Program Overview
Gain insights into our online Master of Education in Special Education – Challenging Behaviors program
The Master of Education in Special Education – Challenging Behaviors online program helps education professionals expand their knowledge and skills in providing services to individuals with diverse learning needs. Learn strategies for analysis, intervention and support for students with challenging behaviors such as autism.
Learning Outcomes:
- Knowledge and strategy to better reach and educate students with diverse needs
- Strategy to work with more severe behaviors and to learn more about: autism, positive behavior and support, applied behavior analysis, and ways to shape behavior
- Ability to teach others about special education and thinking creatively to help advocate – no matter the barriers
- Program will prepare educators to work in schools and meet the unique behavioral needs of K-12 learners through systemic, positive, prevention-focused and data-based decision making
Potential Career Outcomes Include:
- K-12 Special Education Teacher
- Learning Disabilities Special Education Teacher
- Inclusion Teacher
- Exceptional Children Teacher
- Resource Program Director
Whether you have experience in special education or are just diving into your passion for helping students with special needs, earning your master's in special education online at SOSU positions you for career advancement as a special education teacher, intervention specialist or in an administrative or leadership role.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.
In this accelerated, 100 percent online master's program, you will learn how to best reach and educate students with diverse needs, develop the ability to teach others about special education and learn to think outside the box to become an advocate for those in need.
Tuition
Our Affordable Program Tuition Includes Fees
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers its students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition that includes fees.
View full tuition breakdown [+]
Additional Fees
Application: $25
International Student Application: $25
Books will average about $100 per course.
*University reserves the right to change tuition and fees at any time.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SOSU's Federal School Code is 003179.
Contact Us
Student Financial Aid Office425 W. University Blvd.
Durant, OK 74701-3347
Phone: 580-745-2186
Fax: 580-745-7469
Email: [email protected]
Calendar
View the online dates and deadlines for SE
At SOSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program. The chart below shows upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Term | Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall II 2022 | 10/17/2022 | 10/3/2022 | 10/3/2022 | 10/14/2022 | 11/15/2022 | 12/11/2022 |
Spring I 2023 | 1/9/2023 | 12/19/2022 | 12/19/2022 | 1/6/2023 | 2/28/2023 | 2/26/2023 |
Spring II 2023 | 3/6/2023 | 2/20/2023 | 2/20/2023 | 3/3/2023 | 4/15/2023 | 4/30/2023 |
Summer I 2023 | 5/8/2023 | 4/24/2023 | 4/24/2023 | 5/5/2023 | 5/30/2023 | 6/25/2023 |
Summer II 2023 | 6/26/2023 | 6/12/2023 | 6/12/2023 | 6/23/2023 | 7/28/2023 | 8/13/2023 |
Fall I 2023 | 8/21/2023 | 8/7/2023 | 8/7/2023 | 8/18/2023 | 9/29/2023 | 10/8/2023 |
Fall II 2023 | 10/16/2023 | 10/2/2023 | 10/2/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/14/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
Spring I 2024 | 1/8/2024 | 12/18/2023 | 12/18/2023 | 1/5/2024 | 2/27/2024 | 2/25/2024 |
Spring II 2024 | 3/4/2024 | 2/19/2024 | 2/19/2023 | 3/1/2024 | 4/17/2024 | 4/28/2024 |
Admissions
Qualifications for Our Online Challenging Behaviors Program
Southeastern Oklahoma State University's online M.Ed. programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
View full admission requirements [+]
If you have any special circumstances that need further clarification, please contact us at 844-515-9100.
To meet the admission requirements for the M.Ed. in Special Education – Challenging Behaviors online program, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA or minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of courses, or
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA AND a packet consisting of a current resume, one professional letter of recommendation, and letter of application which outlines the applicant's career goals and objectives (including how an M.Ed. in Special Education will enhance their career) that must be reviewed and approved by program faculty, or
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and at least 6 hours in a graduate program from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and must be in good standing at previous university
- No GRE is required for Southeastern Oklahoma State University online M.Ed. programs
International Application and Admissions Requirements: Please note, unfortunately, students with an F-1 visa are ineligible for online programs.
- Complete the application. There is a non-refundable $65 application fee.
- Academic Records:
- Original final post-secondary transcript(s) from each college or university attended within the United States.
- Post-secondary records from outside the U.S. must be course-by-course analyzed by a NACES (www.NACES.org) educational credential evaluation service such as IERF or WES or ECE.
- English Proficiency: Internet-based TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5; taken within 2 years of enrollment.
- For TOEFL, have your score report sent to Southeastern (institution code: 6657).
- For IELTS, let us know your TRF number.
- You do not need TOEFL or IELTS scores if you meet one of the following:
- English is your first language from a country whose official language is English
- You have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university
- You have a bachelor’s degree from an English speaking country
Official sealed transcripts from all previous institutions should be sent to Southeastern Oklahoma State University:
Southeastern Oklahoma State University/Registrar425 W. University Blvd.
Durant, OK 74701-3347
Email: [email protected]
Courses
Advance Your Knowledge in These M.Ed. in Special Education – Challenging Behaviors Online Classes
For the M.Ed. in Special Education – Challenging Behaviors online, you will complete a total of 10 courses (30 credit hours), including 21 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of special education challenging behaviors specialty courses.
EDUC 5203: Introduction to Education Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of research methodology and literature related to solving educational problems and improving the learning process.
SPED 5113: Advanced Foundations in Special Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education. Introduction to roles and responsibilities of the special educator and legal and ethical requirements of the profession. Theoretical perspectives related to the nature and needs of persons with disabilities.
SPED 5023: Program Development & Organization in Special Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Knowledge of cognitive science, learning theory, and instructional technologies to improve instructional programs and the continuum of program options and services to ensure the appropriate instructional supports for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
SPED 5033: Research, Inquiry, and Evidence-based Practice
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Design and implementation of analysis and review of research to examine the effectiveness of instructional practices and methods for assessing and evaluating individuals and programs to identify and validate evidence-based practices.
SPED 5043: Student Assessment and the RtI Process
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Process and interpretation of assessments for determining eligibility for special education and methods and strategies for assessing and evaluating students' performance and success in general education curriculum.
SPED 5153: Learning Environments and Social Interactions
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Learning environments for individuals with ELN that foster cultural understanding, safety and emotional well being, positive interactions, and active engagement of individuals with ELN.
SPED 5063: Consulting, Collaboration, and Co-Teaching
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Effective strategies for collaboration with families, other educators, related service providers, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to promote and advocate the learning and well-being of individuals with ELN across a wide range of settings and a range of different learning experiences.
SPED 5073: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will prepare educators to work in schools to meet the unique behavioral needs of learners in K-12 environments through systemic, prevention-focused and data-based decision-making. The course will prepare the educator to collaborate with other school professionals to plan interventions to meet the needs of students who present challenging behaviors.
SPED 5083: Teaching Students with Autism
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to autism in children and youth. Topics include the historical and theoretical foundations of autism and current diagnostic criteria. Students will differentiate the characteristics of autism including social, emotional, communication, behavioral, sensory-motor and cognitive characteristics of children and youth with autism. This class identifies the trends and issues associated with autism and effective practices and strategies for structuring, managing and promoting social skill development and social interactions among learners with autism.
SPED 5093: Applied Behavioral Analysis for Teachers
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course promotes knowledge and skill in analyzing behavioral problems across a range of issues. Special consideration is given to designing interventions, implementing, managing and supervising applied projects. Topics include the identification and selection of problems and target populations, analysis of problems and goals, designing measurement systems, developing interventions and disseminating products from applied behavioral research.