Special Education, MA Ed (Advanced Practitioner - Assistive Technology Specialist)
Master of Arts in Education Degree in Special Education with an Emphasis in Advanced Practitioner - Assistive Technology Specialist

University of Nebraska at Kearney
Overview
Admissions and Requirements
Courses You’ll Take
Tuition & Fees
Program Overview
The online Special Education Advanced Practitioner with emphasis in Assistive Technology program, Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) degree program is designed for those with a passion for supporting students by using assistive technology.
Why choose this program?
- Gain knowledge and skills to identify and assist with the implementation of assistive technology for individuals through the lifespan.
- Provide access to assistive technology that enables individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, schools and homes.
- Learn skills to evaluate needs, design a program and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
- Prepare for doctoral programs in assistive technology.
Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible to be a Consultant in Assistive Technology or work in an Assistive Technology clinic.
Career Outlook: Special education teachers engage with children and youth that have a wide variety of disabilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for special education teachers will grow by about 8% from 2016-2026. Although most special education teachers work in public schools, some find jobs in the private sector taking care of special needs children in childcare services and other institutions.
More about the Special Education, MA Ed, Advanced Practitioner program:
The Master of Arts in Education: Special Education Advanced Practitioner program is designed for teachers who currently hold certification in Special Education and would like to further their education.
Students have four options to choose from:
- Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Inclusion and Collaboration Specialist
- Assistive Technology Specialist
- Functional Academic Skills and Independent Living Specialist
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
A Bachelor's degree
2.75 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
A license/certificate required
Standard teaching certificate
Official transcripts from all previous schools
A professional biography
NOTE: If you reside in state(s) KY contact a program adviser before applying.
To apply to this program:
- Complete and submit the online application for admissions.
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee.
Courses You’ll Take
Core Courses
Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
TE 800 | Educational Research | 3 |
This introductory online course in educational research focuses on evaluating and interpreting educational research and applying its findings to educational practice. | ||
TESE 894 | Research in Assistive Technology | 3 |
Prereq: TE 800 or instructor approval
This course will examine current research utilizing assistive technology with students with disabilities. | ||
TESE 893 | Program Development in Assistive Technology | 3 |
Prereq: TESE 891
Provides strategies to develop assistive technology programs for individual students and at a systems level. Professional development as well as acquisition and integration of assistive technology will be covered. | ||
TESE 892 | Augmentative Alternative Communication | 3 |
Prereq: TE 805P
Provides an overview of alternative and augmentative communications devices and strategies. Discussion about AAC assessment, management, implementation, and evaluation of effectiveness will be discussed. | ||
TE 805P | Overview of Assistive Technology | 3 |
This course examines the applications of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities as it relates to teaching and learning. Existing research with students with special needs will be reviewed and new applications of existing and developing technology will be explored. | ||
TESE 829P | Assessment of Young Children: Birth to Five | 3 |
This course prepares students to evaluate assessment tools for young children, determine their appropriateness for various purposes, write and interpret evaluation reports, and translate assessment results into intervention goals and strategies. In field experiences students administer tests and interpret and report results. Prerequisite: TESE 827P or departmental permission. | ||
TE 804 | Curriculum Development in Multiculutural Education | 3 |
Students learn to evaluate, create, and implement multicultural lesson plans, unit plans, textbooks, curriculum guides, classroom rules and regulations, and school policies. In addition, students study diverse learning and teaching styles as well as explore the meaning and the reality of creating an environment that is conducive to and supportive of infused multicultural education. | ||
TE 803 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
Survey of the philosophical foundations of western culture and their relation to the development of earlier and contemporary educational philosophies. | ||
TESE 885 | Inclusion & Differentiation Strategies for the 21st Century Classroom | 3 |
The course addresses the instructional needs of all students with exceptionalities (disabilities and giftedness) as well as those from culturally diverse backgrounds in integrated settings. Special education referral process, Response to Intervention, Section 504, analysis of instruction/environment and its impact on learning, assignment/assessment modification, behavioral issues, and evaluation of student learning will be the emphasis. Research-based intervention strategies to differentiate instruction will also be presented. | ||
TESE 880 | Critical Issues in Special Education | 3 |
This course provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the critical issues facing the field of Special education. Professional ethics and code of conduct will be emphasized. | ||
TESE 891 | Assistive Technology Assessment | 3 |
Prereq: TE 805P
This course is a requirement for the Assistive Technology emphasis in the Masters degree in Special Education/Advanced Practitioner. |
Tuition & Fees
Nebraska Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $315.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $367.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $945.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $1101.75
Out of State Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $444.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $496.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1332.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $1488.75
About Faculty
University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.
Application Deadlines
- Fall SemesterJul 10
- Spring SemesterNov 10
- Summer SessionsApr 10

