Masters of Education

Abbreviation
M.Ed.
Code
MED
Degree Type
Masters
Interdepartmental Program
No
Make a difference in the lives of diverse learners with Iowa State University's Special Education graduate program. Our program prepares dedicated educators to support students with unique learning needs through specialized instruction and inclusive practices.
Special education licensure

If you are interested in earning a special education teaching endorsement, but don't want to earn a full master's degree, the Special Education Certificate is right for you. Iowa State's School of Education offers the courses needed to earn Iowa's Instructional Strategist II: Behavior Disorders/Learning Disabilities, ages 5-21.

(This certificate is not accepting applications for 2024 at this time.)


Degrees Offered:

  • Special Education (Ph.D.)
  • Special Education, practitioner (M.Ed.)
  • Special Education (M.S.)
  • Special Education Licensure (Special Education Instructional Strategist II, fully online option)

Learning Goals

The Ph.D. principally prepares students to pursue faculty positions in colleges and universities and positions as educational researchers in a variety of public institutions and private organizations, such as state educational agencies and special education research centers. Some graduates who have extensive classroom experience work in school, district and state curriculum leadership positions.

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

September 1 for Spring Admission

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

 

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 560
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 83
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 56
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
aprince@iastate.edu
Program Staff
patrickd@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
If you want to pursue an advanced degree in education, Iowa State University’s School of Education can help you reach your goals.
Adewale Sedara

We offer doctoral, master’s and certificate programs in a variety of areas designed to help you further your career all while learning from leaders in the fields of higher education and PK-12 school systems. You’ll learn from researchers studying the latest methods and setting the standards for the next generation of learners.

Whether you’re looking for in-person, hybrid or fully online, contact us today and find a program that works for you.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
  • Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Community College Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Curriculum and Instructional Technology (M.Ed.)
  • Educational Administration (M.Ed.)
  • Educational Leadership (Ph.D.)
  • Higher Education (M.Ed.)
  • Mathematics Licensure (M.Ed.)
  • P-12 Systems Level Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Special Education (M.S.)
  • Special Education (practitioner) (M.Ed.)
  • Student Affairs (M.Ed.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Literacy (M.Ed.)
  • Literacy (M.S.)
  • Social and Cultural Studies of Education (M.S.)
  • Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy (Ph.D.)
  • Educational Technology (Ph.D.)
  • Higher Education (Ph.D.)
  • Literacy (Ph.D.)
  • Math Education (Ph.D.)
  • Science Education (Ph.D.)
  • Social and Cultural Studies of Education (Ph.D.)
  • Special Education (Ph.D.)

Learning Goals

  • MASTER OF EDUCATION (MED)
    • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the science and practice of the educational area of emphasis.
    • Demonstrate competencies associated with educational area of emphasis
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their professional work.
  • MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)
    • Demonstrate a command and mastery of theory and evidence related to the science and practice of education.
    • Demonstrate their ability to conduct research on a topic that relates to education.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research and professional work.
  • DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (EDD)
    • Construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
    • Analyze problems of practice and use multiple frames to develop meaningful solutions.
    • Integrate both practical and research knowledge, that links theory with systemic and systematic inquiry.
    • Use professional knowledge and practice in the generation of solutions and transformation of educational institutions.
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research, leadership, and professional work.
  • DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) 
    • Demonstrate a command and mastery of theory and evidence related to the science and practice of education.
    • Demonstrate competencies required to develop and sustain an authentic line of inquiry that contributes to essential knowledge in the discipline.
    • Demonstrate their ability to conduct research on a topic that relates to education.
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research and professional work.
515-294-9531

School of Education

soegradsupport@iastate.edu
School of Education
1620 Lagomarcino Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Application deadlines vary by program area. Go to https://www.education.iastate.edu/graduate-programs/ and click on the program area you are interested in to view the program area's application process and deadlines.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Ph.D. Applicants Only: 2-3 page statement of intent
  • Ph.D. Applicants Only: scholarly writing sample
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 560
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 83
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 56
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
rsmith2@iastate.edu
Program Staff
patrickd@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
margrett@iastate.edu
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