Get Started on Your Online Degree Today!

 

The Special Education Program at Mississippi State University prepares future practitioners and leaders to make a meaningful impact in special education. Our students learn to identify and implement evidence-based practices tailored to the unique needs of each student and family. With programs that span the entire lifespan, we emphasize empowering families to support student success at every stage. Our faculty is committed to advancing and continuously improving innovative practices that propel the field forward.

Program highlights:

In-State Tuition:

All online students, regardless of location, receive the in-state tuition rate.

Flexible Online Learning:

Experience the flexibility of online learning with our 100% online coursework. Complete your studies from anywhere while balancing other commitments.

Licensure opportunity:

Program graduates are eligible to be recommended for the Class AA Mississippi Educator License.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Structure

The Master of Science in Special Education requires 33 hours of graduate coursework beyond the bachelor's degree.

Required Courses

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDX 6813 Intro to Assessment Issues in Special Education 3
EDX 8003 Multi-tiered Systems of Support  3
EDX 8043 Evidenced-Based Practices for Struggling Learners 3
EDX 8063 Universal and Focused Behavioral Interventions (Tier 1 & 2) 3
EDX 8073 Intensive Behavioral Interventions (Tier 3) 3
EDX 8083 Universal Design for Learning  3
EDX 8113 Sped Law and Research 3
EDX 8093 Special Education Project 3
EDX 8343 Single Case Design Research in the Classroom  3
EDX 8173 Special Education in the Regular Classroom 3
EDX 8493 Action Research  3
  Total Hours 33

 

 

Admission Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as classified students.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed three times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

  • December 1 to be considered for Spring admission.
  • May 1 to be considered for Summer admission.
  • August 1 to be considered for Fall admission.

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution with unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. The applicant must also meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the MS in Special Education program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the cited criteria, the student's application may nevertheless be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are NOT required to enter this program.

 

 

Admissions Process

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose you will select Special Education as your major and Online Education as your campus
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.
YOUR NEXT STEP

Ready to apply?

Your next chapter starts at MSU.

REQUIRED APPLICATION STEP

Identity Verification

Complete Stripe Identity verification to confirm your identity before your application can be completed.


Start Application

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • Center for Distance Education
662-325-9092
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Center for Distance Education
662-325-8876
beca Headshot

Dr. Patricia Hampshire

Program Coordinator

  • Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
    Department of Teacher Education and Leadership
662-325-2188

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.