MEd Special Education at Temple U: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Temple University Master of Education (M.Ed) in Special Education is a 37-credit graduate degree spanning one to two years of full-time study in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The program combines evening in-person classes and online asynchronous formats. International students pay approximately US$58,349 (INR 55.43 Lakhs) for the full program. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA minimum, TOEFL 79 (or IELTS 6.5), and accepts applications year-round with deadlines in March (Fall/Summer) and November (Spring).

Temple’s Special Education M.Ed trains educators to support PreK-12 students with disabilities using evidence-based practices, sociocultural frameworks, and inclusive teaching methods. Graduates earn Pennsylvania Special Education certification and can pursue careers as special education teachers, curriculum developers, intervention specialists, or educational administrators. The program stands out for its focus on autism spectrum disorders, mild disabilities, and severe disabilities with flexibility in delivery mode.

• Complete degree in one year full-time or spread flexibly over five years part-time.
• Choose from three disability concentrations: autism spectrum disorders, mild disabilities, or severe disabilities.
• Blend of evening on-campus seminars and fully online asynchronous coursework for working professionals.

Also Check: Temple University M.Ed Special Education Admission Requirements

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Fees and Living Costs 2027

International students (non-Pennsylvania residents) pay US$1,577 per credit hour. The 37-credit program totals US$58,349 (INR 55.43 Lakhs). This covers tuition and mandatory student service fees but excludes books, technology, and application costs.

• Tuition is the largest expense, covering classroom instruction, faculty support, and university resources.
• Part-time students spread costs over three to five years, reducing annual burden but extending total time in school.
• Temple offers payment plans to international graduate students; contact Student Financial Services for installment options.
• No additional international student fees beyond the standard non-resident per-credit rate.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.00 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia for M.Ed Special Education Students

Philadelphia’s cost of living is moderate compared to major US metros. Budget ranges reflect shared housing and typical graduate student spending patterns.

Philadelphia Reality: Temple’s West Philadelphia campus sits in an accessible neighborhood near public transit, reducing transportation costs compared to car-dependent cities. Many graduate students share housing, cutting individual rent costs to under US$800 monthly.

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Admission

Temple accepts international students into its Special Education master’s program. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in any field, a 3.0 GPA minimum, English language proficiency, and a demonstrated commitment to special education through your goals statement and references.

Temple University ranks #102 nationally among US universities by US News (2026), placing it in the top tier for research-intensive institutions. Its College of Education and Human Development is recognized for evidence-based teacher preparation across multiple specializations.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Applicants

Temple requires proof of English language proficiency from all non-native speakers. TOEFL is the preferred test for US graduate admissions; IELTS is equally accepted. Both exams assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking across different score ranges.

• TOEFL 79 is achievable with three to four months of targeted prep if your baseline English is upper-intermediate (B1 level).
• IELTS 6.5 is the equivalent threshold; many Indian test-takers find IELTS slightly more familiar due to British English exposure.
• Indian applicants often score highest on reading and listening; writing and speaking require deliberate practice to hit 6.0+ components.
• Test scores are valid for two years; register for the exam by February 2027 to meet the March 1 Fall deadline.

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Application

Temple processes applications on a rolling basis for its Special Education M.Ed. Priority consideration is granted to students who submit all materials by the stated deadlines. Applications submitted after the deadline are reviewed if space remains.

• Fall 2027 is the most popular intake for new cohorts; apply by March 1, 2027 for priority review.
• International applicants should submit TOEFL or IELTS results, NACES degree evaluations, and all transcripts before the deadline for fastest processing.
• Interviews are scheduled after initial file review, typically within two weeks of a complete application submission.
• Admission decisions are released within four to six weeks of the interview date, allowing time for visa processing before the intake month.

Application Tip: The goals statement is your strongest voice; use it to connect your background and teaching philosophy directly to special education and inclusive practices.

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Scholarships

Temple’s College of Education and Human Development awards partial tuition scholarships to qualified graduate students, including international applicants. Merit awards reduce the cost burden significantly for strong candidates.

• Education Tuition Award: Reduces tuition for full-time graduate students; typically covers 25–50% of annual tuition for recipients. Requires priority application deadline submission and admission.
• Named Scholarships: The Dr. William M. Polishook Tribute Fund and Phi Delta Gamma Scholarship Fund support education master’s students annually.
• Graduate Assistantships: Temple offers teaching assistantships (TA) and research assistantships (RA) roles in the College of Education, paying US$5,000–$12,000 annually with potential tuition remission.
• External Scholarships: Indian-sponsored organizations like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state education ministries occasionally fund teachers pursuing international qualifications.

A strong GPA (3.5+), TOEFL 90+, and a compelling goals statement increase competitiveness for scholarships. Financial aid applications are processed automatically once you are admitted; no separate application is required for most awards.

Scholarship Reality: International scholarships at US universities typically cover 10–40% of tuition, requiring you to fund the remainder through personal savings or education loans. Plan for US$30,000–$50,000 of your own funding.

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Salary

Graduates of Temple’s education master’s programs earn a median early-career salary of US$66,325 annually (approximately INR 62.99 Lakhs). This figure reflects the first five years of teaching or educational roles post-graduation.

Source: Temple University College of Education and Human Development employment outcomes; US Census Bureau teacher salary data (2025).

Salary varies by employer type: Pennsylvania public school teachers earn the highest salaries due to union protections and state-backed pay scales. Private schools, non-profits, and charter schools typically pay 10–20% less. Gross take-home in Pennsylvania is approximately 75–80% of salary after federal income tax, FICA, and state tax.

ROI Reality: Total program cost (US$60,000) is recouped within the first 1.5 years of teaching. US special education teachers enjoy strong job security due to federal Special Education Law (IDEA), ensuring sustained demand.

United States Visa for M.Ed Special Education Studies

International students studying in the United States obtain an F-1 Student Visa, which permits full-time enrollment and limited work rights. The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of your program plus a 60-day grace period after graduation.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Graduates of non-STEM master’s programs (including education) are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) for 12 months of full-time work in your field of study.
• Work-Study Authorization: F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic semester and full-time during official breaks (winter, spring, summer).
• Spouse and Dependent Visas: Family members can apply for F-2 derivative visas; they may not work but can attend school with permission.
• Permanent Residency Pathway: Teachers with advanced degrees and US employment offers may sponsor themselves for EB-2 green cards; timeline from visa to permanent residency is typically 5–7 years for Indian nationals due to per-country immigration quotas.

Visa Reality: F-1 OPT allows you to work for 12 months after graduation, often with a US employer. Many special education teachers convert OPT work experience into employer-sponsored green card applications.

Temple University M.Ed Special Education Ranking 2027

Temple University does not hold a subject-specific ranking for Special Education in global university rankings (QS, THE, ARWU, FT). However, the university’s overall 2026 rankings provide context on institutional research caliber and teaching quality.

Temple’s College of Education is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), ensuring all M.Ed programs meet rigorous national standards for teacher education and curriculum alignment.

Key Insight: Lack of a subject-specific ranking does not reflect program quality; rather, most US education master’s rankings are discipline-focused (teaching quality, research output). Temple’s national #102 rank indicates broad institutional strength across multiple fields, including education.