Special Education Master’s (M.Ed.) and Graduate Certification Options
Currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
Earn recommendation for endorsement for teacher licensure with the New Hampshire Department of Education as a Special Education Teacher (K-12), in the Graduate Licensure only Program or go beyond with a Master’s in Special Education. The program emphasizes collaboration and hands-on application of skills using a field-based cohort model**. The Special Education program is approved by the NH Department of Education and Nationally Recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Complete a master’s in one year, full-time, or in two years, part-time. The 38-credit M.Ed. makes the most of a student’s expertise and leadership potential in Special Education. The 27 credits of licensure coursework can be completed within a single year.
Become a Special Education Teacher through two program options
- Master of Education degree: with endorsement for NH Department of Education Special Education Teacher (k-12) license (38 credits)
- Graduate Educator Certification Program: with endorsement for NH Department of Education Special Education Teacher (k-12) license (27 credits)
Benefits of a Keene State M. Ed. degree in Special Education
- Complete an M.Ed. with special education licensure in one year. Start in the summer term and complete your master’s degree the following May.
- Coursework is directly applied to field settings and connected to best practices based on the Council for Exceptional Children’s standards.
- During the school year, licensure courses are scheduled for after-work in late afternoons or weekday evenings.
- Year-long intensive internship experience in a public school setting.
- One-on-one collaboration with faculty. Allows for accelerated, experiential learning and school-based research. Two 400-hour internships, one in the fall and one in the spring.
- An exceptional tuition value. Tuition and fees competitive with and lower than surrounding schools with a minimal premium for non-residents
- A highly regarded faculty. Classes are held in one of New Hampshire’s most comfortable, friendly, and exciting small cities
- After graduation, Keene State College’s Educator Preparation Office assists with paperwork to help you obtain licensure/certification in other states.
- Individual attention from admissions interview to graduation and beyond.
Coursework Breakdown
| Term | Coursework | |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Summer | Foundations in Special Education * |
| Curriculum and Instructional Design * | ||
| Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education * | ||
| Research and Teaching in Special Education | ||
| Term 2 | Fall | Positive Behavior Supports * |
| Internship in Special Education I* | ||
| Research and Teaching in Special Education II | ||
| Educational Research Design | ||
| Term 3 | Spring | Transition Planning and Programming * |
| Internship in Special Education II * | ||
| [Research and Teaching Capstone |
* Indicates graduate certification courses
Admissions Requirements
- Candidates must have successfully completed a licensure program by a recognized state department of education in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary General Education and be currently licensed by a recognized state department of education in one of these areas. Recent graduates must be recommended for certification and obtain their teaching license by September 1.
- Candidates must be employed at least half-time in an approved educational setting or be enrolled in an approved internship for the duration of the program.
- Candidates must have a minimum of 300 hours of experience within the last three years with children and youth in an appropriate K to 12 educational setting.
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher with 2.50 GPA. A GPA below a 2.50 may be considered when certain conditions are met. Preference given to candidates with GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- All candidates for Graduate Education Programs are required to complete an application, interview, essay, and provide three recommendations.
For more information see Graduate Studies, email GraduateStudies@keene.edu or call 603-358-2378.