2015-2016

Special Education, Master of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

College of Education

This plan is appropriate if you are interested in Special Education. Please note that although certain courses in this plan may apply toward certification, completing this M.Ed. does not lead to certification. This is a Continuing Professional Program. Consult with your advisor and the Arizona Department of Education for information about obtaining Special Education Certification.

This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Cross-Categorical/High Incidence - Emphasis
  • Disability Studies - Emphasis (ending Summer 2020)
  • Early Childhood - Emphasis

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
    • Teaching Certificate - if the applicant has one
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 30 units:

    Core Requirements (12 units)

    • ESE 548 or equivalent (3 units)
    • ESE 698 (3 units)
    • ESE Elective, or students with no coursework in Educational Foundations must take one course in Educational Foundations in place of the special education elective. (3 units)
    Graduate Certificate or Emphasis Areas (Select One):
  • Please Note:
    • If students choose to earn a certificate, 3 units of electives must be taken in addition to listed plan requirements.
    • This program of study is appropriate for students who are not seeking certification in special education.
    • Students cannot apply for teaching certification under this program of studies.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.