Salve’s new online master’s degree helps fill the growing need for special educators 

Salve Regina University is offering a new online master’s degree program in special education to meet the rising demand and teacher shortage in this critical field. Salve’s flexible 10-course program can be completed in 24 months through synchronous and asynchronous class meetings. It is enrolling now for fall 2026.  

With this specialized program of knowledge, skills and strategies, graduates will be able to deliver effective and inclusive educational support for individuals with exceptionalities across different age groups and settings. Ideal for working teachers, the program offers concentrations in early childhood, elementary or secondary special education, so they can build skills and expand career options while they work. Each concentration provides the option to fulfill Rhode Island Department of Education requirements for certification.  

Growing demand, fewer teachers

“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. This program will offer current and aspiring teachers the opportunity to strengthen their expertise, expand evidence-based practices and make an even greater impact on students from early childhood through high school. By investing in the preparation of skilled special educators, Salve Regina is helping to ensure that every student receives the support and education they deserve.”

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2022-2023, about 15% of all public school students in the U.S. received special education or related services. That same year, the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Report found that 80% of states reported a shortage of special education teachers, and in Rhode Island, the need was deemed critical. What makes the need difficult to meet is the fact that about 46,000 special education teachers leave public schools every year while teacher preparation programs are training fewer than 30,000 new ones 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, and with concentrations in different areas, graduates can step into a wider range of roles to serve the greatest need.”  

Accelerated path for undergraduates

In addition to the 24-month program, Salve offers an accelerated path for qualified undergraduate students enrolled in its education programs, in which they can begin their master’s degree in their final year, saving time and cost while earning undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years.    

“I’m really excited about the accelerated program,” said Isabelle Bottone ’28, a double major in elementary education and special education. “It’s a convenient, continuous way to build a specialization by staying an extra year rather than losing momentum and coming back again in a few years. And the fact that it’s online means it doesn’t interfere with my class schedule or student teaching. I can do them at different times.”

Bottone hasn’t yet decided if she will focus her career on special education. If she does, she notes, “The master’s degree is the next step toward that. But even for a general teacher, you’ll always have someone in your class who can benefit from these extra tools. You can make everyone feel included, adapt lessons and be a stronger teacher overall.”  

The new master’s program continues Salve’s long history of instructing teachers, a program the University has offered since its founding in 1947.  Rooted in Salve’s mercy mission, the special education master’s program trains compassionate teachers dedicated to uplifting every individual and promoting a more just society.