Master of Education, Special Education

I’m interested in applying to this master’s degree. How do I apply? All applications for the master’s program must now be submitted online. Complete the online application form. You will also need to gather:  two letters of recommendation, a statement of professional goals, an official copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and copies of your Graduate Record Examination scores.  Send the packet to Curry School of Education, Office of Admissions, P. O. Box 400261, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4261 (REGULAR MAIL) OR to Curry School of Education, Office of Admissions, 405 Emmet St. South, Charlottesville, VA 22903 (OVERNIGHT AND EXPRESS MAIL).  

Is there a deadline for applying to the master’s program? Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but we highly suggest submitting applications by the following dates to ensure that your application will be reviewed in time for the next semester.

For the fall semester, July 1
For the spring semester, October 15
For the summer semester, March 15

Please remember to apply before taking more than 6 credits. We can only accept up to 6 credits of previous coursework into our program, even if you have taken the courses at U.Va. The one exception to this is if you are currently in our special education initial licensure program.

I have credits from another institution that I would like to transfer to this program.  How do I know if they will transfer?  Students interested in transferring credits are generally allowed to transfer a maximum of six credits.  Transfer of credits is based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed.  Coursework must not be older than five years, and students must have earned at least a B- or better.  Transfer decisions are made by the committee. 

Can I enroll in just a few courses?  I’m not interested in earning the master’s degree.   Yes, you may enroll in courses for professional development purposes. However, should you change your mind and desire a master's degree, your application should list no more than two graduate-level courses from the program.

Is there a time limit on finishing the program?  All master’s coursework, including any transferred courses, must be completed within a 5-year period.  Additionally, students must earn a B- or better in all coursework to continue in the program.

I’m not a practicing or licensed teacher, but would like to enter the field of special education.  Do you offer any courses or programs in this area?  Yes, we offer an initial licensure in special education for those individuals without teaching experience, career changers, persons with provisional licenses, and general education teachers to teach students with mild disabilities.  You may apply to the initial licensure and master’s programs simultaneously, if you know that the master’s degree is your end goal. The master’s degree requires just 9 credits in addition to the initial licensure program requirements.

Is it possible to offer this program in my region?  If you are interested in this program, but it isn't offered in your region, please contact us. 

How can I find out more about this program?  Please contact the program director for more information.  You can also join us for one of our information sessions, offered every semester.