Master in Special Education and Teaching (Master's)

Converse University is a private liberal arts institution with a strong focus on holistic education and student development. Founded in 1889, the university emphasizes creativity, leadership, and critical thinking across arts, sciences, business, and education programs. Its compact campus and attentive faculty create a supportive environment where students receive personalized guidance and hands-on learning experiences.

Academic programs combine rigorous coursework with practical opportunities in studios, labs, internships, and community engagement. With around 1,284 students and a close-knit campus culture, Converse encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential projects that help students build portfolios and professional skills. International students find a welcoming atmosphere and resources for cultural adjustment, academic advising, and career preparation.

Campus life at Converse blends small-class intimacy with active student organizations, performance and exhibition spaces, and leadership programs. The institution prioritizes mentoring and career readiness, helping graduates move into creative professions, education, or graduate study. For students seeking individualized attention, strong creative training, and a community-oriented experience, Converse provides a clear pathway to personal and professional growth.

Graduates are qualified to teach students with intellectual or learning disabilities in grades PK-12. The programme prepares individuals with non-education bachelor's degrees for certification in special education and elementary education. It combines coursework in special education, elementary education, and psychology with supervised student teaching in public schools. The programme emphasizes practical classroom experience and collaboration with families and school staff.

Focus areas include Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Elementary Education, Individual Education Program (IEP) Development, Classroom Management, Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies.

The MAT in Special Education requires completion of coursework and a directed student teaching experience. Total credits are not specified on the page, but the programme includes instruction in special education, elementary education, and psychology, with a focus on practical application in public school settings.

Graduates enter roles as certified special education teachers in public school systems, working with students with intellectual or learning disabilities in PK-12 settings.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a minimum 2.75 GPA. A major in a field appropriate to the teaching area is required. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a competitive score on the Miller Analogies Test.

On-campus, full-time or part-time; most courses are held after 4 p.m. to accommodate working students. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 64% of applicants.