Salve Regina University is launching a new online master’s degree program in special education, designed to address the growing shortage of qualified teachers in the field.
The 10-course program, which begins enrolling students for fall 2026, can be completed in 24 months through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes. The flexible format is designed for working professionals.
Students can choose concentrations in early childhood, elementary or secondary special education, with each track offering the option to fulfill Rhode Island Department of Education certification requirements.
The program comes as special education teacher shortages reach critical levels. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 15% of all public school students received special education services in 2022-2023. The U.S. Department of Education found that 80% of states reported special education teacher shortages that year, including Rhode Island, where the need was deemed critical.
“The launch of Salve Regina University’s online master’s degree in special education comes at a critical time for our schools,” said Kenneth Duva, superintendent of the North Kingstown School Department. “Across Rhode Island and the nation, the demand for highly qualified special educators continues to grow.”
The shortage is compounded by an exodus from the profession. About 46,000 special education teachers leave public schools annually, while teacher preparation programs train fewer than 30,000 new educators to replace them.
“Where there is a significant need, there are significant opportunities,” said Dr. Jennifer Booth, director of Salve’s special education master’s program. “A master’s degree in special education opens up many paths for educators.”
Salve also offers an accelerated option for qualified undergraduate students enrolled in its education programs, allowing them to begin their master’s degree in their final year and complete both degrees in five years.
The program continues Salve’s teacher education tradition, which dates to the university’s founding in 1947. For more information, visit salve.edu.
