If you are interested in supporting and teaching students with disabilities in Cleveland, MVNU’s online M.A.Ed Intervention Specialist degree provides you with the flexibility to pursue that goal. The entire program is delivered 100% online, so while MVNU’s campus sits in Mount Vernon, Ohio, you will be able to take your courses at home in Cleveland and not have to put your work, family, or daily routines on hold.
MVNU offers two pathways leading to the same outcome: a Master of Arts in Education degree and Ohio licensure as an Intervention Specialist for Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12). Candidates who do not currently hold a teaching license pursue the Initial License pathway, while licensed teachers pursue the Advanced License pathway, which adds the Intervention Specialist license to their existing teaching credentials.
An Online Special Education Master’s Degree Built Around Your Schedule
Returning to college as a working adult can be overwhelming. This special education master’s degree for Cleveland adults who work full-time was designed to accommodate your existing lifestyle instead of conflicting with it. Courses will follow MVNU’s cohort model, allowing you to move through the classes with the same group of students in a consistent learning environment. You will be taught by faculty who have real classroom and special education experience.
Every class is online. The only in-person elements are the supervised field and practicum hours, which are arranged locally around your schedule and your placement school’s calendar.
Two Pathways To Ohio Intervention Specialist Licensure
The right intervention specialist program in Cleveland starts with your current credentials. Both pathways lead to the same M.A.Ed and the same Ohio license.
Initial License: For Students Without a Teaching License
The Intervention Specialist Initial License (M.A.Ed) is designed for adult learners with a bachelor’s degree who currently do not possess a teaching license. This program provides preparation for an individual’s initial teaching license in Special Education. This program consists of 54 credit hours, spans approximately 27 months, and includes 15 credit hours of field & clinical experiences which meet the classroom requirements for licensure. You will also complete the required Ohio Assessments for Educators and a background check on the way to your license.
Advanced License: For Licensed Teachers Adding Intervention Specialist Credentials
The Intervention Specialist Advanced License (M.A.Ed) is designed for licensed teachers looking to add intervention specialist credentials. It is shorter and more focused: 30 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 18 months, including embedded clinical hours and a 75 clock-hour advanced practicum. If you already hold a master’s degree, you may be able to transfer up to six credit hours into the program.
Also, please be aware that MVNU's Intervention Specialist program is designed to meet the state of Ohio licensing standards and does not guarantee reciprocity in other states.
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
A simple test helps most people decide:
- If you hold a bachelor’s degree but have never been a licensed teacher, the Initial License pathway is your route in.
- If you are already a licensed Ohio teacher and want to add special education to your credentials, the Advanced License pathway is the faster option.
Not sure where you fall? An MVNU enrollment counselor can review your background and point you to the right M.A.Ed Intervention Specialist pathway for your situation in Cleveland.
M.A. Ed ISM and ISP Degree Highlights
In preparing students to work as intervention specialists, both the ISM and ISP pathways are based on MVNU's cohort model. Students learn in a Christ-centered environment that prioritizes relationship building, and courses are taught by seasoned faculty members with years of experience as educators, administrators, and professionals who have worked directly with this unique student population.
By the program's completion, students in both the ISM and ISP pathways are eligible for Ohio licensure and will have developed the pedagogical skills needed to create curriculum, implement effective teaching strategies, and develop, implement, and evaluate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students in grades K-12.
Curriculum stats/highlights
Initial License
Courses
| Core Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Teaching Methods | 2 |
| Inclusion Curricular Practices | 3 |
| Social Studies (Grades PK-5) | 4 |
| Math (Grades PK-5) | 4 |
| Science Curriculum (Grades PK-5) | 4 |
| Developmental Literacy Lab | 1 |
| Developmental Literacy | 3 |
| Basics of Phonics Instruction | 3 |
| Content Area Reading | 3 |
| Classroom Management | 4 |
| Unit Planning | 3 |
| EC/Integrated Field Experience | 2 |
| Intro to Multi-Cultural Education | 3 |
| Language Arts & Writing Methods | 2 |
| Urban/Diverse Field Experience | 2 |
| Upper Elementary Field Experience | 1 |
| Student Teaching/Seminar | 10 |
| Total Core Hours | 54 |
Advanced License
Courses
| Core Courses | Credit Hours |
| Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| School Leadership & Ethical Practice | 2 |
| Consultation, Collaboration, & Cooperative Practice | 2 |
| Multiculturalism in Education | 2 |
| Application of Student Outcome Data on Instructional Practice | 2 |
| Educator as Researcher | 3 |
| Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for Exceptional Learners | 4 |
| Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for Learners with Lower-Incidence Exceptionalities | 2 |
| Behavior Analysis & Learning Environments | 3 |
| Individualized Educational Planning for Exceptional Learners | 2 |
| Special Education Research & Writing | 2 |
| Advanced Practicum | 2 |
| Total Program Hours | 30 |
Get the Facts
Based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for special education teachers is predicted to remain steady between now and 2028.
15.7%
of Ohio students require IEPs
$60,660
Median Income
615
Ohio districts and 1,000 private schools require instructors to help with IEPs
+4%
Job Growth
Intervention Specialists Career Opportunities In Cleveland
The title “intervention specialist” is officially used by the state of Ohio to describe what are commonly known as “special education teachers”, which means this program will prepare graduates for the jobs available in Cleveland’s school district. The demand behind those roles is well established: special education has long been a federally designated teacher shortage area in Ohio, and it remains a recognized high-need field.
The demand for these jobs across Greater Cleveland appears within the various public school districts (such as the Cleveland Metropolitan School District), surrounding suburbs, charter and community schools, and specialized special education programs. As an added value, the experience and knowledge you develop in this program can lead to opportunities outside of traditional classroom settings, including working in student support/student intervention roles, IEP coordination, and providing community-based services for children and youth with disabilities. With a graduate-level license, you will be positioned for the type of career stability and mission-based job satisfaction that Cleveland schools have historically needed to fill.
Steps for Applying to MVNU Online
Please have your transcripts sent to:
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Attn: College of Adult and Professional Studies Admissions
800 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Official Electronic Transcripts should be sent to CAPSApplications@mvnu.edu.
*Additional materials may be required based on individual situations.
Fill out the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov if you plan to use
Federal Student Aid.
MVNU Code: 007085
Once all transcripts have been submitted, you will receive an admission decision (typically within one week).
Review your admission decision with your Enrollment Counselor to understand transfer credits and program requirements..
After acceptance, you will receive a link to complete your registration agreement form. You will complete this form to reserve your spot in your intended start date.
We take care of all course scheduling for you — so that you can just jump into coursework stress-free! Once you are registered for classes, your financial aid counselor will reach out with your financial aid award and assist you with any financial aid questions.
We are excited to have you as a part of the MVNU community!
What Our Students Are Saying
“As an individual who was switching career paths, the MAED-PEL program was the perfect fit for me. It allows me to obtain a master’s degree and my initial teaching license (without needing to pursue a second bachelor’s degree).”
JENA BUSHONG '19
Master of Arts in Education Professional Educator’s License
"I debated so long regarding making the decision to go to school and get a degree at my age, however MVNU has made it one of the best decision I have made in my adult life."
MICHELLE BARNETT '26
Master of Business Administration
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are ready to teach and support students with disabilities in Cleveland, MVNU’s online Intervention Specialist degree gives you a supported, flexible path to do it. Start with the Initial License pathway if you are new to teaching, or the Advanced License pathway if you are already licensed.
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