Master in Special Education and Teaching (Master's)

The application deadline for the Jan 2027 intake is Nov 1, 2026; tuition is Tuition and fees are subject to change and are determined by the Graduate School. Students should consult the Graduate School website for current rates..

This programme prepares classroom and resource teachers for public schools serving students with disabilities. It includes coursework focused on teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Students complete a special education internship and may pursue additional endorsements in gifted education or severe/multiple disabilities. The programme is designed for those seeking licensure and professional roles in special education settings.

Focus areas include Intellectual and developmental disorders, Learning disabilities, Emotional and behavioral disorders, Gifted and talented education, Severe/multiple disabilities, Special education internship.

The programme requires 30 semester hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree and a written comprehensive examination. Students must complete a special education internship and may combine endorsements in multiple areas.

Graduates enter roles as classroom and resource teachers in public schools for students with disabilities.

Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain a Class A teaching certificate in the appropriate field. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on the last half of the baccalaureate degree is required. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, and documentation of teaching experience.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, with typical duration not specified. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 76% of applicants.

Mississippi State University (MSU), founded in 1878 and located in Starkville, is a well-established public research university with around 23,000 students and a welcoming campus community. MSU combines a strong tradition of academic excellence with a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs across 181 fields, including engineering, agriculture, business, and arts and sciences. The campus culture emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and community engagement, making it an attractive option for international students seeking both academic rigor and personal growth.

Research and innovation are central to MSU's mission, with strengths in aerospace, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering. Students benefit from access to research centers, state-of-the-art labs, and industry partnerships that translate theory into practice. Approximately 1,000 international students contribute to the campus’s diverse perspectives and global outlook, supported by specialized advising, language assistance, and integration programs to ease the transition to life in the United States.

Beyond academics, MSU offers a lively campus life with student organizations, internships, and community outreach that build professional skills and networks. Career services and alumni connections help graduates move into competitive roles locally and internationally. For students seeking a research-active university with practical learning, strong support services, and a collaborative campus environment, Mississippi State University provides a balanced and outcomes-focused experience.