Master of Education
Special Education + Endorsement
Stand Out in your calling.
JANUARY 7NEXT STARTWith several start dates throughout the year.
36–42CREDIT PROGRAMTake 1-2 courses every 8 weeks and finish in as little as 7 semesters.
ONLINECOURSEWORKComplete your coursework 100% online and asynchronous.
$360COST PER CREDITEarn your degree at one of Iowa's most affordable programs.
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Our M.Ed. in Special Education is designed with working educators in mind, not only flexible and streamlined, but built for real impact. You can earn your Instrcutional Strategist I, II, or ALL endorsement and your M.Ed. in Special Education together. Our online curriculum equips you with the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and faith-informed perspective to meet diverse student needs. In just two years, you’ll be prepared to lead with confidence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students.
It's more than a lane change.
Earning a graduate degree doesn't have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it's most convenient for you. Take 1-2 online 8 week classes at a time and you'll finish your M.Ed. + endorsement in as little as 2 years.
Choose the endorsement emphasis that's right for your classroom and career goals:
Choose the endorsement emphasis that's right for your classroom and career goals:
Choose the endorsement emphasis that's right for your classroom and career goals:
- Instructional Strategist I
- Instructional Strategist II
- Instructional Strategist I and II ALL
M.Ed. FAQs
Department of Education
Tuition + fees
Alumni Grant
TEACH Grant
Additional resources
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Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
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Accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.
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Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
Tuition + Financial aid info
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The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
- Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).
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The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.
Teach grant
![]()
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
M.Ed. FAQs
![]()
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
Department of Education
![]()
Accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.
Tuition + fees
![]()
Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
Tuition + Financial aid info
Alumni Grant
![]()
The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
- Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).
TEACH Grant
![]()
The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.
Teach grant
Additional resources
![]()
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
No GRE required. No application fee.
No GRE required. No application fee.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor's degree institution.
- No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.
Send official transcripts to onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or
Northwestern College Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW
Orange City, IA 51041
Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
Documentation of valid teaching license.
- A digital or scanned copy from your state's Department of Education website is sufficient.
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
36-42 credit program
36-42 credit program
36-42 credit program
A total of 42 credits are required to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement. You will complete the Special Education emphasis courses during the Instructional Strategist I or II endorsement, then complete the core Masters in Special Education courses. The curriculum was developed in concert with the Iowa Board of Education (BOE).
24 credit hours in special education is required to add the endorsement in Iowa. Most licensed teachers can transfer at least three credits in special education from their undergraduate degree in education. In cases where no prior coursework was taken in special education, an additional three credits of special education will be required to meet the state’s requirement for a total of 42 credits to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement.
A total of 42 credits are required to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement. You will complete the Special Education emphasis courses during the Instructional Strategist I or II endorsement, then complete the core Masters in Special Education courses. The curriculum was developed in concert with the Iowa Board of Education (BOE).
24 credit hours in special education is required to add the endorsement in Iowa. Most licensed teachers can transfer at least three credits in special education from their undergraduate degree in education. In cases where no prior coursework was taken in special education, an additional three credits of special education will be required to meet the state’s requirement for a total of 42 credits to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement.
A total of 42 credits are required to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement. You will complete the Special Education emphasis courses during the Instructional Strategist I or II endorsement, then complete the core Masters in Special Education courses. The curriculum was developed in concert with the Iowa Board of Education (BOE).
24 credit hours in special education is required to add the endorsement in Iowa. Most licensed teachers can transfer at least three credits in special education from their undergraduate degree in education. In cases where no prior coursework was taken in special education, an additional three credits of special education will be required to meet the state’s requirement for a total of 42 credits to earn the M.Ed. in Special Education + endorsement.
EDU555 - Trends and Issues in K-12 Education
(3 credits) Teachers and schools must continually examine current
practices in PreK-12 education in search of better solutions to increase
student
achievement and to thoroughly prepare children for the world in which
they will live and work. In this course students will study current
social, political and academic trends and issues affecting children,
teachers and schools. Students will define their personal positions
based on facts and experience, and will collaborate with others to
advocate for solutions that improve education for PreK-12 grade students.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU570 - Teaching and Learning with Technology
(3 credits) Technology integration in the K-12 setting can enhance
learning, improve motivation and engagement, increase accessibility,
individualize instruction, differentiate assessment and improve
communication with parents and stakeholders. In this course students
will broaden their understanding of the technology available to them in
the PreK-12 classroom and improve their ability to leverage specific
technology to improve teaching and learning.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU610 - Educational Research Methods and Design
(3 credits) This course will provide an overview of research methodology
employed for studies in the field of education. Topics include basic
research methodology, interpretation of findings, and application of
research in educational settings. Students will develop their ability to
critically evaluate educational research and to judiciously apply
findings in their professional settings. By the conclusion of the course
students will be able to identify a potential topic for future research
and outline the basic methodology needed to conduct the study.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
(3 credits) In this course students will apply the cumulative knowledge and
skills learned in their master's program. The research focus may be related to student learning, teacher effectiveness,
school quality, school policy, or other area by approval. The project will be
proposed, approved, designed, and implemented prior to the
student's graduation with a master's degree in education from Northwestern
College. Students who do not have a finished capstone approved by the
M.Ed. Director at the conclusion of EDU635 will repeat the
course for credit.
Prerequisite: EDU610.
Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
SPED516 - Contemporary Issues in Special Education
The purpose of this course is to help future educators develop skills for
recognizing and effectively teaching students with various exceptionalities.
Broad areas to be covered in this course are areas of exceptionalities,
major trends and issues in special education with emphases on collaboration
and inclusion, service delivery models, roles of general and special class
teachers, individual education programs, and family and community
involvement. (3 credits)
SPED518 - Characteristics of Disabilities
This course will provide a survey of characteristics and educational needs
of students with disabilities. Attention will be given to the definition,
etiology, characteristics and various educational alternatives for each of
the exceptionalities. Students will learn to design instructional programs
for success by building on the abilities, strengths, and interests of
exceptional students by using highly effective, research-based practices to
promote student achievement. (3 credits)
SPED520 - Assessment Planning and Practice
This course will provide an in-depth presentation of the complex issue of
assessment, including an examination of evaluation procedures, from
pre-referral intervention, eligibility/placement/program decision-making to
progress monitoring of research-based instructional interventions based on
Response to Intervention (RTI). Students will examine a variety of formal
and informal instruments and techniques used in assessing the strengths,
needs, interests, and preferences of children and youth with exceptional
learning needs. The focus is placed on providing students with knowledge
and skills necessary for selecting, using, interpreting, and evaluating
results from measurement and/or screening instruments and techniques
commonly employed by professionals to facilitate special education
placement, Individual Education Program (IEP) development and evaluation of
the effectiveness of that instruction using progress-monitoring techniques.
Issues in assessment and instruction concerning multicultural and bilingual
special education will also be addressed. (3 credits)
SPED545 - Behavioral and Social Interventions
In this course students will learn about the basic principles of learning
that govern human behavior as well as how these principles can be applied in
the classroom to help individuals with exceptional learning needs reach
their maximum potential. Students will also learn how to measure and
analyze student behavior in order to evaluate student learning and make
necessary adjustment to teaching strategies for individuals with exceptional
learning needs. (3 credits)
SPED550 - Communication and Collaborative Partnerships and Transitions
This course will prepare special education personnel, classroom teachers,
related services personnel, and other support staff for collaborative
consultation, teamwork and transition in serving the educational needs of
students and their families. Consideration of the role of home and parents
in the educational programming for exceptional children, and practical to
positive strategies that can be used in working with parents. The context,
content, processes, practices, and support of collaborative school
consultation will be addressed. (3 credits)
SPED605 - Instructional Decision Making and Leadership in Special Education
This course provides an introduction to theoretical and practical
applications of data-driven decision making, assessments, and curriculum
planning for educators. Students will explore the uses of qualitative and
quantitative data by educational leaders for the purpose of improving
student and organizational outcomes. This course will also focus on using a
collaborative problem-solving approach and response to intervention
processes to improve the learning rate of student. (3 credits)
SPED612 - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Special Education
This course is an intensive study of the legislation and litigation involved with individuals with disabilities specifically concentrating on those students between the ages of birth - 21 years. A historical as well as current study of legislation used as the basis for providing special education services on the federal and state level will be covered. The legal system on the federal and state level is covered as well as critical litigations that have influenced the field of special education. The student will become knowledgeable about the legal precedence for all that they do as a special educator. (3 credits)
Choose one from the following:
Choose one from the following:
Choose one from the following:
EDU540 - Teaching Young Children with Diverse Needs
(3 credits) Students will learn to design curriculum, instruction and
assessment
specific to the needs of diverse children ages 0 through 8. Create safe
and nurturing classroom environments that are developmentally appropriate
and respect diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs
of young children.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU565 - Instructional strategies for Diverse Students and Settings
(3 credits) This course will focus on
building knowledge and experience to improve student
learning. Research-based instructional strategies will be studied, with
particular emphasis on adapting and employing strategies to fit students'
cognitive abilities, motivation, interest, cultural background and other
unique characteristics in diverse settings. Students in this class will
apply new instructional strategies to positively impact
learning in the PreK-12 classroom.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU585 - Instructional Strategies for Traumatized Students
Students in this course will learn about types of childhood trauma, as well
as its causes and symptoms in children of all ages. They will also review
misconceptions about childhood trauma, examine recent research about how
trauma changes a child's brain and affects learning, treatment methods, and
prevention techniques. Students will learn strategies for creating
trauma-informed schools and classrooms and design plans to implement them.
(3 credits)
Choose one based on endorsement:
Choose one based on endorsement:
Choose one based on endorsement:
SPED522 - Methods and Strategies for Students with Mild and Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
This course provides the learner with knowledge and skills in assessing,
planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating instruction based on
knowledge of the student, the intended student outcomes, and the curriculum.
The course focuses on students with mild to moderate disabilities, including
students with disabilities from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Topics include student characteristics, linking assessment with instruction,
research-based methods and strategies, curriculum standards, accommodations,
modifications, and the use of technology, including assistive technology
devices and services, to support student access to the general education
curriculum. (3 credits)
SPED523 - Methods and Strategies for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
This course will prepare teachers to identify, select, adapt, and implement age appropriate instruction/curricula to meet the cognitive, academic, social, language and functional life skills needs of students with intellectual disabilities ages 5 through 21. Instruction will doucs on research-based strategies, universal design for learning, use of accommodations and modifications, assistive technology, and communication supports allowing students access and participation in the general education setting across content areas. (3 credits)
SPED524 - Methods and Strategies for Students with Academic and Behavioral Disorders
This course will prepare teachers to work effectively with students who have
learning and behavior problems. Included are adequate procedures for
teaching skill and content areas such as reading, math, oral and written
expression, and social and study skills. At the completion of the course
teachers should understand which methods are most effective with what types
of students and why. (3 credits)
Choose one (some students may not be required to student teach based on certification):
Choose one (some students may not be required to student teach based on certification):
Choose one (some students may not be required to student teach based on certification):
SPED547 - Special Education Student Teaching K-8
Endorsement #260 candidates will complete a supervised student teaching
experience in a Special Education setting. This practicum endorses the
student teacher to become a teacher in a mild and moderate special education
program for children from K to eighth grade by preparing the student to
schedule, evaluate, collaborate, write IEPs, and develop strategies to
address special needs of children. This is a 15 day experience
with time spent in both a K-5 and 6-8 setting. (3 credits) (Graded on a
pass/no pass basis.)
SPED548 - Special Education Student Teaching 5-12
Endorsement #261 candidates will complete a supervised student teaching
experience in a Special Education setting. This practicum endorses the
student teacher to become a teacher in a mild and moderate special education
program for children from 5 - 12 grade by preparing the student to schedule,
evaluate, collaborate, write IEPs, and develop strategies to address special
needs of children. This is a 15-day experience with time spent
in both a 5-8 and 9-12 setting. (3 credits) (Graded on a pass/no pass
basis.)
SPED549 - Special Education Student Teaching K-12
Endorsement #263 & 264 candidates will complete a supervised student
teaching experience in a Special Education setting. This practicum endorses
the student teacher to become a teacher in a mild and moderate special
education program for children from K-12 by preparing the student to
schedule, evaluate, collaborate, write IEPs, and develop strategies to
address special needs of children. This is a 15-day experience
with time spent in a K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 setting. (3 credits) (Graded on a
pass/no pass basis.)
Faculty + Staff
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That's Northwestern's faculty.
