200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Create an Inclusive Classroom for Exceptional Learners With Webster’s Master of Arts
in Special Education
This program equips you for the evolving education landscape, preparing you to work in schools, community organizations and vocational and transition programs as creative advocates for students and adults with disabilities.
You will develop essential skills to design meaningful curricular adaptations and individualized instructional programming tailored to each student’s unique needs. Additionally, you will learn to lead teams and collaborate with parents, teachers and administrators to enhance the quality of life for students with special needs. This program does not lead to teacher certification.
Program Facts
Webster's Special Education program offers two options for building your professional knowledge and skills. You can earn a Master of Arts degree (total 33 hours) in Special Education (MA in SPED) or enroll in a Graduate Certificate (GRCT) program (total 18 hours).
Choose From Two Emphases to Advance Your Career in Special Education
1. Emphasis in Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Practices
- Designed for educators, parents, case managers and mental health professionals to support and advocate for academic success for all types of learners.
- Teaches technical and meta-professional skills to teach diverse populations.
- Fully aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)’s Professional Preparation Standards designed to advance your career in special education.
2. Emphasis in Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
- Designed for educators, advocates and other professionals interested in deepening their knowledge of teaching and advocating for individuals with severe developmental disabilities and autism.
- Qualifies educators who have initial teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities (K-12) in the state of Missouri to apply for the Severe Developmental Disabilities certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Choose Webster for a Master of Arts in Special Education
Career Opportunities
Advance your career while advocating for children with disabilities.
- According to the American Association for Employment in Education 2020-2021 Supply and Demand Report, there is a considerable shortage of teachers in the special education field, with a 4.59% shortage in school districts.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the median salary for intervention specialists was $63,560, with a range of $46,880–$102,850.
Some of our graduates have found employment with community organizations that advocate for people with disabilities. With our graduate program in Special Education, you may be prepared for a career such as:
Position |
Median Annual Salary (National, September 2023) |
| Classroom Teacher | $55,000 |
| School Interventionist | $63,560 |
| Special Education Teacher | $62,950 |
| Community Service Manager | $74, 240 |
| Health Educator Specialist | $59,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Master of Arts in Special Education
View the Plans of Study for the Special Education degrees:
MA with an Emphasis in Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Practices
GCRT with an Emphasis in Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Practices
MA with an Emphasis in Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
GCRT with an Emphasis in Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
What Our Students Have to Say
"I faced a couple of obstacles in my life throughout my time at Webster, but no matter what, I continued to push forward. My advisor was a big support, so I knew there was a space on the finish line with my name on it.”
Nirah Jenkins
MA in Special Education, ’22
Other Degrees in This Field
Get Started on Special Education Graduate Degree
Take the next step toward earning your Master of Arts in Special Education. We are here to help you get started.
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Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.