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Special Education Graduate Programs

Prepare to teach students with a diversity of learning needs by developing the skills and knowledge of a highly effective teacher. Our fully accredited certification programs place emphasis on differentiated instruction, curriculum modifications, positive behavior supports, collaboration, assistive technology, and literacy instruction.

About the Programs

Graduates are prepared to be exemplary professionals who will provide leadership in their schools as they work to implement best practices.

Classes are offered in the late afternoon for students who are currently employed in a school or would like to seek employment. Programs are available on a full-time and part-time basis.

Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education & Elementary Education

This degree program is specifically designed for students who do not hold teacher licensure. This program leads to dual certification in Special Education and Elementary Education. Typical course sequence »


39 Credit Degree Program

Master of Education in Special Education

This program is designed for graduate students who have several years’ teaching experience with students with disabilities and are interested in advanced study in special education. Typical course sequence »


33 Credit Degree Program

Master of Education in Special Education with Certification in Special Education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities)

This degree program is specifically designed for students who already hold a standard teaching certificate in a field other than special education and wish to obtain New Jersey certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Typical course sequence »


33 Credit Degree Program

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Teacher of Students with Disabilities

This certificate program is specifically designed for students who already hold a standard teaching certificate in a field other than special education and wish to obtain New Jersey certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Typical course sequence »


24 Credit Degree Program

Program Info

Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education & Elementary Education
» Program details including typical course sequence

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Teacher of Students with Disabilities
» Program details including typical course sequence

Master of Education in Special Education
» Program details including typical course sequence

Master of Education in Special Education with Certification in Special Education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities)
» Program details including typical course sequence

Post-Master’s Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant Certification
» Program details including typical course sequence

Other Programs
» Teacher of Students with Blindness or Visual Impairment Graduate Programs


Application Requirements

  • Application
  • Essay
  • Official transcripts
  • Application fee
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • National standardized admission test requirement (waived for post-master’s certificate program)
  • Resume/CV
  • Some programs require copy of teacher certification 
  • Additional documents needed from international applicants seeking to study in the U.S.

*Applications will be considered on a space available basis up to and including the first day of the semester.

» View Application Details for Special Education Programs


Application Deadlines

Applicants need to make sure all materials are completed by either the Priority Consideration Deadline or the Final Deadline in order for an application to be considered complete.

 TermPriority ConsiderationFinal Deadline
Fall MatriculationFebruary 1August 1*
Spring MatriculationOctober 1December 1*

*Applications will be considered on a space available basis up to and including the first day of the semester.

» View Application Deadline Details


Tuition & Costs

The College of New Jersey provides a high quality education at a lower than average cost than other schools of similar quality.

Tuition TypeRate
In-State$882.39 per credit
Out-of-State$882.39 per credit

» View Tuition & Fees Details

The College Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing tuition, fees, housing and board plan rates. Tuition and fees schedules are subject to change without notice and upon action of the Board of Trustees.


Assistantships & Aid

Graduate Assistantships

TCNJ offers graduate assistantships that provide meaningful learning experiences while also supporting TCNJ’s educational mission. These assistantships require 15 hours of work per week during the fall and spring semesters while the college is in session. Only those full-time (minimum 9 credits/semester), matriculated graduate students in good academic standing with a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 are eligible for selection.

Graduate Assistants are awarded a tuition waiver of $10,000.00 per academic year ($5,000 per semester for fall and spring only) and are hired on an annual basis for a maximum of two years.

» Learn more about Graduate Assistantships

Financial Aid
Students pursuing a graduate degree at TCNJ may be eligible for some types of student financial assistance, including but not limited to student loans and assistantships. Graduate students must follow the same steps as undergraduates in applying for federal loan assistance.

Graduate students must be enrolled in at least five credit hours at the 500 level or above in order to be eligible for student loan assistance and for TCNJ to certify enrollment for a loan repayment deferment.

Semester Enrollment Requirements for Graduate Students
Full-time status = 9 or more credit hours
Half-time status = 5 credit hours
The enrollment requirements pertain to individual summer session enrollment as well.

» Learn more about Financial Aid at TCNJ

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