College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Special Education
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Special Education
Transforming Lives Through Inclusive Teaching.
The Master of Arts in Special Education (SPED) at NMSU adds a fulfilling specialization to your education career, giving you the skills you need for successful teaching in special education classrooms.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 30-42 credits
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
With a Master of Arts in Special Education, graduates are prepared for a wide range of impactful and rewarding careers that serve students with diverse learning needs. Many go on to become special education teachers in K–12 schools, working in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms. Others pursue roles as instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists, or educational diagnosticians, developing and implementing strategies that support student success. Graduates may also work as behavior specialists, transition coordinators, or assistive technology consultants, helping students navigate academic, social, and life skills. Beyond school settings, career opportunities include positions in early intervention programs, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups that champion equitable education. For those interested in advanced leadership or research roles, the degree also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing doctoral studies in education or related fields.
- Educational diagnostician
- Program director
- Program manager
- Special education classroom teacher
- Special education instructional coordinator
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Special Education? Fill out our inquiry form.
Become a Socially Just Educator
Our MA in Special Education program offers five different pathways, each one designed to help you reach your education goals:
- The Initial License MA prepares you for the New Mexico Pre-K-12 Special Education license.
- If you already have an initial teaching license in another area such as Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education, you’ll be able to obtain a second Special Education teaching license with our Prior General Ed. Licensure MA.
- As a current special education teacher, you can advance your career with an Alternative Licensure Degree.
- If you’re a current special education teacher and not seeking licensure, the Scholarly Route provides you with vital knowledge to elevate your teaching skills.
- Finally, the MA in Special Education with an Emphasis in Visual Impairment prepares you to teach young children who struggle with orientation and mobility.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
The MA in SPED requires at least 30 credits of special education coursework, depending on your pathway: Initial License, Prior General Ed. Licensure, Alternative Licensure, Scholarly Route, or Visual Impairment emphasis.
Two course prerequisites may be required as well, SPED 5105 (Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society) and SPED 5230 (Advanced Curriculum for Diverse Exceptional Learners). If these courses are required, you must take them in the first semester they are offered.
Take classes like:
- SPED 5210 - Introduction to Assessment of Diverse Exceptional Learners
- SPED 5120 - High Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society
- SPED 5110 - Low Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society
- SPED 5850 - Current Research in Special Education
- SPED 5160 - Technology and Exceptionality in a Diverse Society
- The Initial License route is 42 credits, including student teaching. You must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before completing practicum and student teaching experiences.
- The Prior General Ed. Licensure route, for educators who are already licensed in another area, requires 30 credits of special education coursework.
- The Alternative Licensure MA, which requires concurrent employment as a special education teacher, includes 39 credits. It begins with 21 credits of state-approved coursework and two semesters of university-supervised SPED teaching. After completion of the alternative components, you must complete the remaining coursework (18 credits) and degree requirements.
- The Scholarly Route, which does not lead to licensure, requires 30 credits of special education coursework.
- The Emphasis in Visual Impairment route requires 30-36 credits in visual impairment and special education coursework, and it prepares you for licensure in teaching school-aged children with visual impairments. If you meet the qualifications and you’re interested in visual impairment, you may elect to pursue licensure only, rather than a master’s degree, with 15-27 credits, leading to a Blind and Visually Impaired Teaching License or National Certification in Orientation and Mobility.
Admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- A resume or academic vita
- Three letters of recommendation
- A one-page letter of interest stating relevant background experiences and personal motives for applying to the program
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.