Professor
Department Chairperson
Special Education, MSEd
Give students with special learning needs the drive and abilities to become successful, lifelong learners. At Pace University, our online master’s in Special Education prepares you to support and inspire students of all abilities. Build the expertise in inclusionary practices and differentiated instruction techniques essential for fostering success and inspiring lifelong learning for students across all grade levels.
Location
Online
Duration
30 credits
24 Months, full-time and part-time
Modality
Online
Start Dates
Fall, Spring, Summer
F1 Visa
No
STEM Designated Program
N/A
Meet Today's High Demand for Special Education
Pace University’s MSEd in Special Education empowers you to drive student success and foster individual engagement in one of the most in-demand fields in education. Through this program, you’ll gain expertise in inclusive practices and differentiated instruction, equipping you to support students of all ages with diverse needs and abilities.
By earning your masters in special education online, you have greater flexibility to develop the skills needed to work with atypical learners. Our program prepares you for success in New York City’s diverse schools and institutions, including the NYC Department of Education. Thanks to strong partnerships with local schools in Westchester and NYC, you’ll gain hands-on experience and direct access to employment opportunities—many students even secure teaching positions before graduating.
98%
of our graduates are employed (Source: Pace University Career Services)
Top 9%
best special education school (Source: College Factual)
#3
special education job placement (Source: Intelligent.com)
Curriculum
Designed for teachers with their certification in early childhood, childhood or adolescent education, the 30-credit master’s program is organized into three interrelated strands that integrate theory, technique, and practice in instruction and assessment.
The program culminates in a one-semester, full-time practicum in a classroom setting with students with disabilities (ED 679), and a related teacher-as-researcher course (ED 690) that includes an action research project.
Take Courses Like…
- ED 671 Diagnosis, Assessment, and Educational Planning for Students with Disabilities
- ED 677 Literacy for Children with Special Needs
- EDG 607 Positive Behavior Supports and Autonomy
Program Highlights
- Our coursework integrates key knowledge and dispositions necessary to teach in today’s modern classrooms, using technology to address the specific needs of all learners, including students with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse students.
- We are a proud member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), an accreditation organization for educator preparation programs that promotes the preparation of effective educators by way of innovative, outcomes-focused programs that engage education’s toughest challenges, directly and in context.
Careers
After completing this program, you are eligible for an initial certificate in teaching students with disabilities (P–12).
Our strong partnerships with local school districts mean that our students are getting hired before they even graduate. As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.
Student Quote
My experience as a Pace University student has been incredible. Pace University’s CSD program has already opened doors for me, and I am excited for what’s to come in the future in my career as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
—LaChana Flanders ’20
Where Pace Graduates are Employed
- NYC Department of Education
- Dutchess County School Districts
- Putnam County School Districts
- Rockland County School Districts
- Westchester County School Districts
Featured Faculty
Associate Professor
Director
Admission and Financial Aid
You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.
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- A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
- A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
- Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
- All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and NYS Initial or Professional certification as a classroom teacher. In addition, the candidate’s transcript will be evaluated for 6 credits in each of the following areas: ELA, History, Natural Science, and Math. Candidates who have 12 credits or fewer of “deficiencies” in these areas are eligible for admission. Deficiencies will be required to be addressed prior to student teaching. Candidates who hold an out-of-state teaching certificate are encouraged to meet with Pace’s Certification Officer for help in securing the NYS equivalent license.
- International Applicants: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, and they must have their international transcript evaluated by a NACES accredited service such as World Education Services (WES). The purpose of the evaluation is for the agency to determine the American equivalent of courses completed, and credits and grades earned for each course. The evaluation is required by New York State Education Department (NYSED) to determine eligibility for teacher certification.
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Per credit: $1,095 | Total cost of program: $32,850
*Tuition based on current year and subject to change. -
Fall Term
- Domestic Students: August 1
- International Students: June 1
Spring Term
- Domestic Students: December 1
- International Students: October 1
Summer Term
- Domestic Students: May 1
- International Students: March 1
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Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.
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Every admitted student is automatically considered for all available financial aid options, assessed based on both availability and individual need. Financial resources include:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Awards of up to $4,800, automatically considered during the application process.
- Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities for hands-on experience while earning financial support.
- Endowed Scholarships: Awards funded by generous donors to support student success.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A federal loan program with favorable terms.
- Graduate/Professional Direct PLUS Loan: For students who need additional funding.
- Work-Study Programs: Part-time work opportunities to help fund your education.
- Military Benefits: Includes the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Pace’s Veteran Tuition Scholarship.
For more information about affordability and the full range of financial aid options, visit Pace University Financial Aid.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Contact Us
Admission Contact
Office of Graduate Admission
Phone: (800) 874-7223
Email: graduateadmission@pace.edu
Departmental Contact
Shobana Musti, PhD
Email: smusti@pace.edu