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Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed.

Lead and mentor the next generation.

Roberts Wesleyan University's Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed. program approaches secondary and special education by covering the teaching strategies you need to excel in the classroom. Students respond to a broad range of teaching styles, and you'll learn to utilize various teaching methods and models to support them.

Foundational topics include the fundamentals of secondary education, inclusive education, and teaching students in the information age.

In your final term at Roberts Wesleyan University, our student teaching program will offer you a placement in a classroom setting. Before graduating, you will attend Capstone Seminars and learn situational problem solving through analysis, role-playing, and writing reflection papers under the supervision of highly trained practitioners.

Literature should be a gateway to learning about life and the world around us.

Brian Ellis ’22 (Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed.)

Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts; it is acquiring understanding.

William Arthur Ward

$10,000 Golden Apple Scholarship

One simple 250-500 word essay could earn you $10,000 to go back to school!

Teacher Education Programs Online & In Rochester, NY

What will you learn?

  • Leadership Grounded in Integrity: Our graduate and professional programs are designed to develop your leadership skills to be effective in your field, grounded in ethical decision-making and integrity. Make a positive impact in your workplaces and communities.
  • Education Beyond Skill Development: We focus on educating the whole person. Professional competencies are paired with a strong emphasis on character and purpose, empowering you, an adult learner, to excel in your career as a principled leader with transferable skills. We provide education for what's next.
  • Values-Driven Curriculum: Our courses integrate core values like compassion, ethical responsibility, and community engagement, essential qualities for working adults aiming to lead with purpose in today’s challenging environments.
  • Becoming a Trustworthy Leader: We prepare graduate students to be trusted professionals. We’ll help you foster ethical workplace cultures and build strong, collaborative teams based on character, empathy, and respect.
  • A Foundation for Positive Change: Our programs will help you change more than just your job title, it’ll help you change your community. A Roberts education will help you contribute to meaningful change and lead with a higher sense of mission and service.

Cost of Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed.

Total Program
Sticker Price:

$38,925

Less than

26%

of students 
pay this amount

25%

tuition discount for benefit-eligible 
employees, spouses, and dependents 
of our corporate partners

Coursework

Interested in seeing what courses you can take? Check out our course catalog!

What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.

Karl Meninger

Admissions Requirements

Requirements:

  • Writing Sample - Please attach an essay of 300-500 words explaining why you are seeking admission to this program. Include how this program will help achieve your personal and/or career goals.

  • Resume - Please attach a one page professional resume highlighting your professional experience. Please include teaching, coaching or mentoring experiences.

  • Transcripts - One official transcript from all colleges/universities attended. (Minimum G.P.A. 3.0.) A transcript review by an Admissions Counselor is required to determine if any additional classes are needed for enrollment.

  • Recommendations - Two professional recommendations needed.

Not required:

  • Entrance Exam (GRE/GMAT)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed. program accredited?

Yes, the Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed. at Roberts Wesleyan University is fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), ensuring that it meets rigorous quality standards. Our accreditation demonstrates a commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience that supports your professional development and career goals.

If you have received a bachelor's degree in a field other than education but would like to obtain your initial and professional certification to teach grades 7-12, the Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed. program is for you. 

Students enrolled in the program will gain the knowledge and skills needed to teach in general and special education settings. The program is designed for post-baccalaureate students seeking a Master of Education degree leading to initial and professional certification.

All students seeking Initial Certification need to successfully complete fieldwork requirements. Fieldwork experiences are integrated with some courses so students can integrate theory with practice.

The intent of the fieldwork experience is to provide opportunities for students to experience classroom realities and various teaching styles. By the time an Initial Adolescence student begins student teaching, a minimum of 150 hours of fieldwork placements in differing types of schools (urban, suburban, rural, and/or private) - must be completed.

An expectation of fieldwork is to provide opportunities for students to actively assist the classroom teacher, thus becoming involved with students individually and in small groups. Students are expected to use these opportunities to develop their relationships with classroom teachers and school administrators at the fieldwork sites to explore and/or deepen their passion for teaching.

Specialize your degree in a content area

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • English
  • French
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish

Employers

  • Rochester City School District
  • Charter Schools
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools

The Initial Certification program is designed for candidates holding a bachelor's degree in a field other than education. Students enrolled in the program will gain the knowledge and skills needed to teach in general and special education settings. The program is designed for post-baccalaureate students seeking a Master of Education degree leading to initial and professional certification.

Financial Aid is available mainly in the form of Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans and Federal Graduate PLUS loans.

  • Direct Loans - To determine eligibility, complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.studentaid.gov. Available October 1st for the following academic year. The Federal school code for Roberts is 002805.
    • Direct Unsubsidized - Fixed rate loan with an annual maximum of $20,500. Rate and fees are determined annually. For more information, go to www.studentaid.gov.
    • GRAD PLUS - Fixed-rate credit qualifying loans which allow for additional funds to help pay for educational expenses, up to the Cost of Education, as established by Roberts Wesleyan University. The PLUS request process, including a credit check, can be completed at www.studentaid.gov.

Additional financial assistance may include:

  • Roberts Alumni Discount (10%)
  • Corporate Partnership Discount (25%)
  • Employer Tuition Assistance

Reach out to Student Financial Services office for all information regarding financial aid and billing at 585-594-6150 or studentfinancial@ahnfy.com

Questions?

Meet Your Enrollment Representative!

Justin Pretko
Assistant Director of Admissions

Want more information about this program?

Download a program guide with detailed information on cost, courses, and outcomes

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