Special Education

Prepare to teach K–12 students with special needs with confidence through our Special Education program, combining an accelerated, blended format with licensure pathways for aspiring Intervention Specialists serving diverse learners.

Special Education is an accelerated blended/online program for individuals who want to teach children with special needs in grades K-12 who come from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This program is designed for non-traditional second career individuals who do not have a teaching license and are seeking initial licensure as an Intervention Specialist. Graduates of this program will have the skills and knowledge to work with children in grades K-12 who come from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and are in need of special education services.

For more information contact Graduate Admission at GraduateAdmission@msj.edu or 513-244-4807.

Program Type:

Graduate

Certificate/Licensure

Program Format:

Online

InSync (Zoom)

School & Department:

School of Education

Leadership:

Wendy Strickler
Ph.D.
Director and Associate Professor

wendy.strickler@msj.edu

In Ohio for Overall Academic Program Excellence
from NCTQ

A+

In Reading Excellence
from NCTQ

106 Years

The School of Education has been preparing teachers since 1920

In Cincy for Educator Preparation

Special Education at the Mount

31
Credit Hours

$700
Per Credit Hour

Online
Learning Format

CAEP
Accredited

Special Education at the Mount

Accelerated 15-month full-time Master of Arts degree pathway

Pathway Benefits & Details

Complete the Ohio Special Education licensure requirements in only 12 months.
Master of Arts degree, Major in Teaching completed in 3 additional months.
Ability to earn a second license in Early Childhood/Primary Education in as little as seven weeks or 4 credit hours.
Pathway begins in May with four accelerated summer classes that are completed by the middle of August.
During the academic year, students are embedded in practicums and student teaching experiences and are enrolled in two accelerated courses at a time.
As the academic year comes to a close, students start to complete their master’s degree coursework (including a final integrative project).

Alumni Spotlight

"My teachers at the Mount were experienced educators that not only taught me how to teach young children but were able to provide useful information about their personal experiences in education. These real life experiences are not something you get by reading a book or just taking any class. The faculty were amazing resources that consistently encouraged my success. After completing the program, I not only feel prepared in my own classroom, but also know that I continue to have their support whenever I may need it. Who better to learn to be an educator from than from experienced and passionate teachers?"

-Kathleen, IEC Graduate

Catholic Educator Grant Award Application

FAQs: Education Graduate Programs

Master of Arts and Ohio Early Special Education License (K to Grade 12)

In addition to working with children of all ages, you will also develop skills to successfully work with their families and community agencies. You can obtain your Ohio teacher’s license, a master’s degree, and even add a second license in as little as seven additional week or four credit hours through one of our two pathways. There are two pathways to choose from: Full Time Accelerated and Part Time Flexible. The program via either pathway includes a combination of online, blended, and face-to-face courses. Further, a rich array of field experience brings the formal learning to life in special education settings and classrooms with mentors at the top of their practice.

This program and both pathways are designed for all second career individuals who do not have a teaching license and are seeking initial Ohio special education licensure.

Part-time Flexible Master of Arts degree pathway

Pathway Benefits & Details

During the academic year, students are embedded in practicums and student teaching experiences any may chose the number of accelerated courses to enroll in.
Ability to earn a second license in Early Childhood/Primary Education in as little as seven weeks or 4 credit hours.
Complete the Ohio licensure requirements and Master’s degree through a part-time commitment.
Students can take up to 5 years to complete the licensure and Master of Arts degree program.
Students can start the program at any point during the year.
During the academic year, students gain practical experience through 100 hours of practicum experiences over two semesters and 15 weeks of full-time student teaching in another semester.

This program and its pathways are approved by the Ohio Department of Education. The programs prepare candidates to use the current research and knowledge about child development and learning to promote the development and learning of all young children.

Second Licensure Program

Completion of this program prepares you for second licensure as an intervention specialist in the state of Ohio. This program prepares individuals who currently hold a teaching license with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to work in collaborative and consulting roles with general educators and other support personnel.

If you already hold a master’s degree, you may opt to complete only the second licensure course work. The licensure-only track of eight courses may be completed in as little as three to five semesters. Depending on initial preparation coursework the amount of courses necessary may be reduced.

Launch Experience

The MSJ School of Education, a national leader in reading science, is dedicated to preparing passionate, effective educators who are ready to make a difference. With a strong foundation in both theory and hands-on classroom experience, students develop the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to inspire future generations. You can focus on early childhood, middle childhood, secondary, or special education-and be supported with hands-on experience, small class sizes, and faculty who are invested in your success. Here, you won't just learn how to teach, you'll learn how to lead, connect, and create lasting impact in the lives of students.

Latest Updates

Two MSJ Alums Celebrate the Queen City in New Children’s Alphabet Book, “C is for Cincinnati” November 7, 2025

Explore Further: Fact Card Graduate Tuition Program Requirements

Quick Links

Special Education

Prepare to teach K–12 students with special needs with confidence through our Special Education program, combining an accelerated, blended format with licensure pathways for aspiring Intervention Specialists serving diverse learners.

Request info

Special Education at the Mount

Special Education at the Mount

Pathway Benefits & Details

Pathway Benefits & Details

Launch Experience

Latest Updates