Vermont State University’s graduate special education programs are designed to meet your professional goals and background. Whether you're seeking to start a special education career or enhance your credentials, Vermont State offers tailored options—from full master’s degrees to endorsements or combined pathways in special education and elementary education.
Wide Range of Flexible Graduate Special Education Programs
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Affordable Education with Financial Support
Vermont State offers affordable tuition, making higher education accessible. A significant percentage of students receive financial aid, and Vermont State provides assistance in identifying scholarships and grants to support your education.
Flexible & Career-Focused Learning
Vermont State's graduate special education programs are designed with working educators in mind, offering online learning paired with community-based practicum and student teaching experiences, so you can gain hands-on skills without uprooting your life or career.
Bridge your interests in inclusive education with broader teaching qualifications. This online interdisciplinary track allows for combining general education foundations with special education practices, and is ideal for increasing your versatility in the classroom.
M.A. Special Education – Interdisciplinary Option
Master of Arts
What makes it stand out:
Curriculum that spans both special education and wider educational theory.
Online flexibility paired with field experiences that broaden your instructional impact.
A degree that supports diverse roles in inclusive education settings.
M.A. Elementary Education with Special Education (K–6 & K–8)
Master of Arts
Become an inclusive early childhood educator. This M.A. integrates elementary education (K–6) with special education endorsement (K–8) through online coursework and local practicum, preparing you for dual licensure and inclusive classrooms.
Dual endorsement credentials enabling broader employment opportunities.
Strengths-based, equity-focused pedagogy grounded in reflective practice.
Flexible pacing to complete licensure first, then the full degree.
Ideal for you if you want:
Already a licensed teacher? This pathway lets you seamlessly add a special education endorsement via mostly online coursework, with optional in-person sessions and local practicum tailored to fit your schedule.
Special Education Additional Endorsement
Graduate Sequence
Why choose this program?
Coursework structured to complement your current teaching schedule.
Flexible online delivery with optional in-person support.
Direct alignment with Vermont’s special education endorsement requirements.
M.A. Special Education – Educational Research Option
Master of Arts
Take your expertise deeper by embracing research. This M.A. pathway equips you with theoretical and practical tools to investigate and address real-world challenges in the field of special education. Most coursework is online, with some sessions at Castleton.
Research-driven learning with a culminating project or thesis.
Hybrid delivery that balances convenience with meaningful in-person seminars.
Enhanced capacity for evidence-based instructional leadership.
What you'll gain:
Looking to switch careers or pivot into special education? This post-baccalaureate option integrates online coursework with a semester of full-time, in-person student teaching, leading to initial licensure and the special education endorsement.
Post-Baccalaureate Special Education – Initial Licensure
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Why this fits working students:
Rapid path to becoming a licensed special educator.
A full-time practicum designed to build confidence and classroom readiness.
Online coursework that supports life and work while you learn.
M.A. Special Education – Initial Licensure Option
Master of Arts
Designed for both career changers and fresh graduates, this route combines theoretical instruction with in-person practicum and internship, preparing you to earn both your license and endorsement in special education.
Integrated academic and field-based learning culminating in licensure.
Structured practicum experiences in schools, supervised by faculty.
A recognized M.A. credential paired with initial educator preparation.
What you'll gain:
| Program | Degree/Type | Licensure or Endorsement | Format | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education – Additional Endorsement | Graduate Sequence | Special Education Endorsement (add-on) | Primarily online with optional in-person sessions | Licensed teachers seeking to add special ed certification |
| Special Education – Educational Research | M.A. | No licensure; research focused | Online with select in-person seminars | Educators seeking to focus on special ed research or policy |
| Special Education – Initial Licensure Post‑Bacc | Post‑Baccalaureate | Initial Licensure + Special Ed Endorsement | Online + full-time in-person student teaching | Career changers or non-licensed grads entering special ed |
| Special Education – Initial Licensure Option | M.A. | Initial Licensure + Special Ed Endorsement | Hybrid: Online + practicum/internship | Those pursuing both degree and initial teaching license |
| Special Education – Interdisciplinary Option | M.A. | No licensure; interdisciplinary education focus | Fully online with field experiences | Educators looking for cross-cutting instructional preparation |
| Elementary Education with Special Education | M.A. | Dual: Elementary (K–6) + Special Ed (K–8) | Online with community-based practicum | Those seeking to lead inclusive K–6 classrooms |
| Elementary Education with Special Education – Post‑Bacc | Post‑Baccalaureate | Dual: Elementary (K–6) + Special Ed (K–8) | Blended online + local fieldwork | Bachelor’s holders pursuing dual licensure pathways |
Explore Your Graduate Special Education Path
Post‑Baccalaureate - Elementary Education with Special Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Bridge your teaching credentials with inclusive skillsets. This certificate integrates general and special education competencies to prepare you to teach learners across K–8 with diverse needs.
What makes it stand out:
Hands‑on learning with online courses, plus In‑Person Practicum and teaching internships in local schools.
Strengths‑based, inclusive and equity‑oriented approach: Emphasis on research, standards, and inclusive theory that supports all learners.
Flexible pacing options: Designed to work with those employed full time; offers part‑time or full‑time enrollment.
Post‑Baccalaureate - Elementary Education with Special Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Small state. Wildly ambitious.
You’re figuring out what’s next. Balancing school, work, or life. Vermont State is built for students like you—ready to move forward, chase your goals, and create your own path. That’s the State of Possibility.
Vermont State University is Vermont’s public regional university, accredited by NECHE and formed through the unification of Castleton, Northern Vermont, and Vermont Tech. With over 100 career-focused programs and a growing suite of flexible online options, Vermont State is committed to accessible, high-quality education.
About Vermont State University
Special Education Graduate Programs
Choose How To Learn
On Campus
Learn in person at one of our five welcoming campuses across Vermont, with small classes and close connections.
Online
Study from anywhere with fully online programs designed for maximum flexibility and support.
At Vermont State University, you can complete your degree in the way that works best for you:
Hybrid
Enjoy the flexibility of taking some classes online while still having access to the full on-campus experience. It’s the best of both worlds.
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