Special Education - M.Ed. at Kent State University

Kent State University

United States of America, Kent

University Rank:#1001

Kent State University offers the Master of Special Education - M.Ed. as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Kent , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for special education - m.ed. and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 25, 2027.

About Special Education - M.Ed.

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.
The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.
The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.
The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.
The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities
The Transition to Work concentration focuses on needs of students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Accreditation

The Deaf concentration is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf.

Graduates of the program will be able to:

Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., transition-to work, mild/moderate, deaf education).

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Special Education - M.Ed. at Kent State University

Entry Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
Official transcript(s)
Goal statement
Two letters of recommendation
English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 550 TOEFLPBT score - paper-based version
- Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score - Internet-based version
- Minimum 77 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., transition-to work, mild/moderate, deaf education).

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

Tuition and Fee Information for Special Education - M.Ed. at Kent State University

¹Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

²Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Special Education - M.Ed. at Kent State University

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

Passport biographical page.
English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

Special Education - M.Ed. at Kent State University

Kent State University

United States of America, Kent