personal statement for masters in special education

Sample Personal Statement for Special Education Teacher

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program in special education. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at TUFTS and Boston College. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement of a special education teacher should look like.

“Quo non Ascendam” – “to what heights can I not rise.” This is the motto of Ethiopia Aviation Academy, my Alma Meta, and my inspiration. Last year, while ascending Adams peak during a voluntary AIESEC internship at Colombo University, Sri Lanka, I saw a poor boy suffering from muscular dystrophy dangerously perched behind the railings at the corner of the tortuous path. “Excelsior,” my Australian, American, Lebanese, and Chinese comrades exhorted me to go on. But I was transfixed by the utter disparity I saw – was it right to give him a coin, or could I have done something else to change his destiny? How lucky I am to have everything on my plate.

My schooling was elite. However, I never disassociated myself from my disadvantaged peers with physical impairments. Every year my mother used to take me to a nearby nursing home (for children with disabilities) to celebrate my birthday. She did so purposefully so that I could count my blessing and be grateful for what I have. The wider gap between the haves and the have-nots became even more pronounced when I visited my native village in rural Ethiopia and interacted with children in our neighborhood. Sometimes I even felt guilty for having so much more than them. I pondered that to alleviate poverty and promote socio-economic development, I needed to provide easy access to education to the less fortunate. I believe this will give me tranquility and a realm of my own.

To become a valuable member of society, I decided to major in special education. Therefore, I enrolled at Bahir Dar University. In my senior year, I traveled to Augustana College (on Global U-GRAD Exchange Program) as a Cultural Ambassador and stayed there for six months. During this time, I gained exposure to the local culture and enhanced my English language and teaching skills. At Laura Wilder Elementary School, I taught courses to special children on how to become adaptive and sociable. Not only this, but I also organized “Ethiopia Day” festivities at Sioux Falls and gave a comprehensive lecture on the society and culture of Ethiopia. Post-presentation, a native exclaimed, “Thank you for showing us Ethiopia in a better way.” Upon my return to Ethiopia, I decided to redouble my efforts in imparting education after being motivated by the exposure at Augustana college.

During my junior year, I realized my life goals after opting to travel for an optional teaching internship with National Commission for Human Development in Swat, now famous for being the hometown of Malala Yousafzai. I worked towards the UN Millennium Development Goal, which envisages an educated society as a foundation for development. For four months, I designed and taught several courses in self-development, communication, and professionalism to women in rural communities. As a result, I felt a lot more empowered.

Subsequently, I became further predisposed to teaching special children. However, at the same time, I realized that I would need further education to achieve my lofty aim of making a more significant impact. While working on various projects involving wide-ranging education policy issues and theories, I was exposed to the benefits and limitations of the teaching sphere. Now, I want to expand my world and learn more so that I can ask better questions and be capable of adapting to the changing world. I believe everyone has a share in shaping the world (no matter how small or big), and by pursuing graduate studies in teaching methodologies, I will be able to provide a beneficial share to the world. It will also help me create the world that I want to live in.

As we neared Adams peak, we started bantering – our words echoed from the valley below. My fatigue disappeared as I witnessed the breathtaking sunrise – such are the fruits of accomplishment. The decent is always easier. I remember children always walking to school and running back home. As we descended, I saw the same disabled boy at the same place near the railing but with a much more satisfying look as his bowl was brimming with coins. I know brooding is not the answer, but he should have been in school. Wisdom lies in knowing what to do next. I know someday I want to be wholly immersed in teaching and formulating educational policies that will send all poor and disabled children to school and higher learning.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

• BSW Scholarships
• How to Transition to a Social Work Career
• Social Worker Salary and Jobs in Social Work
• Is a Master of Social Work MSW Really Worth It?
• Social Worker Resource Guide
• Doctor of Social Work Salary and Careers
• How to Become a School Superintendent
• Faculty Interview: Dr. Lee Nabb, Morehead State University
• Scholarships for Doctor of Education (EdD) Students
• What is a Terminal Degree?
• Is It Worth Getting a Doctorate in Education (EdD)?
• Faculty Interview: Tracy Caddell, Ball State University
• Doctor of Education EdD Salary and Career Outlook
• EdD vs. PhD
• What is Organizational Change?
• Faculty Interview: Michael Poe, Northwest Nazarene University
• How to Transition to a Teaching Career
• Applying for Your Master’s
• Preparing for Your Interview
• Crafting Your Resume

How to Write a Personal Statement

• How to Get the Right References
• Is a Master of Teaching Worth It?
• The Ultimate Guide to the Praxis® Tests
• Finance your Teaching Education
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching – TESOL Programs
• HBCU Undergraduate Scholarships Guide
• Librarian Resource Guide
• Explore Librarian Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Library Science
• Online Master of Science in Teaching
• Online Master of Education Programs
• Our Guide to Entry-Level Nursing
• What Type of Nurse Should You Be?
• Guide to Transitioning RN to MSN Programs
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Health?
• Bachelor of Public Health Scholarships and Grants
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science Salaries
• How to Make a Career Change from Teaching to Speech Pathology
• Speech Pathology School Scholarships
• How to Get into Speech Pathology School
• ASHA Certification for Speech-Language Pathologists
• Is a Master’s in Speech Pathology Really Worth It?
• Professional Development Guide for Speech Pathologists
• What Speech Pathology Students Should Do Before Graduating
• Speech-Language Pathologist Resume Guide
• Speech-Language Pathology Job Interview Guide
• Speech Pathologist Resource Guide
• Speech Pathologist Salary and Career Outlook
• What Is an AGACNP?
• What Is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Guide to Making a Career Change to Nursing
• How To Get Into Nursing School
• Is Nursing School Really Worth It?
• Nursing Salary by State
• Nursing Resources
• Which Nursing Degree Is Right for Me?
• Types of Nursing Degrees
• Nursing School Scholarships
• Explore Midwife Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Midwifery
• What is a Midwife
• The 2022 Guide to Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
• Nursing Careers Infographic
• Nurse Practitioner Career & Salary
• Our Guide to APRN License and Certification
• NP vs DNP: Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Registered Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ACNP Salary and Careers
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner WHNP Salary and Careers
• Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (PMHNP)
• Occupational Therapy Salary and Career Outlook
• Scholarships for Occupational Therapy Students
• How to Get into Occupational Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Worth It?
• What is Occupational Therapy?
• What Is the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
• What Is Physical Therapy?
• How to Get Into Physical Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT Really Worth It?
• Physical Therapy Careers and Salaries
• How to Make a Career Transition to Physical Therapy
• Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Scholarships
• What’s the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and a Doctor?
• Scholarships for Physician Assistant PA Students
• Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner: What Are the Differences?
• Physician Assistant Salary, Jobs and Career Path
• How to Become a Physician Assistant
• How to Get Into PA School
• Is a Physician Assistant PA Degree Really Worth It?
• Physician Assistant Certification Guide
• Pharmacy Doctorate Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Get into Pharmacy (PharmD) School
• Master of Health Informatics Career and Salary
• Master of Public Health Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Health Administration Programs (MHA)
• Top Paying Healthcare Careers
• Bachelor of Psychology Scholarships
• Digital Resources for Students with Autism – Helpful for Teachers and Parents
• What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?
• What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
• Applied Behavior Analysis ABA Scholarships
• Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
• Types of Psychology Degrees
• Clinical Psychologist Careers and Salary
• Marriage and Family Therapist Salary and Jobs for MFT Careers
• Behavioral Psychology
• Counseling Skills and Techniques
• Is a Master’s in Counseling Worth It?
• 25 Counseling Scholarships for Graduate Students
• School Psychologist vs School Counselor
• Bullying Resources for Educators and Parents
• The Comprehensive College Planning Resource
• School Counselor Certification Guide
• Resources for School Counselors
• School Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• LMHC vs. LCSW
• How to Become a Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• MPA vs MPH: Which Degree is Best for You?
• MPA vs. International Relations
• MPA vs. MPP
• Masters in Business Administration (MBA) vs. Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
• Is an MPA Degree Really Worth It?
• MPA Careers and Salaries
• Master of Public Administration MPA Scholarships
• Online Masters in Urban Planning Programs
• What Can I Do With an International Relations Degree?
• International Relations Salary and Career Paths
• How to Make a Career Transition to Financial Planner
• Can You Change Careers with an MBA
• MBA Concentrations Guide
• Online MBA in Financial Planning Programs
• Find Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Programs
• Find Online MBA in Marketing Programs
• Find Online MBA in Business Analytics Programs
• Find Online MBA in Finance Programs
• MBA or CFA: Which Is Better for a Finance Career
• How to Get Into Business School
• MBA or JD: Which Is the Better Career Path?
• Is an MBA Degree Really Worth It? Decide Here
• Explore MBA Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Business
• MBA Scholarships
• Bachelor’s of Business Scholarships
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Business and Management?
• What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Marketing?
• Bachelor of Marketing Scholarships
• Is a Master of Accounting Worth It?
• Accountant Salary and Career Outlook
• Guide to Transition into an Accounting Career
• Master’s in HR Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Break into Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
• Online Master’s in Finance Programs
• Explore Our LSAT Study Guide
• How to Get into Law School
• How to Study for the Bar Exam
• Is a JD Really Worth It?
• MPA vs JD: Which Is Better?
• Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
• Online Master’s in Taxation Law Programs
• Online Master of Laws LLM Programs
• Online Master of Legal Studies in Compliance Programs
• What You Can Do with a Bachelor’s in Communications
• Bachelor of Communications Scholarships
• Online Master of Communication Management Programs
• Master’s in Communications Salary and Careers
• Is a Communications Degree Worth It?
• How to Become a Communications Director
• How to Become an Architect
• Guide to Online Economics Certificates and Courses
• How to Become a Public Policy Analyst
• Public Policy Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
• Guide to Online Sustainability Certificates and Short Courses
• Data Science Salary and Career Outlook
• Is a Data Science Degree Worth It?
• Online Business Management Courses
• How to Become a Finance Manager
• Finance Salary and Careers
• Web Developer Salary and Career Paths
• How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist
• Guide to Cybersecurity Salaries and Careers
• AI Engineer Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Become an AI Engineer
• How to Become a Blockchain Developer
• Systems and IT Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Human Resources HR Courses
• How to Become a Project Manager
• Project Manager Salary and Career Outlook
• Become a Marketing Manager
• Is a Marketing Degree Worth It?
• Marketing Salary and Careers
• Online Healthcare Courses
• Online Nutrition Courses
• Online Education Courses
• Online Business Negotiations Courses
• Online Leadership Courses
• Online Conflict Resolution Courses
• Become a Data Analyst
• Online Real Estate Courses
• What is an HBCU?
• Reasons to Choose a Degree From an HBCU
• Teaching Methods
• Learning Styles
• Testing Effect
• School Media
• Motivating Students
• Dropout Prevention
• Teachers Care
• Grants for Teachers
• Teacher Appreciation
• Debra Rose Howell
• Dr. David Lazerson
• Dr. Penny Ferguson
• Genein Letford
• Lynne Kesselman
• Susan Evans
• Valerie Kibler
• How To Become a Lawyer Online
• How to Become a Principal
• Guide to Becoming a Doctor of Social Work
• Masters Degree Program Accreditation
• Teacher Certification Tests (The Praxis and Beyond)
• Teacher Salary, Career and Benefits Guide
• Summer Vacation for Teachers
• Teaching STEM
• Teaching Art
• Teaching Music
• Teaching Gifted Education
• Teaching Social Studies
• Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Teaching English and Language Arts
• Teaching Special Education
• Teacher Shortage Areas by State
• How To Become an Online Teacher
• Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• How to Become a School Counselor
• LMHC Licensure Guide for Mental Health Counselors
• What does an LMHC do?
• Become a Psychologist
• How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
• What Does a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Do?
• Become a Behavior Analyst
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
• Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• How to Become a Pharmacist
• Become a Speech Pathologist
• Become a Physical Therapist
• How to Become an Occupational Therapist
• Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Become a Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Nurse Midwife
• Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse APRN
• How to Become a Business Consultant
• Become an Accountant
• Become a Human Resources Specialist
• Become a Public Administrator
• Become a Librarian

Teach.com / Online Education / Education Degrees / Online Master of Arts in Teaching Programs (MAT) / Applying for Your Master’s / How to Write a Personal Statement

Brainstorming

Before you start outlining your statement, ask yourself a few questions to get an idea of what you’ll need to include. Jot down each of the following questions and leave some space to answer them.

• Why do I want to be a teacher?
• How should I address my academic record?
• How can my experiences enhance my application?
• Who is my audience?

Now take a few minutes and come up with some answers to these questions. Don’t spend too much time on this step; just write down your general thoughts. Once you do that, you will be ready to dive in and start writing your personal statement.

The Introduction

Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention at once. Remember that they are most likely staring at a pile of applications, and yours will be one of many they’ll read in this sitting. You need to be memorable right from the start. Follow this general form for a solid intro.

• HOOK:  Grab the admissions officer’s attention with a broad, but strong statement about the teaching profession.
• LINE:  Write two to three sentences that develop that idea and narrow it down to focus on you.
• SINKER:  Deliver your thesis. This is where you state specifically why you want to study education at their school.

Begin with a short summary of your educational background. Do not turn this into a resume; just briefly give an overview of your studies in both your major (English, math, etc.) and in your education concentration. If you have any inconsistencies in your academic record, this is where you should address them. Do not give excuses, but if there are reasons why you did poorly in an area, state them here.

The second body paragraph is where you get to tell your story. Why do you want to become a teacher? What inspires you about this profession? What type of teacher do you see yourself becoming? How did your student teaching experience inspire you to continue on this path? Anecdotes are best, but don’t get carried away. Keep it concise and to the point.

Once you have explained who you are and what your professional goals will be, the third body paragraph should explain why you think you are a good fit for that particular school. Hopefully you did some research before applying, and you have some concrete reasons for choosing this college. Tell them your reasons, but don’t go overboard with platitudes. They know what awards they have won and where they rank in the U.S. News college rankings. Be honest and explain what attracted you to their program of study and what you hope to get out of it.

In order to ensure the clarity of your work, each body paragraph should be formatted the same. This way the reader will be able to quickly read without losing track of the point. After the first body paragraph, begin each subsequent paragraph with a transition phrase or sentence, and then provide a clear topic sentence. Support that topic sentence with solid evidence. Finally, provide examples to back up that evidence.

The Conclusion

Conclusions are hard, and they are hard for a reason. Ideally, you have made your case in the body of your personal statement, so you understandably ask yourself, “What else can I say?” Try one of these strategies:

• Widen the focus a bit and validate your thesis without being redundant.
• Project where you see yourself in 10 years after completing your degree and becoming a successful teacher.
• Reaffirm your passion for your subject area.

However you decide to close, do not fall back to your middle school days and simply restate your case in the conclusion. Take some time to craft a closing that will leave them with an overall positive impression.

The Nuts and Bolts of Academic Writing

It is certainly worth noting a few of the technical aspects of writing your personal statement. Many programs will have specific items they want you to cover in your statement. Be sure you have carefully read and then answered their questions. Use a basic font like Times New Roman or Calibri and either a 10- or 12-point font. Always use 1-inch margins and single space your document. The general suggested length is 500 to 1,000 words. Don’t feel like you have to hit the word limit, but don’t only get halfway there either.

More from  Applying for your Masters in Teaching: The Complete Guide

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, how to write a stand-out personal statement for grad school.

If you’re applying to graduate school, you’ll likely need to write a personal statement. But what exactly is a graduate school personal statement? And what should you write about to give yourself your best shot at admission?

In this guide, we teach you how to write a personal statement for grad school, step by step. But first, let’s go over how the personal statement differs from the statement of purpose as well as what schools look for in a great graduate school essay.

What Is a Graduate School Personal Statement?

A graduate school personal statement is an admission essay that typically focuses on your personal reasons for wanting to enter a grad program and particular field of study. Essentially, you must tell the story of who you are and how you developed your current research interests.

So is a personal statement for graduate school the same thing as a statement of purpose? Well, not always (though it can be). Here are the general distinctions between the two essay types:

• Statement of purpose:  A formal essay that summarizes your academic and professional background, research interests, and career goals. In this essay, you’ll usually explain your reasons for applying to grad school and why you believe the program is a good fit for you (as well as why you’re a good fit for it!).
• Personal statement: A less formal essay that focuses on your passion and motivation for wanting to enter your chosen field and program. This statement is typically more flexible than the statement of purpose, with a bigger emphasis on storytelling. Schools often encourage applicants to discuss (relevant) challenges in their lives and how they’ve overcome them.

Both the graduate school personal statement and statement of purpose are usually anywhere from one to three double-spaced pages long, depending on the program you’re applying to.

Below is a chart comparing the personal statement and statement of purpose:

Usually, the personal statement and statement of purpose are considered two different graduate school essay types.

But this isn’t always the case. While some schools consider the personal statement and statement of purpose two distinct essays, others use the names interchangeably.

For example, Michigan State University’s College of Engineering  considers them two distinct essays, while The Ohio State University uses “personal statement” to describe what is essentially a statement of purpose.

Many schools require just one essay  (and it’ll usually be the statement of purpose, as it’s the more academic one). But some, such as the University of Michigan , ask for both a personal statement and statement of purpose, while others, such as  Notre Dame’s Creative Writing MFA program , want an essay that combines the features of both!

Ultimately, the type of graduate school essay you  submit will depend entirely on where you’re applying.

What Do Schools Look For in a Personal Statement?

Many grad schools require a personal statement in order to learn more about you, your interests, your struggles, and your motivations for wanting to enter a field of study. Through this essay, schools can get to know you on a deeper, more intimate level and learn about you in ways they can’t through transcripts and letters of recommendation alone.

But what specifically do universities look for in a great personal statement for graduate school? Here are some of the most important elements to include in your essay.

A Compelling Story

First off, your personal statement must tell a story. After all, this essay is basically your autobiography: it introduces who you are, your interests and motivations, and why you’ve decided to apply to grad school.

Unlike the statement of purpose, the personal statement should focus mostly on your personal history, from your failures to your triumphs. All experiences should tie back to your field or research area, emphasizing what you’ve learned and what this means in terms of your potential as a grad student.

Since you’re talking about yourself, be conversational in your storytelling: use an authentic voice, open up about your experiences, and maybe even throw in a joke or two. Though you’re still writing an essay for school, it’s generally OK to be a little more informal here than you would in a statement of purpose.

That said, there are a couple of things you absolutely shouldn’t do in your personal statement.

• Open your essay with a quotation. Professors have heard the quotation before and don’t need (or want) to hear it again. Plus, quotations often take up too much space in an already short essay!
• Use clichés. Think of unique ways to tell your story and grab readers’ attention. Schools want to see you can be creative yet honest about yourself, so avoid clichés like the plague (see what I did there?).
• Get too creative. Your goal is to look like a serious, committed applicant—not a wacky risk taker—so write clearly and avoid any unnecessary distractions such as images, colors, and unprofessional fonts.

Most importantly, remember that your graduate school personal statement should focus on your successes. Try to use strong, encouraging words and put positive twists on difficult experiences whenever possible. It’s OK to mention your setbacks, too—just as long as you’re discussing how you ultimately overcame (or plan to overcome) them.

Inspirations for Your Research Interests

Schools don’t only want to see clearly defined research interests but also  why you have these particular interests.   While the statement of purpose elaborates on your professional goals, the personal statement explains what personally motivated you to explore your interests.

For example, in my personal statement for a Japanese Studies MA program, I wrote about my hot-and-cold relationship with the Japanese language and how a literature class and a stint abroad ultimately inspired me to keep learning.

Don’t make the mistake of going way back to the beginning to start your essay. Many applicants open their statements with something along the lines of “I fell in love with psychology when I was ten years old” or “It all started when I was in high school.” But these broad statements lack the creativity and zest needed to secure an acceptance, so avoid them at all costs.

Your Motivation for Applying to Grad School

Your statement of purpose should explain why grad school is a practical next step in your professional life—but your personal statement should focus on what personally motivates you to take this step.

Generally, schools want answers to the following questions:

• Why is grad school an appropriate step for you now?
• How will a graduate degree help you achieve your goals?
• Why didn’t you apply to grad school earlier (if you took time off after undergrad)?
• Were there any struggles or problems you faced that prevented you from applying to grad school before?

Be honest about why you’re applying, both to grad school and the program in particular. In my graduate school essay, I discussed how my passion for Japanese literature and desire to translate it inspired me to seek advanced language training at the graduate level.

Strong Writing Skills

A great personal statement shows that you can write cogently and coherently. After all, strong writing skills are imperative for success as a grad student!

So in addition to telling a good story, make sure you use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Use paragraphs to break up your thoughts, too. Because the personal statement is slightly less formal than the statement of purpose, feel free to play around a little with paragraph form and length.

Also, remember that  good writing doesn’t necessarily equal big words.  You’re writing about yourself, so use words that come naturally to you. Don’t grab a thesaurus and start throwing in a bunch of high-level vocabulary wherever you can; this will make your essay sound less authentic, not to mention stiff.

On the other hand, don’t get too colloquial. You’ll lose respect if you start inserting conversational words such as “gonna” and “gotta.” Therefore, look for the middle ground and write from there.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

Explanations for Any Hiccups in Your Academic Career

Lastly, the personal statement  gives applicants a chance to explain any problems or changes in their academic histories, such as low grades or gaps in education.

Because transcripts and resumes are severely limited in what information they give, schools often use the personal statement to understand your reasons for abrupt changes in your resume and/or transcripts, and to see how you’ve overcome these barriers in your education (and life).

Essentially, a personal statement equalizes the playing field by giving you full rein to explain yourself and emphasize your success over any struggles you’ve had.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Grad School: 9-Step Guide

The personal statement is a fiercely important part of your grad school application. In this section, we teach you how to write a memorable personal statement for grad school so that you’ll have a better shot at getting accepted.

Step 1: Start Early

Personal statements (actually, grad school applications in general!) take a lot of work, so don’t put off writing your essay until the week before your deadline. Rather, try to start working on your essay at least two or three months before your application is due.

You might want to give yourself more time to write it if you’re currently in school or working a demanding job. Setting aside more time lets you work on your graduate school essay routinely without having to squeeze in too many hours each week.

If you only have a month or less until your application deadline, get started on your essay pronto! Though it’s possible to write a personal statement quickly, I recommend carving out more time so that you can put more thought and effort into what you write and how you present yourself. (Doing this also gives others more time to edit your essay for you! We’ll cover this more in later steps.)

Step 2: Read the Instructions

Perhaps the most important step is to read your program’s instructions for the personal statement. Not following these instructions could very well result in a rejection, so always read these first before you start writing! Most programs put their personal statement instructions on their application materials pages.

Your program should give you the following information:

• What type of content your personal statement should include or generally focus on (you might even get an actual prompt to answer!)
• How long your statement should be
• What type of heading, if any, you must include on your statement
• How to save and submit your statement (e.g., .docx, PDF, etc.)

For example, let’s say you’re applying to the History PhD program at UC Berkeley . In this case, your personal statement can’t exceed 1,000 words (three double-spaced pages). You must also answer this prompt :

Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include information on how you have overcome barriers to access in higher education, evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others, evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, evidence of your research focusing on underserved populations or related issues of inequality, or evidence of your leadership among such groups.

On the other hand, if you were to apply for an MS in Mining, Geological, and Geophysical Engineering at the University of Arizona , your personal statement would follow these parameters:

Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself, in terms of your research interests, research experience and research goals. Unless you have extensive research experience, most personal statements should be about two single-spaced pages. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct and professional in tone. You may convey some personal experiences that have led to your current interests or that make you a particularly promising candidate.

Clearly, grad programs can approach personal statements quite differently. Some schools consider them the same as statements of purpose and want a formal focus on academic and research interests, while others want applicants to explain more informally the challenges they’ve overcome to get to this point.

Simply put,  follow your program’s directions exactly in order to give yourself your best shot at admission.  And if any part of the instructions is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact your program!

Step 3: Figure Out Your Angle

Your “angle,” or focus, in your graduate school personal statement will depend on a few key factors:

• What your grad program wants you to write about
• Your field of study and research interests
• How much experience you have in your field

As I mentioned in step 2, it’s extremely important to  read the personal statement instructions for your program. Many times these guidelines will tell you what to include in your essay, thereby clarifying what your overall angle needs to be.

Let’s look back at the example we used above for UC Berkeley’s doctoral program in history. If you were applying here and came from a low-income family, you could discuss how you’ve overcome these financial challenges in your life to get to where you are today.

No matter the prompt, you’ll need to discuss your research interests (to some degree) in your personal statement.  How much you talk about your interests, however, will depend on whether you have to submit a separate statement of purpose. If so, you can focus less on your research plans and more on your passions and motivations for applying.

On the other hand, if your personal statement is essentially a statement of purpose, dive deep into your research interests—that is,  be specific! For example, those applying to English lit programs should think about the works, eras, and writers they want to study, and why.

More broadly, though, try to answer the question of  what you hope to accomplish, either during or after the program. Is there any particular project you want to do? Skills you want to improve? Field you want to break into?

Finally, always choose a positive angle.  Use affirmative words and phrases to highlight both your successes and overall enthusiasm for the program.

Step 4: Ask Yourself, “Why This Program? Why This Field?”

Although the statement of purpose usually answers this question directly, you’ll likely need to address this in your personal statement as well—ideally, with a less academic and more conversational tone.

As you brainstorm, try to come up with answers to the following questions:

• What goals or experiences led you to apply to this program?
• How will this program help you grow on a personal level?
• What made you interested in this field? Why do you want to study it more?
• What are your research interests? How did you develop these interests?
• Are there any particular professors you wish to work with?

Step 5: Make an Outline

Now that you’ve brainstormed some ideas, it’s time to start outlining your essay.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

How you choose to outline your statement is up to you. Some people like drawing bubble charts for organizing their thoughts, whereas others (like myself) prefer to write a list of rough ideas in the general order they want to present them.

Even if you’re not sure whether you want to include something, just add it to your outline anyway. You can always cut it out later as you draft and edit.

Step 6: Draft Your Essay

It’s now time to start writing! Once you’ve got your outline ready, work on expanding what you’ve written into full-fledged paragraphs.

In the beginning, it’s OK to write down anything you feel is relevant, but as you continue to draft, try to look for any extraneous information you can chop.

Remember, most personal statements will be short— usually one to two double-spaced pages—so you don’t want to risk exceeding your program’s word limit. Schools want to see that you can tell a story concisely yet effectively.

If you’re having trouble coming up with a way to open your statement, try skipping around as you draft. Go ahead and jump to a paragraph you have more ideas for—it’s perfectly OK! Just make sure you start to tie all of your ideas together the closer you get to finishing your draft.

On a related note, be careful not to copy any material from your statement of purpose (if you’re required to submit two separate essays). These statements may share a little overlap but should still focus on different aspects of your (academic) life, accomplishments, and goals.

Step 7: Get Feedback

Once you finish drafting, give your essay to people you trust for feedback. This could be a parent, friend, sibling, or mentor (such as a former or current professor).

Ask your editors to give you  specific feedback  on what you can change, both stylistically and technically, to make it more impactful. Ideally, they’ll also note any unclear, awkward, or redundant ideas/phrases and will offer you helpful suggestions for improvement.

If you’ve written a separate statement of purpose, see whether your editors are willing to check that essay over as well so that you can ensure there isn’t too much overlap between the two.

Step 8: Revise & Edit Your Essay

Once you get feedback, revise and edit your personal statement using your editors’ comments as a guide.

For example, if your editors told you your essay lacked detail, look for places in your writing where you can be more specific and that are likely to have a strong impact on the admission committee.

As you revise, keep an eye out for any awkward sentences or extraneous information. Personal statements are usually pretty brief and you don’t want to accidentally exceed the word limit. So when in doubt, take it out!

Step 9: Proofread

The final step is to proofread your draft. Start by using your computer’s spell check function to quickly find any glaring typos and grammatical errors.

Then, proofread your essay one sentence at a time. Since it’s easy to miss errors in your own writing, I recommend editing your essay from back to front (i.e., from the last sentence to the first sentence). Doing this prevents you from glossing over words and lets you pinpoint punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors more easily.

In addition, check that you have page numbers on each page (if required—though I suggest adding them regardless) and a proper heading (again, if required) that meets the requirements of your program.

Before you submit it, see if you can get someone else (preferably one or all of your editors from step 7) to look over your final draft as well.  If anyone spots a problem with your essay, go back to step 8. If you get all thumbs ups, read over your statement one last time and then turn it in without looking back! (Seriously, don’t read it again or you’re going to want to change something.)

The Key to a Great Graduate School Personal Statement

The personal statement is an essential part of your grad school application. Like the statement of purpose, it highlights your research interests, experiences, and goals.

But more importantly, the personal statement showcases  your unbridled passion for your field, lets you reflect on challenges you’ve faced (and subsequently overcome), and answers the overarching question of why you want to attend grad school.

A great graduate school personal statement will normally include most or all of the following elements:

• A compelling story
• Inspirations for your research interests
• Your motivation for applying to grad school
• Strong writing skills
• Explanations for any changes or problems in your academic career

Above, we walked you through how to write a personal statement for grad school. To recap, here are the nine steps to follow:

• Start early—at least two or three months before your application is due
• Read your program’s instructions for the personal statement
• Figure out your angle by brainstorming ideas
• Ask yourself, “Why this program/field?”
• Make an outline using charts, a list, etc.
• Draft your essay
• Get specific feedback from multiple editors
• Revise and edit your essay
• Proofread (and get other people to proofread it, too!)

What’s Next?

Need to write a statement of purpose, too? Waste no time!  Our expert guide offers tons of tips to help you come up with a statement of purpose that’s certain to impress admission committees.

Do your schools require a CV or resume?  If you’re totally lost on where to begin, read our guides to learn how to put together a great CV or resume for grad school. And for extra help, check out our four original CV and resume templates !

What do you need to submit for your grad school application?  Get the scoop on what kinds of materials you’ll need to prepare when applying to grad school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 103,061 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

Latest Blog Posts

• 30 Best Medical Universities In The US 2024
• Tips To Find And Apply For Scholarships Online
• 30 Best Study Techniques To Try This 2024
• 26 Best Country To Teach English 2024
• 26 Best Free AI Chatbot 2024
• 20 Best Countries To Relocate 2024
• 30 Best Countries For Tourism - Top Tourist Countries
• Canada Work Visa Application Process
• Best Scholarships
• Sanlam Actuarial Bursaries for South Africans 2025
• University of Pretoria Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship for Master studies 2025 (Fully funded)
• Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program at University of Gondar 2024
• Bond University Vice Chancellor's Elite Scholarship 2024
• University of Sheffield Africa Scholarship for Postgraduate Students from Africa 2024
• Apply Now: Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Scholarship 2024
• Monash University Raydon Graduate Research Scholarships 2024
• University of Leeds Masters Scholarships for UK Students 2024 Up to $7,000

Scholarship Tips

Scholarships by country to study.

• United Kingdom
• United States
• South Africa
• Netherlands
• New Zealand

Scholarships by Category

• Postgraduate
• Undergraduate
• College School
• Entrepreneurs
• Bachelors Degree
• Women Scholarships
• Fully Funded

Scholarships by Country of Origin

• African Students
• Developing Countries

Scholarships by Institution / Company

• Flinders University
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• University of Edinburgh
• The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Scholarships by School

• University of Melbourne
• University Of Queensland, Australia
• University of East Anglia
• University of Kent
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Scholarships

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Masters Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships
• Ph.D Scholarships
• Fellowship Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships
• F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers
• Scholarship Application Letter
• Letter Of Intent For Scholarship
• Personal Statement For Masters
• Motivation Letter For Scholarship
• Scholarship Acceptance Letter

Other Locations

• Scholarships in UK
• Scholarships in Canada
• Scholarships for Nigerian Students
• Scholarships for African Students
• Study Abroad Community

• OU Homepage
• The University of Oklahoma

Special Education

Special Education M.Ed.

The University of Oklahoma Master of Education within the Special Education program consists of coursework, field experiences and independent study. These blend theory, research and applied practice that enhances graduate students’ special education knowledge and skills. Those who successfully complete their program of study assume a variety of professional roles including special education teachers, transition specialists, behavior analysts, special education administrators, hospital and other facility educators and state agency officers.

Coursework To obtain the basic Master of Education in Special Education degree, students complete a minimum of 33 degree-applicable non-thesis credit hours. Students complete 15 hours of required and 18 hours of elective courses; these electives may also fulfill an add-on certificate (emphasis area). The OU Graduate College Checklist for this degree option can be downloaded at this website:  ou.edu/checksheets/graduate/grad-education

Courses in the Master Special Education Program are delivered via a blended or 100% distance learning format. Students within traveling distance of the Norman campus can elect to complete coursework attending face-to-face class meetings; or they can attend 100% of the classes virtually, via distance learning technologies (subject to additional course fees).

Required Courses (15 hours)

• EDSP 5143: Applied Behavior Analysis in School Settings
• EDSP 5163: Collaboration, Accommodations & Modifications
• EDSP 5183: Advanced Assessment
• EDSP 6123: Contemporary Issues/Research
• EDSP 5013-Special Education Instructional Methods and Programs

(Choose one of the following) EIPT 5033: Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education or EDSP 6023  Single Case Research Design (offered spring semesters) Elective Courses (18 hours) (Minimum of 9 hours graduate courses within the Special Education program area)

The OU Special Education program offers the following degree emphasis areas:

• Fundamentals of Special Education
• Secondary Transition
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Students pursuing a M.Ed. who have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete EDSP 5413: Understanding & Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities.

To be considered for admission, students must meet minimum requirements set by the Graduate College.  Graduate students need to have

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• A 3.0 minimum undergraduate grade point average. Students may be conditionally admitted with an undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 2.99. If GPA is below 3.0, applicants need to discuss in the application personal statement (essay) reasons for their low GPA and explain why these issues will no longer be a concern.

Due Dates To be considered for admission into the OU Masters of Special Education Degree Programs applications are due on or before the following dates.

*Rolling admission applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the intended semester of enrollment.

Required Application Materials Applicants will need to provide official transcripts, pay an application fee, and submit the following required information during the on-line application process.

• Personal statement
• Contact information for three recommendations
• Original transcripts

Application Information For additional information or assistance in applying applicants may call the College of Education Graduate Programs Support Office at 405-325-4525 or send an email to Mike Jenkins at  [email protected] .

Special Education Faculty Advisors Applicants’ acceptance letters include their faculty advisor’s name and contact information. Newly admitted students need to contact their advisors to develop a plan of study.

Click Here to Apply

Overview The Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in the Fundamental of Special Education prepares students to become Special Education teachers. Most students work full time and take courses each semester in the late afternoon and evening during the week. A limited number of courses are offered during the summer semester.

The basic program is designed for individuals with limited prior experience in Special Education or who have attended the OSDE Bootcamp program.

Coursework Students complete the core set of Special Education Master’s degree coursework, along with a set of fundamentals courses. The Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Fundamentals is a 33-credit-hour program.

All courses within this program are delivered either via a blended format (with the option to meet face-to-face or via a video conferencing platform) or a 100% distance-learning format.

Required Core Courses for M.Ed. (18 hours)

• EDSP 5143: Applied Behavior Analysis in School
• EDSP 5163: Collaboration, Accommodations and Modifications
• EDSP 5013: Special Education Instructional Methods and Programs

(Choose one of the following) EIPT  5033: Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education OR EDSP 6023: Single Case Research Design

If writing a Thesis : EDSP 5980: Thesis Research (consult advisor)

Required Course for the Fundamentals certificate EDSP 5413: Education of Exceptional Children

Recommended Fundamentals Electives EDSP 5093: Transition and Self-Determination EDSP 5063: Issues & Strategies in a Functional Curriculum Two Guided Electives chosen with an advisor

Overview The master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Secondary Transition Education prepares students to become transition coordinators or to implement transition education concepts and strategies into Special Education teaching roles. Most students work full time and take courses each semester in the late afternoon and evening during the week. A limited number of courses are offered during the summer semester.

The basic program is designed for individuals with prior certification in Special Education or experience in a closely related field such as certification in elementary or secondary education; licensure in physical or occupational therapy; degree in psychology or social work.The basic program is designed for individuals with prior certification in Special Education or experience in a closely related field such as certification in elementary or secondary education; licensure in physical or occupational therapy; degree in psychology or social work.

The OU transition sequence is nationally recognized through the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Career Development and Transition. This recognition ensures high quality of transition content.

Coursework Students complete the core set of Special Education Master’s degree coursework, along with a set of transition education and social work courses. The Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Secondary Transition Education is a 33-credit-hour program. Eighteen of these credit hours are required core Special Education courses.

Required Prerequisite Course Students pursuing a M.Ed. who have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete EDSP 5413: Understanding & Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities (offered each semester).

Required Core Courses (18 hours)

Required Transition Courses Sequence EDSP 5093: Transition and Self-Determination EDSP 5193: Postsecondary Education and Employment EDSP 5293: Transition-Based Assessment EDSP 5393: Transition Practicum* SWK-5293-Direct Practice with Diverse Students, Disabilities, Families *EDSP 5393 is not required for the Secondary Transition Education certificate but is recommended for students with this emphasis. It may be replaced with an elective with prior advisor approval.

Applied Behavior Analysis is widely accepted as an effective intervention to improve the skills of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board and Association for Behavior Analysis International have designated the courses within the special education program at the University of Oklahoma as a verified course sequence. This course sequence prepares students for their fieldwork experiences and to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Future students who wish to complete the academic requirements in preparation for supervised fieldwork and the BCBA Examination may apply to this master’s degree emphasis area.

The following link provides the BCBA Pass Rates for students by university:

bacb.com/university-pass-rates/?utm_source=NewsPost&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=UniversityPassRates_2018

Note: Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.

Coursework Special Education candidates complete a minimum of 33 degree-applicable hours in core special education and ABA courses. All courses within this program are delivered via a 100% synchronous distance-learning format. Required Prerequisite Course Students pursuing a M.Ed. who have never taken an introductory course in special education must successfully complete EDSP 5413: Understanding & Accommodating Students with Exceptionalities (offered each semester). Please note this course does not count toward the degree.

New Required Core Courses (18 hours) * Fall 2019 **EDSP 5603- Philosophical Assumptions of Behavior Analysis (replaces EDSP 5143: Applied Behavior Analysis in School ) EDSP 5163: Collaboration, Accommodations and Modifications EDSP 5183: Advanced Assessment EDSP 6123: Contemporary Issues/Research EDSP 5013: Special Education Instructional Methods and Programs **EDSP 6023: Single Case Research Design **=Required for the ABA certificate

New Required ABA Courses

EDSP 5613- Principles and Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis EDSP 5623- Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis EDSP 5633- Personnel Supervision and Management in Applied Behavioral Analysis EDSP 5643- Behavior Change in Applied Behavioral Analysis EDSP 5653- Behavior Assessment in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Previous Required Core Courses (18 hours) * Fall 2019 **EDSP 5143: Applied Behavior Analysis in School EDSP 5163: Collaboration, Accommodations and Modifications EDSP 5183: Advanced Assessment EDSP 6123: Contemporary Issues/Research **EDSP 5013: Special Education Instructional Methods and Programs **EDSP 6023: Single Case Research Design **=Required for the ABA certificate

Previous Required ABA Coursework EDSP 5243: Applied Behavior Analysis II EDSP 5343: Applied Behavior Analysis III EDSP 5443: Ethical & Professional Conduct of Behavior Analysts

2 other electives (6 hours) approved by your advisor

Important Notice:  OU does not issue BCBA certification. Although the ABA coursework has been vetted and approved by the BACB/ABAi, students must independently submit their credentials to the BACB and pass the BCBA exam.

Learn more about certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Fundamentals and Secondary Transition .

• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• OU Job Search
• Legal Notices
• Resources and Offices
• OU Report It!

Master's in Special Education Requirements

How many credits are needed for a master's degree in Special Education?

M.S. Special Education

M.ed. special education, m.s. special education ( open this section), upon offer of admission, the following will be required: successful passage of fbi criminal background check, admission requirements for the m.s..

The Master of Science (M.S.) is for those who already have a degree in education.  The M.S. will have a research to practice focus.

• A bachelor’s degree.

A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate work (based on A = 4.00). 

Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

Admission Process

• Complete the School of Graduate Studies' online application.
• Submit the application fee of $35.
• Three Letters of Recommendation are required: one from an employment supervisor or administrator, one from a professional colleague or university professor, and one from a professional of your choosing.  
• Request one official copy of all academic transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attempted credit at, including undergraduate and graduate course work. 
• One Personal Statement, which will include the questions listed below specific to special education, will be required on the master's application.  

Personal Statement

The length of each response should be 1-2 pages double-spaced.  The personal statement is scored for depth of discussion, authenticity, organization, and mechanics.

Respond to the four questions below:

• Explain how your experiences/interests reflect your capacity for the specialization area you are applying for specifically (i.e., ASD, BIS, EBD, ECSE, General, ID, LD, SES, and VI).
• Identify a behavioral or learning need with an individual with whom you know professionally or personally and describe your approach to managing the individual's specific need.
• Graduate school may be challenging due to competing demands for your time.  Please address how you will navigate these challenges by utilizing your strengths.
• In this master’s program, you will receive constructive feedback to develop and/or enhance your skills.  Explain how you have perceived and managed this type of feedback in your past experiences.

Specialization Areas

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) :  The ABA specialization area includes coursework and an intensive practicum that focuses on concepts and principles, assessment and behavior change systems, methods and applications, ethics, and research methods. This specialization is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) : The ASD specialization area focuses on children, adolescents, and adults with ASD and addresses several aspects of ASD including characteristics, assessment, methods/strategies, inter-agency collaboration/support, and application in a field setting.
• Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS):  The BIS specialization prepares educators to support children and adolescents who use behaviors that interfere with instruction and social-emotional development. This specialization provides training and experience in assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors and facilitation of interdisciplinary and stakeholder teaming to support individual children and their caregivers.
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) : The ECSE specialization area focuses on children from birth to age eight and addresses various disabilities, primarily developmental in nature, and addresses several aspects of ECSE including characteristics, assessment, methods/strategies, all forms of development, (e.g., language, physical), and application in a field setting.
• Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) : The EBD specialization area focuses on children and adolescents with both emotional and behavior disorders and addresses several aspects of EBD including characteristics, assessment, behavior and academic methods/strategies, and application in a field setting.
• General Special Education : The general specialization area is a “design your own program” option. Students can choose courses from all of the courses offered by the special education program.
• Intellectual Disabilities (ID) : The ID specialization area focuses on children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and addresses several aspects of ID including characteristics, assessment, methods/strategies, and application in a field setting.
• Learning Disabilities (LD) : The LD specialization area focuses on children and adolescents with learning problems that are not due to developmental, emotional, or cognitive disabilities and addresses several aspects of LD including characteristics, assessment, methods/strategies, and application in a field setting.
• Special Education Strategist (SES) : The SES specialization area is a cross-categorical area that encompasses all of the courses in the specialization areas of ID, EBD, and LD.
• Visual Impairment (VI) : The VI specialization area focuses on children and adolescents who are visually impaired or blind and addresses several aspects of VI including characteristics, assessment, braille code, methods/strategies, orientation/mobility, and application in a field setting.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Science degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Special Education Program.

• A minimum of 30 credits at or above the 500 level is required for the degree. Additional credits may be needed for professional licensure.
• A maximum of one-fourth of the credit hours may be transferred from another institution.
• Two credits of SPED 995 Scholarly Project or four credits of T&L 998 Thesis .
• Nine credits of Special Education Core Coursework (excluding students in the ABA specialization).

Six credits of scholarly tools/assessment courses.  Choose two of the following:

Choose one or more specialization area/s and complete the required courses and elective courses for a minimum total of 30 credits for the M.S. degree:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 

Autism spectrum disorder (asd).

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements.   

If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)  

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements. 

If seeking special education endorsement in BIS in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements.    

If seeking special education endorsement in ECSE in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements.   

If seeking special education endorsement in EBD in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

General Special Education

Note that there are no additional required courses. A minimum of 19 credits can be selected from the following courses:

Choose courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements. 

Confer with your advisor regarding these requirements.  If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state's requirements.  

Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

If seeking special education endorsement in ID in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Learning Disabilities (LD)

If seeking special education endorsement in LD in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Special Education Strategist (SES)

If seeking special education endorsement in SES in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

Visual Impairment (VI)

If seeking special education endorsement in VI in North Dakota, confer with your advisor regarding these requirements. If seeking teacher certification in a state other than North Dakota, refer to that state’s requirements.

M.Ed. Special Education ( Open this section)

U pon offer of admission, the following will be required: successful passage of fbi criminal background check, admission requirements for the m.ed..

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is designed for those who do not have a previous degree in education.  This degree will have a pedagogical focus to build a foundation for the art and science of teaching. 

• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate work (based on A = 4.00).
• Special Education Strategist (SES) : The SES specialization area is a cross-categorical area that encompasses all of the courses in the specialization areas of ID, EBD, and LD.

Students seeking the Master of Education degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Special Education Program. 

• A minimum of 30 credits at or above the 500 level is required for the degree. Additional credits may be needed for teacher licensure.

Choose six credits of foundation/pedagogical coursework.

Choose one or more specialization areas and complete the required courses and elective courses for a minimum total of 30 credits for the M.Ed. degree:

 Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) 

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements.  

Intellectual (ID)

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements. 

Elective Courses: Choose additional courses in the Special Education Program Area to equal a minimum of 30 credits.  Additional credits may be required for your state's teacher licensure requirements.

Accelerated Bachelors/Master's (ABM) Admission

The Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s (ABM) 4+1 program allows exceptional undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace. All requirements for both degrees must be met, and students may double count up to 12 graduate-level credits toward the requirements for both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements.  ABM students must obtain their master’s degree within 12 months of completing the bachelor’s degree.

The M.Ed. in Special Education offers two options for the ABM program:

• B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education/M.Ed. in Special Education with Specialization in Early Childhood Education.
• B.G.S. with a major in General Studies/M.Ed. in Special Education with a Specialization in Special Education Strategist. (No previously earned credits are required for the M.Ed. in SPED 4+1 option.)

Admission Requirements

• Students interested in the accelerated program will follow the admission process listed above for the M.Ed.
• In addition to these requirements, students will need to submit an Accelerated/Combined Program of Study as part of the admission process.

Option 1 - Early Childhood Education ABM

Admission to Teacher Education Requires: Praxis Core Pass score; Live Text purchase; Introductory Letter; Level One Disposition Degree Requirements. 

Transferred credits or credits fulfilled with Associates Degree in Early Childhood or Education include:

Option 2 - Special Education Strategist ABM

• The Bachelor of General Studies - Please see the Bachelor of General Studies requirements which are located in the academic catalog.
• Master of Education in SPED 4+1 -  M.Ed. in SPED 4+1 requirements are the same as the M.Ed. requirements.

Requirements for a Master's in Special Education Disclaimer

The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect future terms. Updates are published annually in April.

Licensure Requirements

This program meets the educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in several states. Check our licensure map for more details.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting these program requirements, you must also meet the UND School of Graduate Studies admissions requirements to apply for this program.

Graduate Requirements

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

Request Information

Home » Academic Programs » Special Education, M.A.

Special Education, M.A.

The Vermont State master’s program in Special Education provides you with multiple pathways to becoming a special education teacher. The program offers two options for licensed teachers to add the endorsement, one online and one that includes some online courses and some in-person courses, and a third option for initial licensure. No matter what option you pursue, the Special Education graduate program will enhance your foundational knowledge, professional practice, and expertise in the discipline.

You’ll study theoretical, practical, and social justice models of current special education philosophy and practices, with an emphasis on field-based practicum and internship experiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to implement your learning in authentic settings and solidify the connection between research and practice.

An interdisciplinary curriculum in education and a mixture of online and practicum experiences in local schools near you provide comprehensive preparation for career changers looking to become a teacher online.

Reach out with Questions

Alan Reichard

Assistant Director of Admissions

802.635.1218

Robert Schulze

Associate professor, affordability and costs, financial aid and scholarships.

We understand that the cost and value of graduate studies is important for you to consider. That’s why we’re committed to helping you to fit this program into your unique financial situation, and will assist you with identifying scholarship and grant opportunities that can augment affordable financial aid packages. Contact this program’s Admissions Counselor any time to discuss the opportunities available to you.

Tuition, Fees, and Program Costs

Combined with scholarships and aid, a Vermont State education is within reach for students from all financial backgrounds. Speak with our Admissions Counselor to estimate what your true out-of-pocket costs might be for this program.

For complete information on tuition and fees across all programs and locations, as well as indirect costs of attendance, visit the complete tuition and fees page .

Why Get a Master’s in Special Education at Vermont State?

Program highlights.

• Hi gh Demand: Teachers are in high demand in Vermont and across the country, especially in Special Education. Our students frequently find themselves in discussions with one of their practicum sites regarding full-time employment after graduation. High Impact: Studying at Vermont State will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make an immediate and lasting impact on your students and communities.  
• Practical Experience : Our courses are designed to immerse you in the field, so you can gain practical experience.  
• Strengths-Based Focus: Guide your students to develop wellbeing and empathy through the strengths-based and inclusive approach to learning taught at Vermont State. 
• Flexibility : The program is designed for part-time enrollment so you can study while working full-time, or full-time enrollment to complete more quickly. For the online option, all courses are online to increase access and avoid excessive travel in difficult weather conditions. Participants in the initial licensure option may complete the licensure portion of the program first to seek a teaching position, then complete the remaining coursework for the master’s degree over time. Our Placement Office will help you locate a local school for practicum and internship experiences. 

Academic Experience

What you’ll learn.

• You’ll gain both an understanding of the discipline of education and a practical grasp of professional practice in Special Education.  
• You’ll learn about the development and characteristics of diverse learners, how to use universal design and differentiated instruction, and the essential elements of equity pedagogy and inclusive practice, among other topics.  
• You’ll be prepared to serve as a progressive colleague and student advocate.  
• You’ll be equipped to advocate for inclusion and equity, embrace difference, and promote social justice by becoming a knowledgeable professional with the courage to pursue a classroom experience that supports every student.  
• You will choose from three program options, described below. 

Program Options

• Interdisciplinary Option   Our online interdisciplinary option provides coursework emphasizing wholistic development of diverse learners using equitable and inclusive practices. If you are already a licensed teacher, completing this option will allow you to add a Special Education endorsement to your license.  
• Initial Licensure Option  The initial licensure option is for individuals seeking a new career in special education. Through a combination of online courses and in-person fieldwork, including a full semester of full-time student teaching, participants will be eligible to earn a license and the special education endorsement. 
• Educational Research Option  If you want to learn to conduct educational research in special education and produce an original scholarly thesis, this option is for you. Most courses are online, some are in-person at Castleton. This option will also prepare you to add a Special Education endorsement to your license. 

Outside the Classroom, In the Community 

You’ll be able to continue to serve your school and community while taking classes online. Initial licensure students will develop teaching skills through a semester-long, full-time student teaching experience.

Accreditation

This program is approved by the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators (VSBPE). Graduates will be eligible to add a special education endorsement to their license or earn an Initial Educator’s License with a special education endorsement. 

Sample Courses

• Educational Studies
• Partnering with the Adolescent Learner
• Promoting Inventive Thinking: Integrating Multimodal Literacy Across the Curriculum
• Implementing Content-Specific Methods in a Secondary Classroom
• Characteristics & Development of Diverse Learners

Related Programs

• Middle-Level Education, M.A. 
• Secondary Education, M.A. 
• Foundations of Education, M.A. 
• Educational Leadership, M.A. 
• Educational Research, M.S.  
• Learning, Design, and Technology, MEd.  

Meet Our Faculty

Leigh-Ann Brown

Castleton Campus

Monica McEnerny

David mcgough, dean, graduate programs.

Johnson Campus

Hannah Miller

Anne Slonaker

Michaela Stone

Department chair/licensure officer.

Lyndon Campus

Deborah Waggett

Lauren weiss, assistant professor of special education, program director for ecse, ready to take the next step, privacy overview.

Special and Inclusive Education MA

London, Bloomsbury

The MA Special and Inclusive Education will develop students' knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and inclusive education. Students will be introduced to cutting-edge theory and research and consider how it links to policy and practice. The MA will appeal to those looking to develop their professional practice, progress to further study about disability, inclusive education, and educational policy, and/or progress to doctoral study. The MA also has two specialist routes in Autism and Specific Learning Difficulties.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications open

• Entry requirements

A minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants will also normally have some related professional experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting October.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of theory and research relevant to special and inclusive education, as well as its applicability to policy and practice.   Through a variety of taught sessions, independent activities and group/individual assessments, students on the programme will graduate with a broad range of knowledge, interpersonal contacts, and skills preparing them to continue work in the field of inclusive education. Anyone interested in either of the two specialist routes should see our Special and Inclusive Education (Autism) MA or Special and Inclusive Education (Specific Learning Difficulties) MA .

Who this course is for

This programme would appeal to those working within education (e.g., teachers, teaching assistants) who have an interest in working with children, young people or adults with special educational needs and disabilities. We particularly welcome those with personal experience of SEND (e.g., family members, individuals with disabilities).

What this course will give you

This high-level programme provides students with the opportunity to engage with the latest theory and research on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) delivered by world leaders in research and teaching. IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society is ranked #1 in the world for education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) and our team of internationally-recognised tutors (researchers, academics, and professionals) from the Department of Psychology and Human Development (PHD) will provide students with a cutting-edge programme of taught sessions, independent activities and group/individual assessments; all of which will deepen their knowledge, challenge their thinking and enhance their employability. London offers a rich and diverse population so students can focus on neurodiversity within a wide range of individuals and communities.

Students on this MA benefit from a rigorous academic programme. Critical engagement with current research and evidence-informed practice on special and inclusive education provides a thorough grounding for those new to the field. It also challenges the thinking and deepens the knowledge of those with prior (academic, personal or professional) experience in special and inclusive education. Input from a broad range of experts (including people with disabilities and their educators) ensures strong relevance to practice and the crucial inclusion of insider expertise.

The programme attracts national and international students with rich and varied professional and/or personal experiences; offering a valuable opportunity for networking and collaborative learning. At the end of the programme, students are encouraged to join professional learning networks; to continue their personal and professional development and to provide further opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The programme, along with the diverse range of events and initiatives provided by our centres of excellence, PHD, IOE and UCL, offers a transformative experience for students interested in special and inclusive education.

The foundation of your career

Students on this programme can broaden their career horizons within the educational settings in which they work (if applicable) and/or develop skills that can be utilised in a wide range of careers (within or outside the field of special education). Students will also develop skills in the areas of personal and time management; oral and written communication; collaborative working; computing and IT; critical and adaptive thinking; problem solving; research and inquiry.

While studying at IOE, I was lucky enough to meet other like-minded practitioners, who shared my passion for inclusive practice in mainstream schools. I was inspired by every seminar and always felt that I was provided with theory that then supported the refinement of practical strategies I could use in the classroom and in my leadership role as SENDco. Poppy Wells Special and Inclusive Education MA Q&A with Poppy Wells

Employability

The programme prepares students for employment in a broad range of areas, for example: as senior leaders in mainstream schools, specialist schools, or other educational settings; and/or directly supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Graduates may follow pathways within specialist services for children and young people with SEND or SEND charities. Graduates may choose to pursue a research pathway and/or work in Higher Education; or in government and/or policymaking positions, or as consultants.

The programme team provide enrichment opportunities that relate to the taught content (e.g., optional seminars that focus on academic writing, new research directions in the field, and students' sharing their own practice; career talks from alumni; and local school visits to observe inclusive practices). Students also have access to talks and events in the wider department, which often involve external speakers. Through these enrichment opportunities, students are able to network with their peers on the programme, tutors, alumni (both home and international) experienced researchers and practitioners.

Teaching and learning

The MA is taught through a combination of face-to-face lectures/seminars, plus online materials and lectures (some modules taking a blended learning approach), group discussions, small group and/or one-to-one tutorials.

Compulsory and optional modules are assessed through a range of different assessment types, including a range of written and oral assignments. For some modules students may choose from a range of assignment titles or may be able to negotiate their own title. They will be required to choose to write either a research report or a dissertation in the final year of the programme.

Contact hours are module dependent, but each 30-credit module will equate to 300 hours of study time. Each module will include contact with faculty via a range of forums (e.g., individual tuition, whole/small group lectures/seminars, online materials on the learning platform Moodle).

Over the course of a year, full-time students undertake either the two compulsory modules (Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education and Research Design and Methodology), two optional modules in the areas of special and inclusive education and a dissertation or the two compulsory modules, three optional modules and a research report. Please note that the compulsory module 'Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education' will change its name to 'Concepts and Contexts of Inclusive Education' from 2024/25 onwards.

Part-time students undertake one compulsory module (Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education) and two optional modules in the first year and in the second year a second compulsory module (Research Design and Methodology) and a dissertation. Or, in the second year,  the second compulsory module (Research Design and Methodology), an optional module and a research report. Please note that the compulsory module 'Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education' will change its name to 'Concepts and Contexts of Inclusive Education' from 2024/25 onwards.

Flexible modular students must complete the programme between 2 to 5 years. Students must take the compulsory module Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education in their first year of study. Optional modules can be taken at any point during the remainder of the programme. The Research Design and Methodology module, and either a Dissertation or Research Report, must be taken in the final year of study. Please note that the compulsory module 'Concepts and Contexts of Special and Inclusive Education' will change its name to 'Concepts and Contexts of Inclusive Education' from 2024/25 onwards.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MA in Special and Inclusive Education. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Special and Inclusive Education.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Pathways include: Autism (TMANUMSAUT01) Specific Learning Difficulties (TMANUMSPLD01) Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis .

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their research report or dissertation. Students are also expected to fund their travel if they wish to attend school visits that are offered as part of the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Special and Inclusive Education at graduate level
• why you want to study Special and Inclusive Education at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Psychology and Human Development

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• About Mild TBI and Concussion
• After a Mild TBI or Concussion
• Health Disparities in TBI
• Comparing Head Impacts
• Clinical Guidance
• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Management Guideline
• Resources for Health Care Providers

Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion

About Moderate and Severe TBI

Preventing TBI

Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion

Where to Get Help

Facts About TBI

For Medical Professionals

Clinical Guidance for Pediatric mTBI

Health Care Provider Resources

CDC Programs

HEADS UP Online Training Courses

National Concussion Surveillance System

Core State Injury Prevention Program (Core SIPP)

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.

For Everyone

Health care providers.