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General Studies Degree with Master's in Special Ed

Accelerated B.G.S./M.Ed.

Graduate with a B.G.S. in general studies and M.Ed. in special education in an accelerated time frame.

UND’s Bachelor of General Studies major empowers you to choose courses from a variety of academic departments while earning a master's degree in Special Education.

Program type:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2-4 years
Credit hours:
120 (bachelor's), 30+ (master's)
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply

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Why combine degrees in general studies and special education?

 

Undergraduate Application Deadlines
FALL:
Aug. 16
SPRING:
Dec. 15
SUMMER:
May 1

 

Graduate Application Deadlines
FALL:
June 15
SPRING:
Oct. 15
SUMMER:
March 15

 

With the accelerated online program, you'll gain a bachelor’s in General Studies, minor in Special Education and master of education in Special Education. Upon degree completion, you will be eligible for licensure in Special Education.

As you earn your bachelor's and master's degree  online, you’ll focus on individuals with disabilities in the context of family, culture, and community. You’ll explore developmentally appropriate practices, emergent curriculum, descriptive assessment, and problem-solving approaches to assist individuals with disabilities. You will learn online from an interdisciplinary group of faculty members with extensive experience as practitioners, professors and researchers.

How does an accelerated online education program work?

General Studies B.G.S. + Special Education Minor + Special Education M.Ed.

The online degree programs M.Ed. in Special Education allows those with an associate’s degree in education or currently enrolled undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace.

The Accelerated Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the B.S.G. and M.Ed. in Special Education at an accelerated pace. Admitted students may double count up to twelve (12) graduate-level credits and obtain a master's degree within 12 months of completing the bachelor's degree.

The Accelerated B.G.S./M.Ed. in SPED is often a stepping stone into UND’s Special Education Resident Teacher Program.  Accelerated B.G.S./M.Ed. students do not need to apply to the SERTP.  For further information, contact Amy Jacobson

Accredited Online Special Education Degree

Teacher education programs at UND are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The online program follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

UND also offers a Graduate Certificate in Special Education.

Online Special Education Program

  • We offer an approved teacher certification program for North Dakota that is transferable to most states.

  • UND's Special Education program is approved by Educational Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

  • We are globally renowned for our expertise, leadership, diversity, and high quality teacher and professional preparation in the field of special education.

  • Become immersed in experiential learning opportunities that allow you to acquire and master teaching and assessment skills with case study students while under the mentorship of UND Special Education faculty and highly qualified special educators in the field.

  • Our unique program allows Resident Teachers (RTs) to earn a master's degree in special education through online coursework and on-the-job experience in a school district/special education unit.

What can I do as a special education teacher?

4%

Projected job growth for special education teachers through 2031. Teachers with master's degrees fall on the high end of the scale or earn a premium income.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

61K

Median annual wage for special education teachers.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job prospects for special education teachers are excellent due to the rising enrollments of students receiving special education and shortages of qualified teachers. Job openings are expected as a result or teacher retirements or career changes.

When You Earn a Master's Degree in Special Education

A Special Education master's degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Event Planning
  • Autism Therapies
  • Strategic Planning

Our graduates work in schools, hospitals, human services agencies, state and private institutions and in private practice. Special Education alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • West Fargo School District
  • Anne Carlsen Center
  • Grand Forks Public Schools
  • Blake High School
  • Family Support Services of North Idaho, LLC

Special Education Teacher Courses

T&L 251. Understanding Individuals with Different Abilities. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to foundational knowledge of individuals with different abilities addressing the identification, supports, range of services, assessment components, and evidence-based teaching practices. Historical, legal, cultural, and societal influences that impacts educational success will be explored. F,S,SS, even years.

T&L 413. Assessing and Correcting Reading Difficulties. 2 Credits.

The focus of this course and practicum is to learn about current approaches to assessment and methods to assist students who are having difficulty with reading and writing. Observations, running records, interviews, and other evaluation procedures are used to learn about reader and writers, and these assessments are used to plan for instruction. F,SS.

T&L 474. STEM Concepts in the Elementary Classroom. 3 Credits.

Elementary school teachers must know and understand the fundamental concepts and practices in all domains of science (physical, life, earth and space sciences), as well as how technology, engineering, and math are integrated into this subject matter, so that they can plan and effectively implement meaningful and engaging STEM learning experiences for their students. This course will provide a foundation in the science content necessary for elementary teachers to know through a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. Further, it will introduce students to effective teaching strategies for not only integrating the components of STEM across all science domains but for making STEM accessible for diverse learners as well. F,S,SS.

SPED 521. IEP and the Transition Process. 3 Credits.

This course covers the development of a federally mandated Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students identified with one of the 13 disability areas as defined by IDEA. Additionally, this course focuses on education, personal, and vocational transition for students with disabilities. Assessment and transition program planning will be covered along with interagency collaboration skills and career awareness. F,S,SS.

SPED 525. Legal/Ethical Aspects in Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course covers the theory and study of special education law for children & youth with disabilities. F,S,SS.

SPED 550. Foundations of Special Education with Emphasis in ASD, EBD, ID, and LD. 3 Credits.

The course provides an introduction to perspectives and policies for identifying and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), learning disabilities (LD), emotional behavioral disorders (EBD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students will gain an understanding of service delivery models within special education based on a multi-systems approach. The course addresses aspects of diversity for individuals with exceptionalities and their families, and how these complex issues can interact with the delivery of educational and related services. Effective communication and collaboration models are emphasized through a culturally responsive lens. The course is designed around reflective thinking and critical analysis of varied issues related to the provision of quality lifelong supports such as characteristics, prevalence, etiology and educational impact. F,S,SS.

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Best Online Special Education Master's

We rank among the best online programs for affordability and quality academics.

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Leader in Special Education

Den Bolda, special education teacher at Fargo North High School, is a 2015 graduate of the online special education program.

Read Den's Story

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Department Contact
Amy Jacobson
Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice
P 701.777.4719
amy.jacobson@UND.edu
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