School of Education
Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education
Flexible Two-Year Online Graduate Program
Buena Vista University's Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education program equips individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Earn initial certification in K-12 special education
BVU’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education program was created to help meet the growing demand for special education teachers throughout the state of Iowa. It provides an opportunity for career changers and non-certified special education staff to earn initial certification in K-12 special education alongside their master’s degree.
In addition, we believe that earning your degree should be affordable — which is why our program is priced at $495 per credit hour, making it the most affordable in the Midwest.
This program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to become teachers for students with severe behavior disorders and learning disabilities, or for students with severe intellectual disabilities, in Iowa’s elementary, middle, and high schools.
Those who already have a degree in education and wish to expand their opportunities in special education should seek information for the Master of Education in Special Education program.
Earn your master's degree while working full-time
No GRE required. Save time and money.
44 credit hours | Cost/credit: $495 | Completed in two years
Graduates will earn a master's degree with an initial teaching
licensure in K-12 Strategist II BD/LD or ID.
Created for working professionals
- 100% online program
- Eight-week terms
- One virtual night class per week
Rolling Application
- Our next start dates are Aug. 26, 2024 (Term 1) and Jan. 6, 2025 (Term 3).
Two Concentrations:
- Instructional Strategist II - Behavior Disorder/Learning Disabilities
- Instructional Strategist II - Intellectual & Disabilities
If you already have your teaching licensure and are looking to further your education, check out our Master of Education- Special Education.click here
Program Tracks, Courses, and Application Requirements
Earn Certification for K-12 special education teaching alongside your master's degree.
Instructional Strategist II - Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities (BD/LD) | Instructional Strategist II - Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
Graduate Education Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyNo GRE Required
BVU does not require students to take the GRE for admission — saving you time and money.
Request More InfoYour Support Staff
Find Your Program
Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Accounting
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Agricultural Business
From managing production risk, to operating your own business, to analyzing ag loans, BVU’s Ag Business degree sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced environment.
Learn More - Agricultural Education
Gain the skills and knowledge to teach agriculture science and business for traditional classrooms, as well as Extension and virtual environments. Spread your passion for agriculture on to the next generation.
Learn More - Agricultural Science
Dive into an agronomy and animal science curriculum that explores the science behind production and research practices that feed, clothe, and fuel the world.
Learn More - All Social Science for Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor's Degree Program The All Social Science for Secondary Education program will prepare students for a teaching career working with adolescent and young adult learners.
Learn More - Animation
Animation students begin their academic career by building a foundation in traditional art and then focusing on advanced courses in the art of animated storytelling.
Learn More - Art Education
An art education degree prepares future educators to teach art in grades K-12.
Learn More - Art Therapy
The pre-professional art therapy major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in art therapy.
Learn More - Athletic Training, 3+2 Program
Earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 5 years with this athletic training dual degree with Drake University.
Learn More - Biology
Develop exceptional professional competency by studying biology at BVU.
Learn More - Biomedical Sciences
The biomedical sciences bachelor’s degree program is fundamentally focused on the health sciences as a whole but leaves ample room for development of outside interests that enhance an application for professional schools.
Learn More - Business
With strong foundational classes, BVU’s business major offers concentrations in management, marketing, sports business, ...
Learn More - Communication Studies
Learn how to tune yourself to the important relationship building that happens through our interactions with others.
Learn More - Computer Science
A computer science degree prepares you for a career in software development, computer security, robotics, information technology, and more.
Learn More - Corporate Mathematics
Corporate math teaches you the quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to excel in today’s data-driven corporate environment.
Learn More - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Make a difference in society by studying criminology.
Learn More - Digital Media
Students who major in digital media are prepared to become professional multimedia storytellers.
Learn More - Educational Studies
Designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career beyond becoming a licensed teacher.
Learn More - Elementary Education
An elementary education major prepares future teachers to teach grades kindergarten through six.
Learn More - English Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor’s Degree Program The English language arts for secondary education program will prepare pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field...
Learn More - English
With a degree in English, you will study the language, stories, and poetry that shape our lives. English students sharpen their communication skills and explore literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and creative writing. Prepare for careers in a world shaped increasingly by the powers of text, imagination, and tale.
Learn More - Game Design
BVU’s game design serves students who aspire to join the video game industry video game industry as artists, animators, programmers, directors, sound engineers, writers, etc.
Learn More - Gender Studies
The gender studies minor seeks to enable students to develop an understanding of women and other marginalized groups by considering perspectives of the past, present, and future.
Learn More - General - Distributive
Designed for students who are undecided on a major or whose academic interests do not coincide with a single department or discipline, this interdisciplinary major offers an exciting student-designed alternative.
Learn More - Graphic Design
The graphic design major prepares students to practice graphic design professionally in print, interactive, and motion design.
Learn More - History
The history major and minor at BVU focus on the human story: people’s experiences in the past, the choices they made, and the impact on future generations.
Learn More - Human Services
BVU’s human services major uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to work in the social services industry.
Learn More - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
BVU’s kinesiology and exercise science bachelor’s degree provides students with a comprehensive and proactive academic and clinical education so that they can seek careers in a wide variety of health-related professions.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students in secondary schools in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Education – Special Education
This online master’s in special education program is intended to advance the skills of practicing professionals.
Learn More - Master of Education – Teacher Leadership Curriculum Instruction
The online Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction program provides four tracks designed for working teachers seeking to advance their career in the classroom.
Learn More - Master of Education in Educational Administration
This online master’s program equips currently licensed educators with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively lead their K-12 school administration.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This CACREP-accredited program prepares students to address the growing need for accessible, professional mental health services.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling
BVU’s master’s in school counseling equips you to make a difference in elementary, middle, and high schools. Professional school counselors promote growth, enhance learning, and contribute to student success.
Learn More - Mathematics
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Military Science
BVU's military science minor is created for students who want to develop their leadership skills, explore military doctrine, and study the military's role in American domestic and foreign policy.
Learn More - Music Production and Technology
With the explosion of electronic devices and Internet access, music and video is used by just about everyone.
Learn More - Nursing 3+1 Program
Buena Vista University and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer an accelerated 3+1 nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years without leaving the BVU campus.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
The master’s in organizational leadership provides the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead people in an ever-changing work environment and can be completed in as few as 1.5 years.
Learn More - Organizational Leadership
This organizational leadership program provides the cross-disciplinary tools and skills necessary...
Learn More - Physical Education and Coaching
Students majoring in physical education and coaching learn in a variety of contexts.
Learn More - Physics Engineering Program
As a physics engineering student at BVU, you’ll have access to a dual degree engineering program partnered with Washington University in St. Louis.
Learn More - Plus One Programs Overview
Already a Beaver? If a master’s degree is in your future, BVU has unique programs that can save you time and money.
Learn More - Political Science
Political science majors are, by nature, curious and ambitious people who seek an understanding of public problems and potential solutions.
Learn More - Pre-Law
As a pre-law major at BVU, you’ll gain a competitive edge through engaging courses taught by expert faculty, co-curricular activities, internships, leadership opportunities, and unique professional development experiences.
Learn More - Psychology
As a psychology major, study the cognition and behavior of humans and animals from an empirical, research-based perspective.
Learn More - Rehabilitation Health Sciences
Learn from biology and exercise science faculty who will help prepare you for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
Learn More - Scientific Illustration
At BVU the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More - Secondary Education
Secondary education students find their passion in a certifiable teaching subject with their desire to become a licensed educator in grades 5-12.
Learn More - Social Innovation
BVU’s social innovation minor is designed to heighten students’ abilities and commitments to collaboratively ...
Learn More - Social Science with Teaching Licensure (5-12) Degree
Guide the next generation as they explore the complexities of society, geography, and human relationships as a social science major.
Learn More - Social Work
As a social work major, help people by looking at the challenges of their lives and environment and then working to bring about change using their strengths.
Learn More - Spanish
The Spanish major enables students to become better communicators and more globally aware citizens.
Learn More - Strategic Public Relations
Whether in business, politics, sports, or the arts, effective communication campaigns are the foundation of success.
Learn More - Studio Art
At BVU, the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More
Sorry, there weren't any matches to your selected criteria. Please try a different combination.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Explore a Special Education Master’s Degree
Find out more about earning a master’s in education with BVU
