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Online Special Education

Master of Education (M.Ed.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

First of its kind
UToledo’s Ph.D. program in special education curriculum and instruction is the first online doctoral program approved in Ohio by the State Board of Education.

First of its kind
UToledo’s Ph.D. program in special education curriculum and instruction is the first online doctoral program approved in Ohio by the State Board of Education.

Online Special Education Graduate Degree Overview

Special education is a high-demand field. The University of Toledo offers online master's and doctoral programs for educators who want to specialize in the field.

UToledo’s online Ph.D. program in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education is the first online doctoral program approved in Ohio by the State Board of Education. 

Our online graduate programs allow working professionals to attend full time or part time.

  • Online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education

The program’s focus is to prepare the next generation of scholars and researchers to use evidence-based approaches to research. Our students then learn to use practical applications of research results and analyses to maximize outcomes for learners with exceptionalities.  

UToledo’s rigorous curriculum prepares students for positions as scholarly and academic leaders in educational or early intervention systems at the local, regional, state and national levels. 

  • Online M.Ed. in Special Education

Learn the latest in theory, research and practice to become more effective in the classroom.

Choose to focus in:

  • Early intervention
  • Preschool special needs
  • High-incidence conditions (learning disability, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance)
  • Severe disabilities (physical, cognitive and social-emotional, autism)
  • Transition

The master’s program can be linked to teacher certification requirements in Ohio and Michigan.

UToledo also offers specific endorsements that can be added to your current Ohio Dept. of Education teacher license:

  • Preschool Special Need Endorsement 
  • Transition to Work (TTW) Endorsement
  • Early Intervention Specialist Endorsement (birth to age 3) — This certification from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provides training for working with young children in the home and coaching parents to provide interventions.

Admissions are ongoing for the M.Ed. program. You may begin the program in any term. We recommend that you apply at least two months before the start of a term. 

Online Special Education Graduate Degree Highlights

Online support. UToledo is a large, public institution. We have the resources to help distance learners succeed: UT Online, eTutoring, an IT Help Desk and eLibrary. 

Direct faculty contact. Doctoral students work closely with faculty members and colleagues in a virtual community. They also meet face-to-face with advisors as needed. 

Access to a community of experts. Network with national and international leaders in early childhood special education and early intervention through UToledo’s membership in DECIDE — Division for Early Childhood’s Consortium for Innovations in Doctoral Excellence. 

Marketable skills. There is a high demand for licensure students in Ohio and across the country. Our graduate students find jobs. Our programs also prepare you for the ODE assessment, as well as certification requirements.

Teach Grants.  SPED licensure students are eligible for Teach grants if you currently work or are willing to work in a low-income school.


Career Opportunities

UToledo’s Ph.D. graduates are employed as researchers, scholars and academic leaders in educational or early-intervention systems at the local, regional, state and national levels. Job and career options also include:  

  • Policy analysts 
  • Research and evaluation experts 
  • Program developers 
  • Family support specialists 
  • Curriculum developers/coordinators 

Graduates of our M.Ed. program find careers as:

  • Autism, disability or behavior specialists
  • Private tutors
  • Community education coordinators
  • After-school programs coordinators
  • Camp or day care center directors
  • Program coordinators
  • Volunteer or vocational coordinators
  • Child, parent or community advocates
  • Assessment coordinators
  • Grant writers

Professional Licensure Information

Online Special Education Graduate Degree Plan of Study

UToledo’s plan of study for the online Ph.D. is designed so students can complete their degrees in 4-5 years by taking courses part time (2 courses per semester, including summers). Students take: 

  • Advanced course work and professional seminars in special education and early intervention 
  • Research courses (quantitative methods, qualitative methods, single-case design, survey research) 

Students also complete: 

  • A “virtual” internship at their workplace. They apply principles, practices, theoretical foundations and research design to study pertinent issues associated with the needs of exceptional individuals.  
  • A high-quality, research-focused dissertation with the assistance of graduate faculty. They explore a topic of interest that contributes primary knowledge to the field of special education.  

Online Special Education Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. Program Sample Courses 

  • Issues and Research in Transition and Post-Secondary Outcomes for Students with Disabilities 
  • Educational and Instructional Implications in Specific Learning Disabilities/Exceptionalities 
  • Curriculum Models and Intervention Strategies in Early Childhood Special Education 
  • Single-subject Research Design and Implementation 

View Plan of Study

Research Opportunities

UToledo’s special education faculty are nationally recognized leaders in their fields. They: 

  • Serve on advisory boards and task forces, as well as journal editors 
  • Have won awards for community partnerships and service 
  • Present at national and international conferences 
  • Engage in foundational and innovative scholarly research projects  
  • Have been awarded federal, state and foundation grants 

Faculty research interests include: 

  • Stress, burnout and attrition of teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders 
  • Effective behavior-management strategies for students with E/BD 
  • Policy and practices of early-intervention strategies for families and youth 
  • The transition of students from secondary school into competitive employment and post-secondary education 
  • Twice-exceptional learners’ nature and needs 
  • Understanding and improving the mental health of staff and students 

 


Want More Information?


Online Special Education Graduate Degree

M.Ed.: Part time, 2 years; Full time 1 year. Ph.D.: 4-5 years, part time

Program Availability

 100% Online
On Campus

Program Quick Links

View Admission Requirements
Learn more about the programs.
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Scholarship Opportunities

The University of Toledo is on a mission to make college affordable for everyone. Use our search tool to find scholarships you qualify for.

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OUT-OF-STATE TUITION DISCOUNT RATE

This 100% online degree program qualifies non-Ohio residents to pay in-state tuition rates with a $5 per credit hour surcharge.

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Last Updated: 1/28/2023