M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education
Unlock Potential Through an Online Master’s in Special Education
Are you ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of your students? Regent’s CAEP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) is designed for those seeking K-12 teacher licensure with an endorsement in special education, as well as special educators seeking further training. Here’s your chance to increase your understanding of special education laws and study best practices in disability services, teaching gifted students, addressing behavior disorders, and using assistive technology. Regent’s programs have been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report among the Top 10 Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row, 2013-2023. Experience the difference with the M.Ed. in in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) program.
INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE & SALARY
Advance in leadership roles and earn a higher salary.
WIDEN YOUR JOB PROSPECTS
Enjoy rewarding opportunities in schools and communities.
UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL IN CHILDREN’S LIVES
Create engaging special education environments that foster learning.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE through the m.ed. in k-12 special education licensure program
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2026). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 consecutive years, 2013-2023. Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to 900+ alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.
Presented from a Christian worldview, the M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (Licensure) program is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s bachelor’s in education programs are awarded full national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2030.
On completing the Master of Education – K-12 Special Education (Licensure) degree, you can:
- Understand characteristics of students with disabilities and how to manage behaviors and train in social skills.
- Integrate language acquisition, reading tools, instructional methods and data-driven assessment techniques.
- Apply all of the Virginia Department of Education competencies and skills required for state licensure.
Career Opportunities
- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Consultant
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session M | Friday, September 11 | Monday, September 21 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 6 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session T | Friday, January 29 | Monday, February 8 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to 91
Submit your application using the 91 Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for 91 to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a or approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, 91 requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of 91 and cannot be returned.
| State | Licensing Agency | Meet Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama State Department of Education 50 North Ripley Street PO Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 694-4557 edcert@alsde.edu | No |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Education & Early Development – Teacher Certification PO Box 110500 Juneau, AK 99811 (907) 465-2831 tcwebmail@alaska.gov | No |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit PO Box 6490 Phoenix, AZ 85005 (602) 542-4367 | Yes |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-4342 ade.educatorlicensure@ade.arkansas.gov | No |
| California | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Division of Licensure Certification 651 Bannon Street, Suite 600 Sacramento, CA 95811 | Yes |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Education – Licensing Office 201 East Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80203 720-739-3304 | Yes |
| Connecticut | Connecticut State Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification PO Box 150471 Hartford, CT 06115 860-713-6969 teacher.cert@ct.gov | No |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Education – Licensure and Certification Collette Education Resource Center 35 Commerce Way, Suite 1 Dover, DE 19904 302-857-3388 | Yes |
| District of Columbia | DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education – Division of Teaching and Learning Educator Credentialing 1050 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 727-6436 osse@dc.gov | Yes |
| Florida | Florida Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Certification Room 201, Turlington Building 325 West Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 800-445-6739 | Yes |
| Georgia | Georgia Professional Standards Commission – Educator Certification Division 200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Suite 1716 West Tower Atlanta, GA 30334 404-232-2500 | No |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Teacher Standards Board 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 268 Honolulu, HI 96817 808-586-2600 htsb@hawaii.gov | Yes |
| Idaho | Idaho Department of Education – Certification Department 650 West State Street Boise, ID 83702 (208) 332-6882 certification@sde.idaho.gov | Yes |
| Illinois | Illinois Board of Education 555 West Monroe Street, Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60661 | Yes |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Education Indiana Government Center North, 9th Floor 100 N Senate Ave Indianapolis, IN 46204 | Yes |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Education – Educational Licensure Office Grimes State Office Building 400 E 14th St, 2nd Floor Des Moines, IA 50319 515-897-9546 david.wempen@iowa.gov (Out-of-State Preparation for Teacher Licensure) | Yes |
| Kansas | Kansas State Department of Education 900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102 Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-2288 | Yes |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness 300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-4606 goteachky@education.ky.gov | No |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Education 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 1-877-453-2721 | Yes |
| Maine | Maine Department of Education 23 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 207-624-6608 cert.doe@maine.gov | Yes |
| Maryland | Maryland State Department of Education – Division of Educator Effectiveness 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-0100 certinfo.msde@maryland.gov | No |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure 135 Santilli Highway Everett, MA 02149 781-338-6600 | No |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence 608 W. Allegan Lansing, MI 48933 833-633-5788 | No |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Education – Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 400 NE Stinson Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55413 651-539-4200 pelsb@state.mn.us | Yes |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Education – Office of Educator Licensure 359 N. West St. PO Box 771 Jackson, MS 39205 601-359-3483 teachersupport@mdek12.org | Yes |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education – Educator Certification PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573-751-0051 certification@dese.mo.gov | Yes |
| Montana | Montana Office of Public Instruction PO Box 202501 Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-3150 cert@mt.gov | Yes |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Education PO Box 94987 Lincoln, NE 68509-4987 402-471-2295 nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov | Yes |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Education 700 E. Fifth Street Carson City, NV 89701 775-687-9115 license@doe.nv.gov | Yes |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Education – Bureau of Credentialing 25 Hall Street, 3rd Floor Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2409 cert.info@doe.nh.gov | Yes |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Education PO Box 500 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609) 292-2070 certificationoffice@doe.state.nj.us | Yes |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Public Education Department – Licensure Bureau 300 Don Gaspar, Room 103 Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-827-5800 licensureunit@ped.nm.gov | Yes |
| New York | New York State Education Department – Office of Teaching Initiatives 89 Washington Ave., 5N EB Albany, NY 12234 518-474-3901 | Yes |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Licensure Office 6301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 (919) 716-1800 | Yes |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board 2718 Gateway Avenue, Suite 204 Bismarck, ND 58503 (701)328-9641 espbinfo@nd.gov | Yes |
| Ohio | Ohio State Board of Education – Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness 30 W. Spring Street, 12th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-466-3593 educator.licensure@sboe.ohio.gov | No |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Department of Education – Office of Teacher Certification 2500 N. Lincoln Boulevard, #212 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 521-3337 teachercertification@sde.ok.gov | No |
| Oregon | Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission 250 Division St NE Salem OR, 97301 contact.tspc@tspc.oregon.gov | No |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Education – Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality Forum Building 607 South Drive Harrisburg, PA 17120 717-783-6788 | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services 255 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 401-222-4600 eqac@ride.ri.gov | No |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Education – Office of Educator Services 849 Learning Lane West Columbia, SC 29172 803-896-0325 certification@ed.sc.gov | Yes |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Education – Division of Accreditation and Certification 800 Governors Dr. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3134 certification@state.sd.us | No |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Education – Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 educator.licensure@tn.gov | No |
| Texas | Texas Education Agency – State Board for Educator Certification 1701 N. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas, 78701 (512) 936-8400 | No |
| Utah | Utah State Board of Education 250 East 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 538-7740 licensing@schools.utah.gov | No |
| Vermont | Vermont Agency of Education – Licensing Office 1 National Life Drive, Davis 5 Montpelier, VT 05620 (802) 828-1130 | Yes |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Education – Department of Teacher Education and Licensure PO Box 2120 Richmond VA, 23218 804-786-2302 licensure@doe.virginia.gov | Yes |
| Washington | Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Certification Department PO Box 47200 600 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98504 360-725-6400 | Yes |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Education – Office of Certification 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, WV 25305 (304) 558-7010 certification.wvde@k12.wv.us | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction PO Box 7841 Madison, WI 53707 (800) 266-1027 | Yes |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board 2001 Capitol Ave. Emerson Building Rm 128 Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7291 wyoptsb@wyo.gov | Yes |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Background Checks
The School of Education requires a background check for all students who participate in Field Experience that includes direct contact with students. 91 School of Education has entered into an agreement with Castle Branch, a private vendor that conducts background checks for many universities and educational institutions. After you are admitted into the program, you will be provided instructions to set up an online profile with Castle Branch.
Internship Information
91 requires two internships for the K-12 Special Education General Curriculum Licensure program:
- ETSP 561 provides an internship experience in a small-group setting working with identified students.
- ETSP 561A provides a co-teaching opportunity to collaborate with other educators within an inclusive general education setting.
Review the graduation assessments for this program
Deadlines to submit internship applications:
- October 1st for Spring internships
- March 1st for Fall internships
For additional information, you may contact:
Romeo Villanueva Jr.
Field Placement Coordinator
757.352.4205
rvillanueva@regent.edu
Lisa Temple
Certification & Licensure Official
757.352.4871
ltemple@regent.edu
Dr. Sonja Maggi
Internship Coordinator
sonjlew@regent.edu