The MEd program in special education with a concentration in teacher certification is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach special education or who want to pursue dual-certification in special education and elementary education. The program builds on connections between educational design and decision-making and is designed to foster strong professional growth and leadership development.
All courses are offered remotely; students select one of two modalities:
- ASU Sync offers regularly scheduled evening classes via synchronous learning over Zoom. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space but do meet at the same time, offering a live learning experience with peers and faculty. ASU Sync students need to reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program. Students on I-20 visas are not permitted to complete courses via Sync and should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program.
- ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules.
This program can be taken in three continuous semesters allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students can also enroll part-time over additional semesters.
Professional experiences assist students in developing a thorough understanding of teaching and learning as they apply knowledge from their coursework in varied school settings. Individualized guidance through the clinical framework provides students with the support they need to become effective educators.
Two routes are offered leading to Arizona teacher certification:
- Traditional certification route: students can pursue dual-certification in special education for mild/moderate levels, and elementary education or special education for moderate/severe levels. Students complete an internship each semester during the first two semesters. They also complete two 8-week teaching residencies, including one in a special education setting and one in an elementary school setting.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K-12; and Elementary Education, K-8 or Moderate/Severe Disabilities, K-12. - Alternative certification route: provides a pathway to teacher certification for individuals who are currently employed full-time by a school as a teacher of record. To qualify, individuals must secure a full-time teaching position in an approved content and grade level. This route leads to single certification in special education for mild/moderate disabilities or for moderate/severe levels; students are not able to pursue dual certification.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by ADE for teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K-12, or Moderate/Severe Disabilities, K-12.
Coursework is similar in both certification routes and culminates in an applied action research project in which students apply what they've learned to address a challenge in their classroom.
ASU Sync
Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

