M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (Nonlicensure)

Prepare to Make a Difference Through Regent’s Special Education Degree Program

Are you ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of your students? Regent’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in K-12 Special Education (non-licensure) program is designed for professionals who work with people with disabilities and are seeking additional knowledge. This degree will increase your understanding of special education laws and introduce you to best practices in disability services, teaching gifted students, addressing behavior disorders, and using assistive technology.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 30+

Next Session Start: January 13, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

EXPAND YOUR INFLUENCE & PURPOSE

Make a big impact caring for those who have special education needs.

WIDEN YOUR JOB PROSPECTS

Enjoy rewarding opportunities in schools and communities.

UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL IN CHILDREN’S LIVES

Create engaging special education environments that foster learning.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row (2013-2023). Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to more than 900 alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. If you would like to pursue a K-12 teacher licensure with an endorsement in special education, please explore our M.Ed. – K-12 Special Education (Licensure) program.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

Career Opportunities

On completing the M.Ed. – K-12 Special Education (Non-licensure) degree, you can:

Understand characteristics of students with disabilities and how to manage behaviors and train in social skills.
Integrate language acquisition, reading tools, instructional methods, and data-driven assessment techniques.
Collaborate and consult effectively on behalf of at-risk children.

Career Opportunities

Special Education Consultant
Disabilities Expertise in Social Work, Healthcare, Ministry, Counseling & More

Top10

Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 11 Years in a Row U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
EDU 600	Graduate Foundations for Education	2	Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Education.
EFND 598	Professional Project	1-3	Before the awarding of a degree, successfully complete a culminating experience. For most, the project will consist of providing evidence, in the form of a portfolio, that critical program competencies have been met. Cross-listed with EFND 698.
ETSP 553	Language Acquisition & the Communicative Arts	3	Prepares participants to develop students’ communicative competence through a focus of the language modes: listening, speaking, and writing. The course content addresses language development, language theories, and best practices of assessing and teaching language. Particular attention will be given to language difficulties of students with mild disabilities, and/or language deficit, and/or second language acquisition.
ETSP 554	Assessing & Teaching Reading of Narrative & Expository Texts	3	Prepares participants to assess reading skills and to teach reading to students with mild disabilities and/or language deficit and/or second language acquisition. The course will specifically address reading processes, approaches, and stages, early intervention practices, corrective reading, diagnosis and remediation of reading problems, and assessment and instruction of reading in the content areas. Investigate and analyze record reviews and interviews; design, administer, and interpret tests; write reports; and design, implement, and critique instruction. The focus will be on the application and generalization of knowledge to realistic classroom situations.
ETSP 555	Collaboration & Consultation	3	Participants will acquire the necessary knowledge base and skills to collaborate and/or consult with other professionals, students, and parents. Particular attention will be given to teaming, collaborative consultation, and co-teaching.
ETSP 570	Instructional Methods for Students with Disabilities	3	Learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities investigated from theoretical, philosophical, medical, and legal perspectives. Emphasis on instructional methods for students with learning and behavioral concerns including Attention Deficit Disorder. The impact of learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and intellectual disabilities across the life span with emphasis on curriculum, instructional strategies, and transition issues will be studied. Interpretation of assessment and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are included.
ETSP 571	Foundations of Human Grown & Development & Legal Aspects for Special Education	3	Foundations of education in the U.S. from historical, philosophical, sociological development, including key legislative, judicial decisions that have shaped the current special education laws and policies. Addresses physical, cognitive, cultural, social/emotional, spiritual, psychological development of children and adolescents. Emphasizes theories of human development and identification for special education services.
ETSP 572	Characteristics & Behavior Management of Students with Exceptional Needs	3	In-depth overview of identification, assessment, program options, intervention and behavioral management solutions for learners with exceptional needs. Identifies appropriate behavioral interventions and social skill teaching strategies through case studies, simulations, and role-playing. Emphasizes modifying strategies based on learning style and cultural considerations.
ETSP 573	Assessing & Teaching Reading & Math Across Content for Students with Exceptional Needs	3	Reading and Math standards and curriculum methods for diagnosis, remediation, instructional design, and curriculum adaptation will be examined. Students will identify reading and math difficulties; conduct record reviews and interviews; administer and interpret formal and informal tests; write reports; and design, implement and critique instruction.
ETSP 574	K-12 Reading Assessment & Instruction Across Content Areas	3	Advancing literacy (reading and writing skills) across subjects and grade levels. Techniques that support independent reading, writing, and learning and organization, summarizing, note-taking, reading/writing strategies and techniques, and reflective thought in content courses will be covered.
ETSP 576	Data Driven Assessment	3	The study of achievement assessment, IQ test, validity and reliability, constructs, construction of authentic assessment and scoring, norm referenced v. criterion referenced, determination of biased assessments and factors that may influence assessment such as cultural, behavioral, and learning diversity. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used individual and group instruments, including norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and curriculum-based measures and task analysis, observation, portfolio, and environmental assessments; and synthesis and interpretation of assessment findings for eligibility, program planning, and program evaluation decisions will be addressed.

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session M	Friday, September 6	Monday, September 16
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session T	Friday, January 31	Monday, February 10
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	6	$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	3	$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	3	$2,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	9	$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	9	$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	6	$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2023-24 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	6	$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	3	$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	3	$2,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	9	$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	9	$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	6	$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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“The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.”

Altina Suber, M.Ed., 2015 Teacher

“I found Regent's School of Education to be a place where I could obtain some of those practical skills I needed to help others. The TESOL curriculum included a good balance of instruction in reading, writing, and conversation skills that I can apply with adults or children.”

Jason Clark, M.Ed., 2010 TESOL

“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”

Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary

“I am grateful for Regent’s rigorous, Christ-centered Special Education program. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with the next generation of special education teachers. I’m also excited to continue my research on educational practices utilized in public schools.”

Allisha Beerwart, Ed.D., 2018 Assistant Professor of Education, School of Education, GSW State University

“If you are considering a career in teaching,  consider preparing at Regent University.”

Doreatha White, M.Ed., 1997 Principal, J.J. Roberts Elementary School