Washington State University’s College of Education has been ranked No. 10 in the nation for its online special education master’s degree, as recognized by OnlineU.
Don McMahon, associate professor of special education, said recent initiatives played a pivotal role in securing this ranking.
“We’ve made substantial updates to our online coursework, aligning them closely with high leverage practices tailored to support students with disabilities,” he said.
McMahon said the significance of this recognition emphasizes WSU’s dedication to attracting aspiring educators passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
“This recognition signifies our pledge to provide a high-quality education that equips teachers with essential skills and opens doors to promising career prospects,” he said.
McMahon said the program plans to build upon this success and remains committed to diligently updating its online coursework.
“This will ensure its relevance, practicality, and engagement for future educators,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to empower them with the knowledge required to have a positive impact in the field of special education.”
Michael Dunn, a professor of special education and literacy, highlighted the program’s accessibility and adaptability.
“WSU’s Special Education faculty has meticulously crafted an asynchronous online program that is accessible to teachers not only across Washington but also throughout the United States and even overseas, including military spouses stationed abroad,” he said. “Our courses are designed around practical topics and tasks frequently encountered by special education teachers.”
Dunn said the recognition further underscores that WSU’s program is attainable for educators and provides valuable learning experiences they can directly apply in their teaching practices.
“Our program equips teachers with practical skills and knowledge to excel in their roles,” he said.
In the realm of program improvement, Dunn highlighted its continuous nature.
“As I teach my courses, I continuously seek additional resources, such as website links and videos, to enhance the learning experience for our students, ensuring our curriculum remains dynamic and up-to-date.”
