities. Available with full-time and part-time options, the program provides flexibility for both recent graduates and working educators who seek licensure in elementary special education or secondary special education. A 4+1 track allows exceptional seniors, both at RWU and elsewhere, to complete the master’s program in just one year. A non-licensure track for educators who hold special education certification is also available.

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    Special Education Graduate Program Details

    Special Education (M.A.)

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    Format

    Hybrid

    Schedule

    Evening courses; summer, fall, and spring

    Credits Required

    36-44

    Time Commitment

    1 to 2 years

    Cost

    2026-2027 Academic Year
    $780 per credit

    Fees

    2026-2027 Academic Year
    $490 per semester (full-time students)
    $165 per semester (part-time students)

    Ways to Save

    Scholarships Available

    Apply By

    Fall: March 1 (priority), June 15 (regular), August 1 (final) 

    Spring: November 1 (priority), December 15 (regular), January 6 (final) 

    Summer: March 1 (regular), April 1 (final)

    Upcoming Events

    Click here for all upcoming events

    Special Education Graduate Program Curriculum Overview

    The M.A. Special Education program is accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and is aligned to the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Educator Professional Ethics and Standards. The program has a particular focus on equity, culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices, and inclusion of students with high incidence disabilities. 

    Candidates seeking licensure in special education will be immersed in clinical placements in local schools, completing a residency with a school-based clinical educator certified in special education.  The program requires candidates to complete the equivalent of a year-old residency and 60 additional hours of clinical placement designed to meet the Rhode Island certification regulations that take effect in December 2022.  The program also requires a minimum of 30 hours in an urban school district, and encourages candidates to spend more time in high-need districts.    

    Students may pursue a 30/32-credit certification-only option, a master's degree option (36-44 credits), or a non-certification track (30 credits).  

    Special Education (M.A.) Degree Requirements

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    Student Outcomes in the Special Education Graduate Program

    • Demonstrate inclusive pedagogical approaches and practices aimed at providing an equitable education for all students, particularly students from historically minoritized groups (i.e. students of color, students who identify as LGBTQ+, students living in poverty, students with disabilities, students who are English Learners).
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations required of professionals in the field of special education.
    • Conduct, score, and interpret individual curriculum-based and norm-referenced educational achievement assessments that are cultural relevant, valid, and reliable in order to inform a student’s eligibility of special education services, develop Individualized Education Programs, and guide instructional practices.
    • Utilize evidence-based strategies to meet the diverse instructional, behavioral, cultural, linguistic, and social/emotional needs of students with disabilities.
    • Demonstrate culturally-competent partnerships with families/caregivers, educational professionals, related service providers, and other school personnel to develop, utilize, and assess individualized and inclusive supports for students with disabilities.
    • Develop strategies to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

    Application Requirements

    Application Process

    To be considered for admission to the M.A. Special Education program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (4+1 students must be enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate program.) 

    Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.

    How to Apply Apply Now

    Application Materials

    1. Completed application form and $55 application fee
    An application fee is not required for RWU students.

    2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
    The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of RWU students.

    3. Letter of Intent (no more than two double-spaced pages) detailing: a. Why you hold the dispositions to become a special education teacher committed to equity; and b. Experiences that inspired your desire to work with youth with exceptionalities

    4. Two letters of recommendation, academic or professional, attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school

    5. Current Resume

    6. A copy of a current BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) background check or equivalent document.

    7. Copy of current and valid teacher’s certificate(s) (only required for applicants who already possess certification)

    8. Interview with Program Director (to be scheduled once all other application materials have been received.)

    Uploading Materials

    Once an applicant has submitted the application form they will have access to a portal to upload all supplemental materials (transcript copies, letter of intent, portfolio, resume, etc.)

    Alternatively, documents can be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. 

    Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:
    Office of Graduate Admission
    1 Old Ferry Rd.
    Bristol, RI 02809

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    International Applicants

    International applicants are required to submit an external transcript evaluation.  If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results is also required to apply to graduate programs.

    International applicants should read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents using the link below.

    Additional Requirements for International Students Accepted International Student Information

    Disclosure

    RWU discloses that the Master of Arts in Special Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education do not satisfy all educational requirements for licensure as an elementary or secondary public-school educator. Certification and licensure requirements are set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and students interested in learning about RIDE requirements, including state reciprocity policies, should enquire via the RIDE website or the students’ resident state websites for the most current information on licensure requirements for educators.

    Tuition Discounts for Educators

    If you are an educator you qualify for a 15 percent tuition discount on education graduate programs at RWU.

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    Contact Us

    Ann Winfield, Ph.D.
    Address School of Law ED83
    Emailawinfield@rwu.edu
    Phone(401) 254-5667