Special Education (M.A.E.)

For International Students

  • Online

This degree is designed for students whose work is primarily in professional education. All M.Ed. programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours. Students are required to complete either a thesis or research paper and a written comprehensive examination. The thesis option requires 6 hours of research (220:299) and an oral defense of the thesis. A minimum of 18 hours of 6000 level coursework is required for both thesis and non-thesis options. Individual degree plans are developed with an academic advisor based on the student's past academic experiences and future career goals. Many programs at this level carry with them the requirements for teacher licensure. 

Areas of Emphasis Currently Available:

  • Consultant Emphasis
  • Instructional Emphasis

Admission Requirements:

  • International Application for Admission
  • All post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from your current and/or all prior academic institutions that you have attended to the Office of Admissions at the mailing address listed below.
    • Mailing Address:
      • University of Northern Iowa
      • International Graduate Admissions
      • 002 Gilchrist Hall
      • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale
  • Official TOEFL score of (79), IELTS score of (6.5), or Duolingo score of (105) to be considered for full admission
  • Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a former professor instructor)
  • Applicant statement addressing the professional background, motivations for seeking degree in a specific area and at UNI, and career goals

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Semester: October 1st
  • Fall Semester: June 1st

Program Duration:

  • Consultant Emphasis: 2 Years
  • Instructional Emphasis: 2 Years

Graduate Funding Requirements:

  • No funding is offered by this program.