Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
- Department(s)
- Teacher Education, Schl of

The MEd in Exceptional Student Education program prepares exceptional education teachers to work in programs serving Pre-K-12 students with disabilities. The program is designed for teachers already certified in exceptional student education (or other certification in special education) to enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Exceptional Student Education program is designed for teachers already certified in exceptional student education to enhance their knowledge, skills and dispositions. It requires 33 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree including a 3-credit-hour research course, 24 credit hours of specialization courses and 6 credit hours of either a thesis or electives approved by an adviser. A Comprehensive Examination is also required and serves as the culminating experience in the program. Individual Learning Projects, including research skills and action research in authentic settings, are embedded in the specialization courses.
Total Credit Hours Required: 33 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Please note: Exceptional Student Education (MEd) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.
UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.
Application Deadlines
- Spring
- December 1
- Summer
- April 1
- Fall
- July 1
- Spring
- July 1
- Summer
- November 1
- Fall
- January 15
Ready to get started?
Career Opportunities
- Autism Tutor
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
- Early Childhood Special Educator
- Pre-K Special Education Teacher
- Pre-Kindergarten Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Preschool Teacher
- Special Education Teacher for Adults with Disabilities