M.Ed. in Special Education

Entry Requirements for postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement for postgraduate admission is typically a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 60% or above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required with no individual band score below 6.0.

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): The minimum overall score required is 79.  

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Kent State University accepts the DET, with a minimum score of 110.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum overall score of 58 is required.

Kent State University offers a range of scholarships to international students to help them manage the cost of tuition and make their education more affordable. 

1. Global Scholarship: The Global Scholarship is a merit-based award for undergraduate international students. It ranges from $2,000 to $7,500 per year and is renewable based on academic performance. Applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission.

2. International Freshman Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for first-time, incoming international undergraduate students. It provides awards ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.

3. International Transfer Student Scholarship: Transfer students from international institutions are eligible for this scholarship, which offers awards from $4,000 to $9,500 per year. The scholarship is based on academic merit, and applicants are considered upon admission.

4. Kent State University Honors College Scholarship: Exceptional international undergraduate students may apply for the Honors College Scholarship. It covers in-state tuition and offers additional funding for research and study abroad opportunities.

5. Graduate Assistantships: Kent State University offers graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships provide a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable professional experience.

6. Graduate Dean's Award for Excellence: This award is for outstanding international graduate students and covers partial tuition costs. Eligibility and application details vary by department and program.

7. Global Diversity Scholarship: Kent State recognizes the value of diversity on campus. This scholarship, awarded to incoming undergraduate international students, provides $4,000 per year for up to four years.

8. Other Scholarships: Kent State University also offers various department-specific scholarships and awards. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so students should check with their academic departments.

9. External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities, such as government scholarships, private foundation scholarships, and international organizations' funding programs.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program at Kent State University prepares educators to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with diverse learning needs. Graduates of this program are equipped with specialized knowledge, skills, and strategies to support students with disabilities, and they have a wide range of career opportunities in the field of special education.

1. Special Education Teacher: Graduates of the M.Ed. in Special Education program can pursue careers as special education teachers in K-12 public or private schools. They work with students who have a wide range of disabilities, including autism, learning disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disorders. Special education teachers adapt curriculum, provide individualized instruction, and create supportive learning environments.

2. Resource Room Teacher: Resource room teachers, often part of the special education team in schools, work with students who require additional support in specific subject areas. They provide targeted instruction to help students succeed academically.

3. Inclusion Specialist: Inclusion specialists work to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms. They collaborate with general education teachers to modify curriculum, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), and provide support to ensure that students with disabilities can access the general education curriculum.

4. Behavior Analyst: Some graduates choose to become behavior analysts, specializing in applied behavior analysis (ABA). They assess and design interventions to address challenging behaviors in individuals with autism or other developmental disorders. Behavior analysts often work in clinical settings or schools.

5. Special Education Coordinator: Special education coordinators or directors oversee special education programs in school districts. They ensure compliance with laws and regulations, manage IEP development and implementation, and provide leadership and guidance to special education teachers and staff.

6. Education Consultant: Graduates may work as education consultants, offering their expertise to schools, districts, or organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. They may provide training, program evaluation, and support in designing inclusive education practices.

7. Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities: Some graduates choose to become advocates, working with families and individuals with disabilities to navigate the educational system and access appropriate services and accommodations.

8. Researcher and Policy Analyst: Those interested in research and policy can pursue roles in academia or with organizations focused on special education policy. They contribute to research on best practices and advocate for policy changes that benefit individuals with disabilities.

9. Nonprofit and Community Organizations: Graduates can work with nonprofit organizations that provide services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families. These roles may include program management, outreach, and advocacy.

10. Private Practice: Some M.Ed. in Special Education graduates choose to open private practices, offering specialized tutoring, consulting, or behavioral intervention services.