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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Special Education Program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Without a doubt, the need for special education teachers is high in America. Whether you’re working to get your license, master’s, Education Specialist, or endorsement, it’s essential for you to be up-to-date on the latest knowledge. You’ll gain from the experiences of our accomplished faculty as they help you become versed in effective interventions and strategies for teaching students with disabilities. You’ll learn to collect data and write effective Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Intentionally planned field experiences will help you synthesize the information you are learning. Our graduate programs in Special Education will put you well on your way to establishing a rewarding career.

Lipscomb University follows all state guidelines for initial licensure candidates. This includes maintaining a specific conditional GPA for all incoming initial licensure candidates. All initial licensure candidates must have a 2.75 on their undergraduate degree in order to be considered for the program. For more information, please review the state GPA policy at the link below. If you would like to have your transcripts reviewed, prior to applying, please complete the form below.

GPA Policy Request a Transcript Analysis

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed Online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
  • Personal statement:
    Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
  • Three Recommendations
    • Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
      If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
    • Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
    • Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
  • Resume
  • Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • $715 per credit hour with the 25% in-service discount

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Types of Aid

15:1

Student to faculty ratio

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Our Faculty

  • Misty Parsley headshot

    Misty Parsley

    Executive Director, Office of Accessibility and Learning Support

    Dr. Misty Vetter Parsley is a professor of Education and the Executive Director of the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports at Lipscomb University. In her role, she oversees the...

    Meet Misty Parsley
  • Robbie Hampton headshot

    Robbie Hampton

    Associate Professor

    Robbie was born in Memphis, TN and grew up in Nashville after moving here during elementary school. She attended MTSU and received a BS in Elementary and Special Education. She...

    Meet Robbie Hampton
  • Katelyn Hadder headshot

    Katelyn Hadder

    Assistant Professor

    Katelyn was born in Memphis, TN and has lived in Tampa, FL, Virginia Beach, VA, and Knoxville, TN before residing here in Nashville. She attended the University of Tennessee where...

    Meet Katelyn Hadder
  • Tia Pryor Graves headshot

    Tia Pryor-graves

    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Matia Pryor Graves is an experienced educator who has held a wide range of leadership and teaching positions during her 15 years of experience in the field of education....

    Meet Tia Pryor-graves
  • Kristan Shields headshot

    Kristan Shields

    Assistant Professor

    Meet Kristan Shields

Career Paths

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.

Postsecondary Education Administrators

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life, or the registrar’s office.