We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Master of Arts in Special Education
Prepare to design inclusive learning strategies supporting students with diverse educational needs.
With a master’s degree in special education, you will be ready to pursue a rewarding career helping exceptional learners reach their full potential
Centenary University’s Master of Arts in Special Education online graduate programs will provide you with comprehensive training on how to create a learning environment in which all students can excel. We offer four program options:
- 42-credit program for students working toward a master’s degree in Special Education with a Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement and a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C Endorsement)
- 39-credit program for students working toward a master’s degree in Special Education and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement (TOSD)
- 36-credit program for students who are only working toward their master’s degree in Special Education (entering the program already with their Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement)
- 36-credit program (Fall 2024) for students who already earned their TOSD, our master’s degree in Special Education with Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C endorsement)
Our online Special Education program is offered as part of Centenary’s commitment to producing “broadly educated” graduates who want to make a difference in their community and in their profession. The curriculum includes courses on the assessment of children with special needs as well as the social and communication challenges they face.
Program goals
Centenary’s Master of Arts in Special Education program will:
- Provide you with timely training at a time when major changes are happening in the field of special education.
- Prepare you to act as a role model and innovator in the field.
- Allow you to understand and embrace diversity.
- Offer you a broad-based program of study to understand the needs of diverse learners from multiple perspectives.
Teachers with the skills to help students with special educational needs will always be in high demand.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include Additional NJ endorsements, MA/MEd, ESL/bilingual education, special education, literacy, supervisor certification, or educational leadership pathway.
Career Pathways:
Special Education Teacher, Resource Room Teacher, Inclusive Education Specialist
Industry Outlook:
Strong demand for special education teachers, particularly in districts focusing on inclusive education.
Regional employers include
New Jersey public school districts; Newark Public Schools; Jersey City Public Schools; Paterson Public Schools; Elizabeth Public Schools; KIPP/North Star; Uncommon Schools; private schools; county education offices.
Salary Outlook:
$60,000 – $90,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to Masters of Arts in Special Education, a reasonable starting range is approximately $55,000–$70,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $78,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $90,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data