Online Master of Education in Special Education Big Hearts. Evidence-Based Strategies. Special Education Expertise.
36
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026 | June 29, 2026
Explore Inclusive Curriculum Strategies and Instructional Leadership Skills with a Master’s in Special Education Online
If you are passionate about creating inclusive learning environments, you may be seeking advanced study that deepens your understanding of curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategy. When you confer Liberty University’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education, you can complete graduate-level academic study in special education and expand your expertise in diverse educational settings.
In a master’s in special education online program, you can study curriculum evaluation, differentiated instruction, educational research, and assessment practices with an emphasis on students with special needs. Coursework will explore autism spectrum disorder, communication and sensory considerations, and technology-supported instruction. Through an online special education master’s degree, you can examine strategies aligned with inclusive and culturally responsive teaching while strengthening your professional development in education.
As a non-licensure Master of Education in special education, this program may be appropriate if you are working in private or Christian schools, learning centers, education nonprofits, or other educational settings where instructional leadership skills are valued. The fully online format features 8-week courses with no set login times, offering flexibility that may support your schedule.
Please note: The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education degree is a non-licensure program. Students can switch to the licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching program but must meet credit hour and GPA qualifications.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose a Master’s Degree in Special Education?
When pursuing a master’s in special education online, academic quality and institutional credibility matter. Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which means this program meets recognized academic standards. Through Liberty’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education, you can engage in graduate-level study within an accredited institution while expanding your expertise in curriculum and instruction.
Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education since 1985, and that experience informs the structure of our online programs today. The 100% online format features 8-week courses with no set login times, allowing you to pursue your academic goals from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexible format also provides an opportunity for you to pursue graduate study while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities.
Additionally, Liberty’s online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026. That commitment to excellence extends to our online students through faculty support, structured course design, and many academic resources aligned with our broader mission of Training Champions for Christ.
What Will You Study in a Master of Education – Special Education?
In the online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education, you can study how curriculum, instruction, and assessment connect within special education settings. You can also explore foundational principles of education and examine how research and evaluation inform classroom decisions.
In an online master’s in special education degree, your coursework will review curriculum evaluation and effective instructional methods. You can explore differentiated instruction or strategies that address behavior and learning needs. These topics focus on how instruction can be adapted for diverse learners.
Within the special education specialization, you can examine practical special education assessment tools and processes used with students. You may also study characteristics of special needs such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including communication and sensory factors that can influence classroom experiences for such students.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore how technology supports instruction in inclusive classrooms. Coursework will examine instructional technology, learner diversity, and current trends in educational technology. These topics are considered in relation to inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Potential Special Education Career Opportunities
Liberty’s online M.Ed. can support a variety of roles in educational settings. Because this is a non-licensure M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, career outcomes can vary based on your current credentials, experience, and state requirements. This degree may be relevant for professionals seeking to expand their responsibilities in private schools, Christian schools, learning centers, education nonprofits, or other instructional support environments.
Some positions that may align with this field of study include:
- Autism support professional
- Curriculum specialist
- Educational consultant
- Educational diagnostician
- Instructional coordinator
- Special education supervisor
- Special education support specialist
- Special education teacher
- Special education tester
Featured Special Education Courses
Special Ed Master’s Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Education.
- View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required).
- This is a non-licensure program. Completion of this degree will not lead to eligibility for a teaching license in Virginia or any other state. Students wishing to become a licensed special education teacher should consider Liberty’s Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education.
Degree Completion Plan
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| Graduate Education Full Time | $430/Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Education Part Time | $645/Credit |
| Military Graduate | $290/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Liberty’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education Online Program
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Please note: Licensure requirements vary by state. Be sure to research the licensure requirements for becoming a teacher in your state.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
- If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.
Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses Policy
Please see the Online Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses Policy page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript Policies
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Master’s Programs Online
What is a non-licensure Master of Education in special education?
A non-licensure Master of Education in special education is a graduate program that does not lead to initial teacher certification. If you already hold licensure or are serving in an educational setting that does not require state certification, you may prefer a program that focuses on advanced study rather than credentialing requirements. This type of degree centers on curriculum strategy and specialized knowledge without including student teaching or state licensure components.
In Liberty’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education, you can study topics such as autism spectrum disorder, differentiated instruction, and educational assessment while maintaining your current professional role. Because the program is offered 100% online in 8-week courses with no set login times, you may pursue graduate-level study while continuing to serve in private schools, learning centers, Christian schools, or nonprofit educational settings.
What is the difference between a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.)?
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is typically designed for individuals seeking initial teaching licensure or a direct pathway into classroom teaching. MAT programs often include field experiences or student teaching components and are structured around state certification requirements. If your goal is to enter the classroom as a licensed teacher, that route may be appropriate depending on your state guidelines.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.), by contrast, often focuses on advanced study within a specialized area of education. Liberty’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education is a non-licensure program that emphasizes curriculum design, assessment practices, autism-related considerations, and instructional strategy. If you are seeking graduate-level academic study without pursuing initial certification, this program may better align with your professional goals.
What can you do with an M.Ed. in special education?
A master’s in special ed may be relevant if you are seeking expanded responsibilities within educational settings that serve diverse learners. Career paths can vary depending on your credentials, experience, and employer expectations. In non-licensure environments, you may pursue roles related to curriculum support, assessment coordination, autism-focused programming, instructional improvement, or educational technology integration.
Through Liberty’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education online, you can study curriculum evaluation, assessment tools for special needs, and behavior and learning strategies that are applicable across a range of educational contexts. The program’s emphasis on autism characteristics, communication factors, and assistive technology may be particularly relevant if you are serving in private schools, learning centers, or education nonprofits that support students with diverse learning profiles.
Can you get a master’s in SPED entirely online?
Liberty’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education is offered in a 100% online format. Courses are delivered in 8-week terms, with 8 start dates throughout the year and no set login times. This structure can help you complete assignments and participate in coursework on your schedule from anywhere with an internet connection.
The online format does not change the program’s academic scope. You can study curriculum evaluation, research and assessment practices, behavior strategies, characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, and instructional technology within a structured digital learning environment. Liberty’s accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) also means the program meets recognized academic standards.
Inner Navigation
- Overview
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Why Choose Liberty?
- What Will You Study?
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
- FAQs
Have questions?