Masters

Special Education, MA Ed (Advanced Practitioner - Functional Academic Skills & Independent Living)

Master of Arts in Education Degree in Special Education with an Emphasis in Advanced Practitioner - Functional Academic Skills and Independent Living

The online Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) in Special Education Advanced Practitioner with emphasis in Functional Academic Skills and Independent Living degree program is designed for individuals with a passion for creating life skills programs for individuals with disabilities.

Total Credits

$326

Cost Per Credit

Online

UNK

Reasons students choose this program:

Learn how to create and implement life skill programs.
Gain knowledge in assisting students in the transition from public school to post-school work environments.
Acquire strategies to assist teachers in including students with multiple disabilities in the general education classroom.
Prepare for doctoral programs in education aimed to help individuals with more progressed disabilities.

Upon completion of this program, students are eligible for a Nebraska endorsement as a Functional Academic Skills and Independent Living Specialist.

Note: Students seeking endorsement in states other than Nebraska must check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements.”

This endorsement allows the individual to teach children identified as having one of four disabilities:

Autism spectrum disorder
Deaf-blindness
Multiple disabilities
Traumatic brain injury

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 emphasis
Functional academic skills and independent living specialist emphasis

The University of Nebraska at Kearney embodies Kearney, Nebraska’s caring community and focuses highly on experiential learning and value. The campus wants to help students make a difference, in a learning environment that's different.

UNK delivers quality, affordable education to Nebraskans and beyond as part of its mission, which is committed to being one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions with excellent graduate education, scholarship, and public service.

Learning at UNK

Practitioner provides water for child in a wheelchair.

Career Outlook

Special education teachers engage with children and youth that have a wide variety of disabilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Special Education Teachers in K-12 settings is projected to grow 8% by 2030 in the U.S., about as fast as the average for all occupations. 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.

Career paths include:

Curriculum or instructional coordinator
K-12 special education teacher
Program director
Supervisor of special education

Finance Your Education

The University of Nebraska offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the region, particularly for our online programs. Explore the array of funding options to finance your education in a way that makes sense for you.

Online tuition rates are calculated by credit hour and college offering the course and, because the University of Nebraska is a public institution supported by Nebraska taxpayers, Nebraska residents may receive a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.

Cost Per Credit
In-State	Out-of-State
$326	$460
Note: Campuses may charge additional fees; see the Paying for School page for more details.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

We believe cost should not be a barrier to accessing higher education, even for online programs. Financial aid and scholarships are available for many students. Please see the Paying for School page for additional information and links to campus financial aid resources.

Military and Veteran Services

Our programs are an ideal way for military, veterans, and dependents to advance education with military advisers and staff on each campus, flexible deployment and activation policies, and generous acceptance of transfer credits. Visit our Prospective Student page and explore what the University of Nebraska offers.

Ready to achieve your goals?

NU has the online experience for you.

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Transfer Credits

If you are a college student considering transferring courses, an adult returning to college or a high school student with college credit, Transfer Nebraska is for you.

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Verify this program is permitted in your state.

Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard

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