Multiple Specialization Tracks Available

Typical Length 2 years

Delivery Online

Nationally Accredited

RSVP to attend our virtual information session that will cover updates and information related to the MEd in Special Education and available tracks: January 13, 2025 at 4:30pm (Zoom link will be shared with those who submit the RSVP)

The MEd in Special Education is an online program designed for educators and professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in special education. Through core courses, you’ll explore key topics while gaining hands-on experience evaluating and sharing research. The program emphasizes advocacy for individuals with disabilities, collaboration with educational and family partners, and provides opportunities to build a strong network of peers and professionals. You’ll also work closely with your faculty advisor to tailor the program to your unique background, interests, and career goals.

This program is comprised of three required core courses (9 credits), a capstone project/paper (1 credit), and seven elective courses depending on chosen specialization track (21 credits). Specialization track options include:

  • Leadership & Research
  • Applied Behavior Analysis*
  • Interdisciplinary

*Note: The ABA-Track program may include additional credits (4-12) required for completing fieldwork supervision requirements

Please review the sections below for more details.

Who should consider this program
  • Special and general education teachers
  • Educational professionals wishing to gain knowledge and skills in inclusive and special education practices
  • Individuals working in nonprofit and for-profit agencies serving individuals with disabilities

Note: The MEd SPED program does NOT lead to initial teacher licensure. If you are licensed in a different field, then refer to our Special Education Add-a-Teaching-Field coursework option. However, if you are not currently a licensed teacher in any field and are interested in pursuing a program to become a licensed special education teacher, please visit: https://coe.hawaii.edu/sped-teaching/

Common Careers
  • Special education teacher
  • Special education teacher mentor
  • General education inclusion teacher
  • Special Education Department Head or Grade-Level Chair
  • Student Service Coordinator (SSC)
  • District Education Specialist (DES)
  • District or Complex Area Resource Teacher
  • Individuals working in nonprofit and for-profit agencies serving individuals with disabilities (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts)
Admission Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree: must be from a UHM recognized, accredited, four-year institution of higher education
  • GPA: 3.0 or higher

Note: International students are unable to pursue our online or hybrid programs due to visa requirements, including those who wish to pursue online courses from their home country. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Application Requirements

  • Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
  • Video Recorded Responses and Essay
  • Statement of Objectives
  • Resumé/Curriculum Vitae
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
    • It is recommended that at least one letter of recommendation comes from a supervisor or administrator educational institution and/or community agency to begin this program, as applicable.

Note: Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have at least 2 years of experience in the field (e.g., schools, clinics, community settings)

Acceptance Criteria:

  • All candidates will be expected to complete field-based activities during the program, which includes having access to working with students with disabilities. Therefore,
    • All candidates must secure formal administrative support from an educational institution and/or community agency before the start of this program (forms will be provided upon conditional acceptance to the program).
  • A laptop/desk-top computer is required before the start of this program
  • All candidates must attend an online orientation before the start of the program
Application Deadlines
Starting Semester Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Summer February 1 March 1

To begin an application, please refer to the “Apply Now” page.


How to Apply
Delivery & Format

ONLINE PROGRAM (online, synchronous)

All courses in the MEd SPED program are offered online and include synchronous online class sessions in the early evenings, typically 4:30pm-7:00pm HST*.

There is a mandatory online candidate orientation at the beginning of the program. Each candidate will be assigned a faculty advisor who will individualize and accommodate candidates’ experiences, educational background, and professional aspirations to select one additional elective that aligns with each candidate’s interests. Delivery of elective/emphasis courses may be available in other formats and will vary according to the department in which they are housed.

*Candidates residing outside of Hawaii must consider differences in timezone before committing to this program.

MEd SPED Core Coursework

The MEd in Special Education is a 31-credit* graduate program comprised of three required core courses (9 credits), a capstone project (1 credit), and seven courses depending on chosen specialization track* (21 credits).

MEd SPED Core Coursework (10 credits), for all specializations:

  • SPED 641b: Seminar on Issues in Special Education (3)
  • SPED 602: Special Education Law and Compliance (3)
  • SPED 642: Seminar on Applied Research in Special Education (3)
  • SPED 695**: Master’s Project (1)

*The ABA-Track program includes additional credits (4-12) required for completing fieldwork supervision requirements

**Candidates can choose to replace the Master’s Project (1 credit) with a Thesis (6 credits), extending their total program credits to 36.

Tuition & Funding

MEd in Special Education Tuition Rates:

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates

MERIT-BASED STIPENDS*: Possible stipends, based on available departmental funds. Stipends are competitive and applicants can receive up to $8,000 total, based on merit as evaluated by GPA and faculty recommendation. Funding and application packet is available after successful completion of first-semester coursework. Priority will be given to students who are not receiving external grant funding.

FINANCIAL AID: All applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA for financial aid eligibility and should refer to UH Mānoa’s financial aid website. The MEd in Special Education program is a part-time program, with candidates enrolling in two courses per semester (6 credits). For financial aid purposes, this would be classified as a part-time graduate student. If you want to be a full-time student, you would need to enroll in 8 credits or more each Fall and Spring semester. Inform the advisor of your need to be enrolled as a full-time student as you collaboratively plan your course of study with them.  Your advisor will determine which courses are appropriate to be added to your program to bring you to full-time status. Pursuing full-time status would extend your program to being more than 31 credits.

The following additional loan forgiveness options are available to candidates who qualify for and receive financial aid:

SCHOLARSHIPS: To view a listing of all UH Scholarships available, please visit http://www.star.hawaii.edu/scholarship

Specific scholarships to education and/or special education include:

  • Faith C. Ai Memorial Scholarship: Certified educators who are pursuing graduate degrees in any subject may receive up to $5,000, as long as they intend to teach after graduation.
  • College of Education Scholarships: Visit our College of Education funding website to see a listing of available funding opportunities specific to those pursuing degrees and programs in education.
Advising & Faculty

Our faculty and staff will provide you with guidance and resources to support your success from beginning to end. Upon acceptance you will receive a dedicated faculty advisor to partner with you on your journey.

Program Info & Inquiries

Please complete the “Request More Info” form and our recruitment specialist will be happy to answer additional questions, provide program or funding updates, and assist with the application process once admissions open.

Photo of Steven Klein

Steven Klein

Junior Specialist

Tracks

The leadership and research specialization is ideal for those looking to take the next step in their careers as leaders in special education or disability services. This track lets you explore key topics in special education through the lens of an educational leader while building valuable skills in evaluating and sharing research. Whether you want to lead in your school or another education-related setting, this specialization helps you make a real impact.

Leadership & Research Coursework (21 credits)

  • SPED 641d: Seminar in Issues in Special Education (Foundations)
  • SPED 641f: Seminar in Issues in Special Education (Cultural & Linguistic Diversity)
  • SPED 641g: Seminar in Issues in Special Education (Evidence-Based Practices)
  • SPED 643: Seminar in Special Education Leadership
  • SPED 688: Research Practicum in Special Education
  • SPED 629: Clinical Practices (Fall I or Spring II), or two elective* courses

*Candidates who graduated from the UHM College of Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program in Special Education may be eligible to double count one course to fulfill one elective.

Grant Funding

Summer 2025: 15 students will selected to receive grant funding which will include tuition, technology, and a conference stipend. Please complete the “Request More Info” interest form to be notified of enrollment and additional information as it becomes available.

Contact

Leadership & Research Track Chair

Dr. Sara Cook – cothren@hawaii.edu

*The ABA program is currently 31 credits. However, we are awaiting approval on a modification to make it a 36-44 credit program to accommodate fieldwork requirements needed for certification. We anticipate this approval to take place by the time the program begins in Summer 2025. Complete the Request More Info form to receive updates and notifications. 

The Applied Behavior Analysis program is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers in behavior analysis or disability services. This program allows you to explore foundational and advanced principles of behavior change while developing essential skills in assessment, intervention, and ethical practice. Whether you aim to lead in clinical settings, schools, or community-based organizations, this program equips you with the tools to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The Master in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Track is a 3-for-1 opportunity to meet the degree, behavior-analytic coursework, and supervision requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination eligibility. Candidates will need to pass the national exam before they can be certified.

Applied Behavior Analysis Coursework (21 credits + 1 credit orientation)

SPED 501C: Program orientation  (1)
SPED 603: Principles of Behavior (3)
SPED 630: Positive Behavior Support (3)
SPED 632: Language/Communication Intervention-Communication Disorders (3)
SPED 641H: Seminar in Issues in Special Education: Single-Case Research (3)
SPED 671: Advanced Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 672: Collaboration and Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 673: Ethics and Professional Conduct (3)

*Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork (4-12 credits)

SPED 678: Applied Behavior Analysis Fieldwork (1-3 each semester)

Fieldwork is a requirement for the ABA program and will vary based on individual supervision needs. Students enrolled in ABA fieldwork have two supervision options. If you have an on-site supervisor and only wish to attend group supervision sessions through UH Mānoa, you can enroll in 1 credit. However, if you require full supervision from UH Mānoa, including both individual and group supervision, you must enroll in 3 credits.

Contact

ABA Track Chair

Dr. Jennifer Ninci – jninci@hawaii.edu

The Interdisciplinary Track is not admitting new students at this time. Please contact spedinfo@hawaii.edu to discuss alternative available options.

As of 2024, the Department of Special Education is no longer offering the Literacy Specialist Track. As an alternative option, please refer to the following programs: