Special Education
Earn your master's in special education to gain effective teaching strategies to work with students with special needs and become an active, responsive advocate for your students.
Master Your Special Education and Leadership Skills
Intended for individuals with who want to work with special needs students, the special education master's degree can be completed in four semesters or extended over a longer period of time. Grow upon your past knowledge and skills and prepare for your future in special education. You will learn about effective teaching strategies and ways to create meaningful learning experiences for children. Typically, students seek the Master of Arts in Special Education while pursuing certification in one or more areas. This degree also provides flexibility for those not needing or wanting certification.
As a special education student at USD, you will use hands-on learning, take program-specific classes and work closely with your peers to understand the best ways to educate students needing special education. Our expert professors will offer mentorship as you design an individualized plan of study that emphasizes the learning strategies that are most important to you.
Degrees & Offerings
Special Education (M.A.)
Master'sThe master's in special education requires a specialization.
Special Education: Advanced Specialist in Disabilities
Master'sDesigned for special educators who would like to pursue more focused and specialized studies within the field of special education. This program promotes a more intensive study regarding the most current issues in special education such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavior management, advanced teaching and assessment practices in high need disability areas and vocational-transitional planning.
Special Education: Multicategorical Special Education K-12 (M.A.)
Master'sIdeal for individuals who want to teach in the field of special education in kindergarten through 12th grade, the coursework in this program focus on a range of mild to profound disability areas and related services. Students who wish to pursue initial teacher licensure and/or special education certification should choose this specialization.
Accelerated Special Education: Advanced Specialist in Disabilities (M.A.)
Accelerated ProgramYou can choose an accelerated option when specializing in advanced specialist in disabilities. If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after the completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks USD School of Education among the "Best in the Nation" for the 4th consecutive year.
The small faculty-student ratios assure you the one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed whether you are on campus or attend class online.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the School of Education. You may be interested in joining a student organization to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a special education organization that works with children who have special needs. Members do various service projects for the community that serves individuals with special needs and their families.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a professional membership organization that promotes high-quality education and learning for young children by addressing policy, research and early childhood practice.
National Education Association & South Dakota Education Association
The USD chapter of the South Dakota Education Association aims to acquaint students in teacher education programs with the history, ethics and programs of the education profession while also supporting and increasing their involvement in the community.
School of Education Student Ambassadors
Communicate with prospective students, assist with recruitment events, give tours of the building and offer input during prospective students’ individual campus visits. This group exemplifies the spirit of the school and provides excellent opportunities for professional growth.
SERVE - Adopt a School, Big Pal/Little Pal, H.E.R.O.E.S.
USD SERVE is focused on enriching the community of Vermillion. The group upholds the goal of supporting the educational mission of USD by providing service-based learning opportunities to students, as well as creating an environment that advocates for the importance of community service and helping others.
USD Reading Council
The USD Reading Council is dedicated to enhancing reading instruction and promoting the love of literature. A professional organization, we are genuinely concerned with the improvement of reading programs and teaching procedures, both developmental and remedial, for children and adults.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Departments & Facilities
Teacher Residency and Education
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
Center for Student and Professional Services
The School of Education offers resources and support for you in the Center for Student and Professional Services (CSPS). Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing you with resources to help you excel personally, academically and professionally.
Faculty & staff
Daniel Mourlam
Susan Gapp
John Williams
Nicki Carr
Danielle Davenport
Kristen DeMuth
Jamie Hovden
Kelly Knutson
Rebecca Phillips
Kevin Reins
Theresa Skinner
Tailor the Program to Your Interests and Career Goals
USD's graduate degrees in educational leadership are unique in that you can craft the program to fit your interests and career goals. You'll learn from supportive faculty and take classes from other departments across campus to expand your skillset and knowledge. This unique structure provides a versatile and supportive climate that prepares you for success in today's information-rich society.
Impact the Lives of Your Students
Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
