Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
- Master’s degree holders seeking advanced professional development in special education
- Experienced educators looking to deepen their expertise beyond the master’s level
- Special education professionals seeking specialized knowledge in academic intervention, behavior support, disability studies, dyslexia, or early childhood education
- Practitioners who want to develop specific professional competencies for leadership positions
- Individuals seeking an advanced degree with a practical focus rather than the research emphasis of a doctoral program
- Professionals who need a flexible, fully online program that accommodates working schedules
- Educators interested in completing a culminating project focused on their specific professional interests
- Individuals who want to work with faculty mentors through a supervisory committee structure
Master’s graduates seeking to build specialized expertise through focused tracks (Academic, Behavior, Disabilities in Society, Dyslexia, or Early Childhood Studies) - Professionals looking for an advanced degree that emphasizes application of knowledge in educational settings
What are the admissions requirements to enroll in the program?
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education or a related field of study.
- Submit three letters of reference.
- Provide official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
- Submit a letter of interest outlining your goals and motivations.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Please note that GRE scores are no longer required for admission.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is designed for working professionals, and courses have a structure that allow you to balance assignments with a busy life. The program comprises 15 courses, 3 credits each. It takes two years to complete (including summers).
How much does it cost?
The Teach Well program is a 36 credit-hour, degree seeking program. Information about online tuition can be found here. Note that participants outside the state of Florida should calculate the non-FL resident fee in addition to the base fee. Your particular tuition fees may vary according to your program. Textbooks costs and materials are additional and vary by class. The cost for texts per class is approximately $100-$150, but again, this may vary.
Is financial aid available?
Federal financial aid may be available in the form of grants and loans. Please visit UF’s Student Financial Aid for more information on how to apply.
What kind of financial aid is available?
Private or alternative loans are offered to students in graduate programs. You can access the application for these loans at http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/loans/alternative-loans/.
The College of Education offers scholarships on an annual basis. Information about those can be found at https://education.ufl.edu/student-services/scholarships/. If you are currently a practicing educator, you might also reach out to your school district’s Professional Development Coordinator to inquire about other sources of funding.
What are the course requirements?
The Ed.S. in Special Education requires 36 total credit hours. All students complete the 15-credit Teach Well Core, which includes foundations of special education, academic and behavior intervention courses, plus a 3-credit final project. The remaining 21 credits come from your chosen track(s): Academic, Behavior, Disabilities in Society, Dyslexia, or Early Childhood Studies. Each track has specified courses, with any remaining credits selected from other tracks. In addition to coursework, you’ll complete a final project and oral exam under the guidance of a two-member faculty committee.
Can I transfer credits from another university?
Is the GRE required for admission?
The online Ed.S. in Special Education no longer requires the GRE for admission.