About this Program

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ offers a Master of Science in Education with a major in Special Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education. The graduate program offers this specific concentration for those who seek both an advanced degree in special education and either initial teacher licensure or endorsement in early childhood special education. The program is guided by a philosophy of service and education as a catalyst to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. The coursework focuses on improving the quality and scope of educational and related services available to young children with disabilities from birth to age 5, and their families.

Program Highlights

  • Prepares professionals for careers supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (birth-5 years) with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.

  • Combines course work, supervised field experiences, and a teacher candidate internship to facilitate the integration of theory and evidence-based practice in the development of individualized interventions applicable for very young children in home, community, and classroom settings.

  • Prepares students to work effectively with caregivers and other professionals on early intervention and early childhood special education teams.

  • Offers graduate degree and post-baccalaureate programs to help students meet their professional goals.

At a Glance
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science
Concentration
Early Childhood Special Education
Delivery Modes

Careers

Check out these ideas from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

$65,270 Median Salary

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

$61,960 Median Salary

Teach elementary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Special Education at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Special Education should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

  • An undergraduate grade point average of 2.80 or better in an academic content area.

  • A 400-500 word goal statement indicating why the student wishes to enroll in the special education program.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $486
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $649
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,334.50

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Contact

Associate Professor

2000-C STUDENT RECREATION CENTER
NORFOLK, 23529