College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
Empowering educators to meet the needs of all learners, Seton Hall’s Master of Arts in Special Education prepares certified teachers to become highly effective instructors and advocates for students with diverse learning needs.
This 36-credit graduate program is designed for New Jersey educators who already hold an instructional certificate and want to earn their Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement, while also gaining specialized knowledge in one of four high-demand concentrations:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Supervisor Certification
Courses are offered in a flexible blended format — online, weekend and in-person —
making it ideal for working professionals. Through small class sizes, expert faculty,
and a supportive cohort model, students receive individualized mentorship and real-world
preparation to thrive in inclusive classrooms and beyond.
Graduates emerge ready to lead with compassion, innovation, and evidence-based practices that transform student outcomes across public, private, and specialized educational settings.
Accreditation & Awards
"Preparing future educators is our passion, and their success our priority."
Admissions Requirements
The program reviews applications on a rolling basis and typically accepts applicants throughout the year. To be considered for admission, applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- Online application and application fee
- Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended
- Letters of recommendation (2) from academic and/or professional references
- Personal statement
- Resume/Curriculum vitae
Note: This program requires students to hold a current Instructional Certificate. Interested students without an Instructional Certificate are encouraged to pursue the College's Certificates of Eligibility with Advanced Standing options (Elementary or Secondary), or the M.A.E. in Elementary Teaching program.
Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) Elementary TeachingCertificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) Secondary TeachingElementary Teaching (M.A.E.)
Deadlines
Deadline to apply Rolling
International Students Welcome!
Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.
Curriculum Overview
During the 36-credit Master of Arts in Special Education program, students are required to take 21 credits to receive their Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement and 15-27 credits depending on the concentration.
For specific requirements, view each curriculum below:
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4
Concentrations
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36
Credits
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14
Miles from New York City
Become a Special Education Teacher
Seton Hall’s M.A. in Special Education program prepares you to enhance the lives of students with special needs through dynamic instruction.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Seton Hall’s M.A. in Special Education program are well-equipped to take on rewarding roles in a variety of educational and support settings. Whether you aspire to work directly in inclusive classrooms, specialize in autism support, or lead curriculum development, this degree opens the door to meaningful and impactful career paths.
Common Career Opportunities
- Special Education Teacher (K–12)
- Inclusion or Co-Teaching Specialist
- Transition Coordinator or Autism Specialist
- Behavior Analyst (with ABA concentration and BCBA® certification)
- TESOL Instructor (with TESOL endorsement)
- Curriculum or Instructional Technology Specialist
- Supervisor of Instruction (with Supervisor certification)
- Interventionist or Learning Support Specialist
- Educational Consultant
- Resource Room Teacher
Where Our Graduates Work
- Public school districts across New Jersey and beyond
- Private and charter schools
- Autism centers and behavioral health agencies
- Early intervention programs
- Adult transition programs
- Educational nonprofits and advocacy groups
With job growth in special education projected to remain strong — particularly in
areas such as ABA, TESOL, and instructional technology — graduates of Seton Hall's
Special Education master’s program are prepared to meet the evolving needs of today's
learners and school systems.
Our Faculty and Students
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
Program Director Lauren McFadden also serves as the academic advisor for the Kappa
Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society, which inspires and equips teachers to thrive.
Associate Professor Mary Mueller Wins President’s Award for Student Service
Assistant Professor Nicole Hansen Advances Disability Education Research with Grant
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the M.A. in Special Education program?
Is this program accredited?
Can I complete the program while working full-time?
See all Graduate Admissions FAQs
Additional Resources
Admitted Students
Academic Integrity Policy
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
