Do you want to address the critical shortage of special education teachers and teachers of the visually impaired in the United States?
Through Northern State University’s M.S. Ed. in Special Education and M.S. Ed. in Special Education with a Visual Impairment Specialization, you can respond to the market demand for these educators. As a certified teacher, you can complete either of these programs, which will enable you to add these endorsements to your teaching certification. Come be a part of the solution!
Offered On Campus and Online
30 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Accelerated Program
Students can earn their undergraduate degree and master’s degree in 5 years. As an undergraduate student, students can enroll in 500 level courses instead of 400 level courses. These higher-level courses will count toward both their undergraduate and master’s degrees per approval by the graduate studies office. Then, during their fifth academic year, students will continue and complete their master’s degree program as normal. The Special Education master’s degree enhances students’ preparation for supporting people with diverse learning abilities and behavioral needs. This program is designed for current special education teachers who wish to specialize in visual impairments or current K-12 general classroom teachers who want to pivot to special education and diversify their skills. For those choosing to specialize in visual impairments, Northern State University works closely with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which is located in a brand-new building right next to campus in Aberdeen.
Visual Impairment Specialization
Educators - including special educators - who already have state licensure can select the master's degree program or the master's degree with specialization in visual impairments to expand their ability to serve students with disabilities. Northern has a longtime partnership with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which is in a brand-new building right next to campus in Aberdeen. The visual impairment specialization will prepare you to become a teacher of the visually impaired.
