MVNU’s online Master of Arts in Education (Intervention Specialist) allows working adults in Columbus an opportunity to become licensed as an intervention specialist. The program is designed for both those who would like to begin their career as an intervention specialist or qualified teachers who have experience working within classrooms.
Both pathways offered at MVNU will be completed 100% online, with practical fieldwork at assigned schools in your area. Because all of the coursework will be available online, you can continue living comfortably in Columbus, maintain your home life, and keep your routines intact while pursuing your degree.
What to Expect From the Intervention Specialist Program
Regardless of which pathway you choose, all coursework takes place through MVNU’s cohort model, fully online. This means that you are part of an ongoing group of students who progress through their program together. The cohort model offers a collaborative learning community where you can learn with your peers and grow under the leadership of experienced, highly competent special educators. At graduation, you will have completed all requirements for licensure as a special educator in the state of Ohio.
Two Routes to Becoming a Licensed Intervention Specialist
MVNU offers two routes to becoming a licensed Intervention Specialist for Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12). Both result in a Master of Arts in Education and Ohio licensure as an Intervention Specialist, and the right path depends on whether you already hold a teaching license.
Initial License: For Those New to Teaching
This pathway is designed for adults living in Columbus who have earned their Bachelor’s Degree in education but do not currently hold an initial teaching license in special education. Coursework is online, the curriculum leans heavily on fieldwork, and you spend time in a classroom during your first year to earn the hands-on hours your license requires. Plan for roughly 27 months across 54 credit hours.
You can read the full breakdown on the Intervention Specialist Initial License (M.A.Ed.) program page.
Advanced License: For Teachers Already in the Classroom
If you already hold an Ohio teaching license, this pathway is the quicker route to adding intervention specialist credentials. It is open to licensed Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Adolescent/Young Adult, and Multi-Age teachers, along with those teaching on a temporary or alternative special education license. The program covers 30 credit hours and can be finished in as little as 18 months, with the option to transfer up to six credit hours if you already hold a master’s degree.
Read a more detailed breakdown here: Intervention Specialist Advanced License (M.A.Ed.)
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.
Still Deciding Between The Two?
Most people will know which route to take based on the eligibility criteria discussed above. Simply put: Don’t have a teaching license yet? Use the Initial License path. Already licensed as an educator in Ohio and interested in working in Special Education? The advanced license path will get you there faster. If you’re unsure of which route to use, contact an enrollment counselor at MVNU to go over your transcript information with them. They’ll help you choose the best path for your specific case.
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
Career Opportunities in Columbus for Intervention Specialists
As an Intervention Specialist, a teaching role that the State of Ohio has officially designated as the term for special education teachers, your degree will align perfectly with the needs of schools in Columbus. Demand for these skilled teachers is well known: special education is a long-standing, federally designated teacher shortage area in Ohio and remains a recognized high-need field.
As the state capital and home to one of Ohio’s largest school systems, the Columbus area generates steady demand across Columbus City Schools, the surrounding Franklin County suburbs, charter and community schools, and dedicated special education programs.
Obtaining this qualification and license can lead to a variety of professional opportunities, including student support and intervention, IEP coordinator positions, and working with families and communities providing services to children and youth with disabilities. A graduate-level license puts you in a strong position for the stable, purpose-driven work these schools have long needed to staff.
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 Get Started?
If you are ready to teach and support students with disabilities in Columbus, MVNU’s online Intervention Specialist M.A.Ed offers a flexible, supported path to Ohio licensure. Choose the pathway that matches your background and apply today.
IS ONLINE COLLEGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Learn how online degree programs can take your career to the next level with The Ultimate Online College Guide.
Check out our PEL program!
Professional Educator’s License (M.A.Ed.)
Earn your Master’s in Education and get licensed to teach with our 100% online program.