Teaching and Learning Special Education Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis in Teaching and Learning provides you with advanced knowledge based on the Council for Exceptional Children’s Advanced Content Standards to address educational learning needs and improve teaching strategies to enhance student performance. For admission to the program, you must have completed at least year one of an Education Specialist Clear Induction Program. 

In this Special Education degree program, you will:

  • Use data-based strategies to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities.
  • Implement evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to meet the varied needs of students with disabilities.
  • Apply pedagogical concepts in educational settings to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
  • Design a behavior intervention that targets and defines a socially significant behavior, creates data collection tools, implements behavior change procedures, and evaluates progress.
CA Only

At a Glance

Online
33 Credits
$730/Credit
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Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Career Outlook for MA in Special Education (Teaching & Learning)

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 511

Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling

3 Credits
EDUU 600

Research and Evaluation Methods

3 Credits
EDUU 630

Leadership and Policy in Special Education

3 Credits
EDUU 631

Program Development and Organization in Special Education

3 Credits
EDUU 632

Advanced Assessment and Program Evaluation in Special Education

3 Credits
EDUU 661

Collaboration in Special Education

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

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Take the next step toward your Master's in Special Education at UMass Global

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
  • Completed a CTC-approved General Education or Education Specialist Induction Program or at least Year One of the Induction program. If only Year One is completed, a letter on District letterhead from the Induction coordinator or Director of Human Resources is required

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

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Testimonials

Amy J.

I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education. I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.

Amy J.
Special Education, MA
North Orange County ROP, Career Technical Education Teacher in the Education Pathway
Leonard testimonial image for Brandman

Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself.

Leonard W.
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, MA

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, students with disabilities were taught separately from other students, hence the term "special education." That is no longer the case. Today, schools strive to deliver "inclusive education," where special education services are delivered in the general education environment. "All means all" is the philosophy where all students can learn together in the same classroom. Get strategies for fostering inclusive learning.

There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:

  • They are active listeners
  • They have strong social perception skills
  • They understand how to support different learning styles
  • They’re adept at complex problem solving
  • They are service oriented

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