Master of Science
Special Education (PK-12)
For mild to moderate disabilities
Degree Overview
Our online master’s in special education will prepare you to fill a crucial teaching
position. The M.S. in Special Education (PK-12) will enhance your teaching talents
and enable you to teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities.
You will become a special education teacher with the instructional design
skills to make a difference.
Who the program is for:
- Licensed teachers with bachelor’s degrees who are interested in moving into Special
Education instruction.
Note: WGU is the only exclusively online teacher education institution in the nation
to receive NCATE accreditation.
Your program will be flexible and largely self-paced.
Click here to learn more about how your program works.
What You’ll Learn -- Areas of Study:
In this online special education master’s degree, you’ll learn all the essential
skills and knowledge needed. This program includes three domains of study and completion of a capstone project.
Special Education
Instructional Design and Performance Improvement
Research Fundamentals
Total Program: 41 Competency Units (credit equivalents)
More details about your challenging course of study
View the Program Guide (PDF)

Answers to your questions
Click a question, see the answer below.
- Will my state recognize my degree?
- How will I complete my degree?
- Is financial aid available?
How will I complete my degree?
As a WGU student you will combine the knowledge you already possess with online
courses and independent learning resources to prepare for rigorous assessments that
measure your progress in the program. Together with your mentor, you will develop
an Academic Action Plan based upon your personal strengths and weaknesses. You can
learn more by exploring the WGU Experience.
Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can explain the program in more depth.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, WGU offers federal financial aid. Loans are available to most students, regardless
of financial need, and grants that don’t requirement repayment are available for
those with financial need. You can check into your financial aid eligibility at
any time during the admissions process. Learn more from an
Enrollment Counselor or visit the
Financial Aid section of the website.