Your Path to a Masters in Special Education Administration: Rapid Certification and Loan Forgiveness Guide

The Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE) program is designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities in the classroom and beyond, working as special education directors and school administrators. The MAASE program is unique as it provides a pathway to obtain principal certification with no additional coursework!

Our practicum focuses on experiences that enhance your capabilities as both an educator and a leader. It’s designed to broaden your perspective, which is crucial in special education settings where classrooms often span multiple grade levels or serve district-wide programs. The practicum pairs you with a mentor, allowing you to develop practical skills essential in special education, regardless of your experience level.

Bootcamp is separate from MAASE and is a stand-alone course that allows a student to obtain a provisional certificate in special education. Bootcamp sessions are offered several times a year, with courses offered online and via Zoom two days a week for four weeks during the Summer or one night a week for eight weeks during the school year.

Some districts will pay for this program as part of continuing education. Grants are also available to cover a student's entire program. After completing Bootcamp, the OSDE currently requires a student to take 18 hours (6 per year) of Master's level courses, pass the OSAT for Special Education (M/M or S/P or Combination Exam), and pass the PPAT. All requirements must be met within 3 years of one’s provisional certificate being issued.

You don’t have to wait three years to complete your degree and begin your career. Unlike other programs, you can earn your master’s degree and be ready to pursue your certification in special education in as little as 22 months.

Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE): An Accelerated Program

The MAASE program is designed with the understanding that many of our students are working full-time and raising families. We offer the flexibility of learning in-person or 100% online one night a week, allowing you to balance your personal and professional responsibilities. With six-week courses, our accelerated format ensures you can earn your degree faster, completing the 36-credit-hour program in as little as 22 months.

The MAASE program makes it possible to prepare for two types of certifications–Provisional Special Education Certification and Principal Certification. Traditionally, Provisional Certification requires six hours of Special Education courses per year for three years. Then, you can pursue your Principal Certification, which takes another three years. SNU’s MAASE program accelerates this path by combining the two programs.

Post Bootcamp

After completing Bootcamp, a student can obtain their 18 hours by taking courses in the MAASE program - 6 hours each year. However, many students decide to enroll in the Master’s program to expedite the process, possible exemption from the OSAT, and obtain their standard certification in less than 24 months.

A bonus: Obtain principals certification, so one day, if they decide to go into administration, they have the credentials, and no extra classes are needed.

One Program, Two Certifications

Students enrolled in the MAASE program can prepare for both certifications and earn their master’s degree in as little as 22 months! It is not necessary for students enrolled in the program to follow the typical three-year plan to pursue their Provisional Certification. Graduates can complete their Oklahoma Subject Area Tests (OSAT) and Praxis Performance Assessments for Teachers (PPAT) immediately. Additionally, graduates of the MAASE program are eligible to take their Principle Certification Test without any further coursework.

SNU is here for you every step of the way and is always available to assist students in navigating these tests and the certification process.

There are multiple loan forgiveness programs available for teachers, including the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF)
TLF forgives up to $17,500 of Direct or Federal Stafford Loans after five consecutive and complete years of teaching for a qualifying school. To qualify for forgiveness, teachers must have been employed full-time for those five years. Certain highly qualified special education and secondary mathematics or science teachers can qualify for up to$17,500 in forgiveness. Other eligible teachers can qualify for up to $5,000. You apply for the TLF after the five-year teaching requirement.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
PSLF can forgive the remaining balance on your Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments (estimated over 10 years). Unlike other programs, PSLF does not require that you teach at a low-income public school. It does require that you work for a qualifying employer. This includes government organizations at any level, non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), or other non-profit organizations that provide certain types of public services.

SNU has been recognized as a 2023-2024 Education College of Distinction, including the Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education program.

A Program that is Recognized and Respected

SNU has a network of over 600 educators across Oklahoma, Texas, and around the country who have completed their degrees at SNU. This vast network of respected professionals can help you connect and advance in your career.

MAASE is unique because all of our professors are currently working in the field of special education. We embed leadership training throughout the curriculum, recognizing that special education teachers, regardless of experience, are viewed as leaders in their schools. Principals, general education colleagues, and parents expect proficiency in leadership skills - whether managing IEP meetings, conducting training sessions, or directing your classroom.

The Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability highly respects SNU’s master’s degree programs. Graduates of SNU’s programs may apply for an exemption from the OSAT, which is determined by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.

What are the top benefits of earning your Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE) from SNU?

There are many reasons to choose SNU’s MAASE program to prepare you for a career in Special Education.

• Accelerated Program
• 6-week Intensive Courses
• Accelerated Path to Principal Certification
• Recognized and Respected Program
• Accelerated Path to Provision Certification
• Graduate in as Little as 22 months!
• Graduates Qualify for OSAT Exemption
• Teachers can get up to $17,500 in Student Loan Forgiveness!

A great program director makes for a great program!

Dr. Lynette Thompson combines experience and passion for Special Education to help students make a difference in schools and communities.

Dr. Thompson is a career educator with over 30 years of professional experience in K-12 public schools and higher education. She is the Program Director of SNU’s MAASE program and manages Professional Services. Dr. Thompson has been a Special Education Teacher, Principal, Executive Director of Special Services, Executive Director of Student Services, CAO of BRIDGES (a mental health facility partnered with school districts), School Consultant and trainer, and University Assistant Professor and Director.

Dr. Thompson loves helping students pursue their careers in Special Education.

For more information about Special Education Certification, upcoming start dates, and more about the MAASE program, please visit our website or contact Dr. Lynette Thompson via email at Lthompson@mail.snu.edu