Special Education

Master of Education

Make a difference in the lives of students who learn differently.

Special Education is more than a job; it's a calling. Special education teachers have the opportunity to meet students where they are—to help them grow academically and socially.

JBU's M.Ed. in Special Education Program is for students who already have a teaching license and are wanting to pursue a Arkansas Special Education K-12 endorsement. You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to make a difference in the lives of children who learn differently.

If you feel called to work in special education, John Brown University can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. JBU offers several options in special education:

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education K-12
Special Education K-12 Licensure Only Program
Special Education Resource K-6 or 7-12 Endorsement

All Special Education programs are approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.

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Why study Special Education at JBU?

1

A Degree For Good

Educators can play a vital role in the development of their students with compassion and care as they teach and instruct. Through the process of earning your MED from JBU, you will gain both the knowledge and foundation you need to effectively follow your calling in doing good through education.

2

Become Equipped

By learning from faculty who have years of experience in the field, you will receive the knowledge and skills needed to become an excellent educator. You will also receive the accredited education program required to be certified to teach in your desired field and to stand out to potential employers.

3

Designed For You

With evening, synchronous, and online courses, you can continue to work full-time while finishing your degree. Plus, JBU's small class sizes means you'll be able to connect with your professors and other students as you draw on real-life experiences designed to fully equip and prepare you for this stage of your journey.

4

Unique Focus on Christian Values

At JBU, we believe in education of the whole person – head, heart, hand. All of our courses are taught from a Christian worldview, with faculty who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of our students.

The Facts

Program Length

The M.Ed. in Special Education is a 35-hour program and can be completed in approximately two years. Included in the 35-hour program is a 23-hour licensure only option.

Course Format

Graduate Education programs at JBU are offered in a hybrid format—half of your class sessions are completely online; the other half can be attended either face-to-face OR you can log in to attend online during class time. All face-to-face classes meet at the John Brown University Rogers Center.

Graduate Education Faculty

Connie Matchell

Department Head, Teacher Education
Professor of Teacher Education

Dr. Connie Matchell started her career with JBU as the Head of the Graduate Education program in 2015. Graduating from JBU in 1977, Dr. Matchell has always maintained strong ties with the university. She draws from 30 years of public school experience as a high school teacher, middle school principal, and district curriculum director to provide a rich foundation for her Graduate Teacher Education classes.

Dr. Matchell's accomplishments include serving as an Arkansas Department of Education Praxis III Assessor, an Arkansas Department of Education Scholastic Audit Team Member, an AdvanceEd team member, a Math Crusade Trainer, NEWMAST participant, Teacher of the Year, and the Arkansas Middle School Association Principal that Makes a Difference.

CMatchell@jbu.edu