Other graduate certificates available with the Master of Education include the Assistive Technology Certificate and Austism Spectrum Disorders Certificate.
This plan is appropriate if you are interested in continuing professional development related to supporting individual with learning and behavioral challenges. Please note that although certain courses in this plan may apply toward certification, completing this MEd does not lead to teaching certification. Consult with your advisor and the Arizona Department of Education for information about obtaining Special Education teaching certification.
If you're looking for a career supporting individuals with disabilities in private settings, through human service agencies, or want to increase and enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting individuals with disabilities in school settings, our program might be perfect for you.
The MEd program can be tailored to your career needs through selection of a specific emphasis area. Candidates also may choose more than one emphasis area. Some emphasis areas lead to a graduate certificate and require an additional admission application. This degree program does not lead to teaching certification.
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:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Emphasis or Certificate Required | An emphasis or certificate is required for this degree. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the MEd in Special Education Continuing Professional Program is to prepare professionals to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in human service agencies. Students gain knowledge and skills to develop and expand their leadership and practice in meeting the needs of individuals with learning and behavior challenges. Building upon a foundation in research and a common understanding of individuals with disabilities, students select an emphasis area aligned with professional goals. Students in the mild/moderate emphasis area will develop effective learning and behavioral interventions, differentiate instruction, provide ability-appropriate accommodations, and collaborate to help individuals with disabilities meet their full potential. The Early Childhood emphasis explores the same areas, but for children from birth to age eight years. The Positive Behavior Support emphasis focuses on principles and tactics for improving quality of life for individuals of all ages who exhibit challenging behaviors, and consists of the six courses required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for individuals who want to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students also may select to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorder. This program does not lead to teacher certification.
Student Learning Outcomes:
More Information
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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
For those applying for fall 2025 and beyond, the following will also be required:
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Graduate Certificates (14 - 21 units)
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.