Master of Education
Special Education
Master of Education
Master of Education
Stand Out in your calling.
NEXT START May 12 Classes begin every 8 weeks
FLEXIBLE Finish in less than 2 years Take one course every 8 weeks to finish in just 5 semesters
ONLINE 100% online coursework Learn on your schedule, wherever you are
AFFORDABLE $360 per credit Affordable tuition + 30 credit program
Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Expertise Enhancement. Enhance your ability to educate, support, and inspire students with diverse learning needs. With Northwestern College's online Master of Education Special Education program, you'll deepen your understanding of effective teaching strategies and methods to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences for all students. An online master’s in special education will equip you for leadership roles in assessment, instructional strategies, and evidence-based practices. You’ll be prepared for career opportunities as a specialist, consultant, or instructional leader.

It's more than a lane change. 
Earning a graduate degree doesn't have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it's most convenient for you. Take one online 8 week class at a time, completing two classes each semester, and you'll finish your M.Ed. in less than 2 years. 




"I feel better equipped to meet the needs of my students and families. I have also grown a lot in my confidence as a professional educator and leader." 

- Emma, M.Ed. student 

"I feel better equipped to meet the needs of my students and families. I have also grown a lot in my confidence as a professional educator and leader." 

- Emma, M.Ed. student 

"I feel better equipped to meet the needs of my students and families. I have also grown a lot in my confidence as a professional educator and leader." 

- Emma, M.Ed. student 




M.Ed. FAQs

Click the link below to access frequently asked questions.

M.Ed. FAQs

Department of Education

Accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.

Tuition + fees

Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.

Financial aid information

Alumni Grant

The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:

  • Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
  • Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).

TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.

TEACH Grant

Additional resources

Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.

Additional Resources

Click the link below to access frequently asked questions.

M.Ed. FAQs

Accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.

Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.

Financial aid information

The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:

  • Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
  • Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).

The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.

TEACH Grant

Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.

Additional Resources




Application Requirements

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

No GRE required. No application fee.

No GRE required. No application fee.

No GRE required. No application fee.

Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received. 

+
Baccalaureate degree

Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.

  • Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor's degree institution.
  • No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.

Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Send official transcripts to:
onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or
Northwestern College
Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW, Orange City, IA 51041

+
GPA requirements

Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.

+
Teaching license

Documentation of valid teaching license.

  • A digital or scanned copy from your state's Department of Education website is sufficient.



Program Specifics

Program Specifics

Program Specifics

30 credit program

30 credit program

30 credit program

EDU555 - Trends and Issues in K-12 Education
EDU570 - Teaching and Learning with Technology
EDU610 - Educational Research Methods and Design
EDU635 - Capstone
SPED520 - Assessment Planning and Practice
SPED545 - Behavioral and Social Interventions
SPED550 - Communication and Collaborative Partnerships and Transitions
SPED605 - Instructional Decision Making and Leadership in Special Education
SPED612 - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Special Education

Choose one from the following: 

Choose one from the following: 

Choose one from the following: 

EDU540 - Teaching Young Children with Diverse Needs
EDU565 - Instructional strategies for Diverse Students and Settings
EDU585 - Instructional Strategies for Traumatized Students



STAFF

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Megan

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Megan

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Megan