Special Education, Specialization in Secondary Transition, MEd (online)

Students in the Secondary Transition Specialization program will develop the knowledge and performance skills to support youth with disabilities as they transition to adult life. Fifteen credit hours of core coursework in secondary transition provides the foundation for the program. An additional fifteen credit hours of required master’s courses and electives round out the 30-semester-hour master’s degree program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Secondary Transition program are expected to be able to:

• Integrate information about students’ strengths, preferences, interests, and needs to develop effective transition plans.
• Apply person-centered planning strategies to actively involve students and families in transition planning and IEP development.
• Plan and implement transition-focused education and services designed to prepare students for competitive employment, postsecondary education, and community living.
• Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, adult service providers, and community members on behalf of transition-age students with disabilities.
• Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education and secondary transition to complete the master’s capstone experience.
• Interpret research in special education.
• Apply theory to practice through field experience in special education settings.

Admission Requirements

By completing this master’s program, you will earn an MEd in Special Education with a Specialization in Secondary Transition from BGSU. Program completers who hold a currently valid standard Ohio intervention specialist, career-technical teaching, or professional pupil services license or certificate are eligible to apply to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) for the Transition-to-Work Endorsement.

The BGSU Graduate Special Education Program uses a holistic admissions review process. We value the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and individual perspectives applicants bring to our learning community. Every application is reviewed to gain insight into how an applicant’s academic preparation and experiences contribute to their interest and ability to be successful in BGSU’s online graduate program in special education.

Documents required (*see waiver option below):

• Non-native speakers of English must submit test scores on the TOEFL IBT, IELTS, or PTE. Recommended university minimum scores required for admission.
• Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose is an integral part of the application. This is your opportunity to tell the faculty about important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. The statement should be 300-700 words in length, adhere to APA style guidelines, and demonstrate graduate-level writing skills. A strong Statement of Purpose communicates the following:
  • your motivation to pursue graduate study in your chosen field;
  • your professional goals and how you believe our program can support you in meeting those goals; and
  • your personal attributes, background, and/or experiences that have prepared you for success as a graduate student.

The statement should also indicate your understanding that (a) the program does not lead to initial teacher licensure and (b) some coursework and assignments require access to transition-age youth, ages 14-26.  

*Waiver option: Students who have completed or are enrolled in the final course of the certificate program and have a 3.0 or higher GPA are not required to submit test scores or a new Statement of Purpose for their M.Ed. application. A student who has just started a certificate program would be required to submit these application materials. To have your test score waived, notify your department to email gradapply@bgsu.edu with a waiver request.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements