Best Online Master’s in Special Education 2025
Top 10 Online Master's in Special Education Degree Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the University of Missouri and Arizona State University lost ranking positions. The University of Virginia remained in the top ranking position.
Key Takeaways
- Special education focuses on addressing the individual differences and needs of students with special needs.
- Generally, master’s in special education students may choose a concentration or specialization like teaching a specific age group or disability, such as children with vision impairments or high school students.
- The psychological development of a child with learning disabilities is positively affected by the quality and well-designed learning disability education, making the role of special education workers crucial.
Featured Programs
Best Online Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs
- #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
95%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Virginia
Cost of Degree: $22,612Expenses: $18,940Starting Salary: $94,005Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
Master’s of Teaching
Concentrations
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
68%
Student body
54K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/25
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Arizona
Cost of Degree: $14,389Expenses: $19,500Starting Salary: $66,301Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis
- Required Credits: 21
- Completion time: 16 months
- Format: Online
MA in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MA in Special Education: Disabilities
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
75%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/26
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Missouri
Cost of Degree: $13,029Expenses: $18,142Starting Salary: $67,011Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
M Ed in Early Childhood Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
M Ed in Early Childhood Special Education-Autism
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
67%
Student body
85K
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Arizona State University
Cost of Degree: $13,389Expenses: $21,219Starting Salary: $65,709Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
72%
Student body
48K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/26
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Cincinnati
Cost of Degree: $14,902Expenses: $19,772Starting Salary: $58,842Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
M.Ed in Educational Leadership
Concentrations
- Special Education Leadership
- Principal Leadership
- Non-Licensure
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
M.Ed in Special Education
Concentrations
- Path for Licensure and Reading Endorsement
- Supporting Students with Complex Needs
- Transition to Work Endorsement and Special Education Leadership
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
83%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/31
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Fordham University
Cost of Degree: $25,954Expenses: $27,583Starting Salary: $75,426Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Teaching
Concentrations
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Childhood Special Education
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
73%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/27
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Alabama
Cost of Degree: $11,740Expenses: $21,482Starting Salary: $61,091Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
63%
Student body
53K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/26
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Houston
Cost of Degree: $9,749Expenses: $17,023Starting Salary: $71,747Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
Concentrations
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
69%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/24
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $14,330Expenses: $21,886Starting Salary: $63,933Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/23
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Louisville
Cost of Degree: $14,418Expenses: $20,878Starting Salary: $57,540Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Teaching in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30- 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
69%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/24
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Arkansas
Cost of Degree: $12,160Expenses: $20,260Starting Salary: $62,394Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Maine
Cost of Degree: $10,446Expenses: $15,966Starting Salary: $57,184Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in 4+1 Special Education
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MEd in Special Education
Concentrations
- High Incidence Disabilities
- Low Incidence Disabilities
- Dual Concentration In High And Low Incidence Disabilities
- Early Intervention
- Individualized Program
- Required Credits: 33-45
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
64%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/25
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Texas Tech University
Cost of Degree: $9,518Expenses: $16,170Starting Salary: $72,931Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
69%
Student body
72K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/23
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Florida International University
Cost of Degree: $11,334Expenses: $19,406Starting Salary: $61,565Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Special Education
Concentrations
- Autism Endorsement
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
65%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/26
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Virginia Commonwealth University
Cost of Degree: $16,753Expenses: $23,509Starting Salary: $58,842Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 37
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
43%
Graduation
85%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1315/30
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Clemson University
Cost of Degree: $12,646Expenses: $19,784Starting Salary: $69,734Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Special Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
59%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of North Texas
Cost of Degree: $9,062Expenses: $15,823Starting Salary: $58,368Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
Concentrations
- Autism Intervention
- Education Diagnostician
- High-Incidence Disabilities
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
62%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Nevada, Reno
Cost of Degree: $6,584Expenses: $20,270Starting Salary: $66,656Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Education: Special Education
Concentrations
- Mild To Moderate Disabilities K-12
- Intellectual Disabilities- Moderate To Intense Needs
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Autism And Related Disorders K-12
- Advanced Studies In Behavior Analytic Intervention
- Early Intervention
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
48%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Memphis
Cost of Degree: $11,214Expenses: $17,726Starting Salary: $51,146Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Teaching
Concentrations
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Idaho
Cost of Degree: $10,548Expenses: $15,164Starting Salary: $55,645Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #4 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Illinois 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
67%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/24
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Illinois State University
Cost of Degree: $10,009Expenses: $18,288Starting Salary: $61,091Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
48%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/24
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Old Dominion University
Cost of Degree: $14,848Expenses: $19,392Starting Salary: $57,658Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Special Education VA Licensure
- Required Credits: 30-45
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Marshall University
Cost of Degree: $9,160Expenses: $16,352Starting Salary: $49,370Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Preschool Special Education
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
45%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Eastern Michigan University
Cost of Degree: $17,441Expenses: $16,344Starting Salary: $51,975Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Teaching in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30-39
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
32%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $11,092Expenses: $17,300Starting Salary: $47,121Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $20,469Expenses: $24,000Starting Salary: $56,513Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Curriculum And Instruction
Concentrations
- Dyslexia And Language Based Learning Disabilities
- Educational Leadership
- Online Teaching
- Reading
- Special Education
- Technology Integration
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Special Education Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolSpecial Education And Teaching
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,370
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,565
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $57,860
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
- Job Growth: -0.13%
- Number of Jobs: 318,900
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Education Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.24% | $73,240 |
Special Education Teachers, All Other | 2.00% | $67,190 |
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | -0.56% | $66,620 |
Special Education Teachers, Middle School | -0.90% | $66,600 |
Special Education Teachers, Preschool | 1.56% | $65,270 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,240 |
Special Education Teachers, All Other | $67,190 |
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $66,620 |
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.
And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
The Master of Special Education degree, offered at many public and private colleges, is intended for those with bachelor’s degrees who are interested in working with special needs students.
In an online master’s of special education program, students learn about the description and nature of disabilities in children of different ages and the psychological factors affecting these children. Students will learn how to create meaningful learning experiences for these children by applying effective teaching strategies.
Moreover, you can learn how to modify lesson plans for specific disabilities and create accommodations for students. Online special education master’s programs can open more career options and opportunities for you and, at the same time, allow you to have a positive impact on students.
Back to TopPossible Career Pathways for Online Master’s in Special Education Graduates
Possible career pathways for graduates of online master’s of special education programs include:, you’ll be eligible for many different job positions in a wide range of of diverse industries and organizations. Here are some possible career pathways for graduates of online master’s in special education:
School Principal
Primary, middle, and high school principals oversee staff and operations. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing curriculum, overseeing school budgets, and implementing professional development programs. Furthermore, principals are responsible for adhering to regional and school board policies and standards.
Daycare Center Director
Childcare center directors manage staff and administrative duties. SPED master graduates can specifically work for daycare centers with special needs. They are responsible for implementing policies, handling budgets, and establishing communications. Staff and student support channels must be integrated under local and industry regulations.
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher leads a classroom of students with varying disabilities. Students are assessed, and special education teachers develop lesson plans. Teachers with valid teaching license in this field provide specialized and attentive support to many student groups.
Education Administrator
Education administrators work with student services, registrars, and admissions offices in schools. Record management, communications, and application management are some of the tasks handled by these professionals.
Key Point: Graduates with an online master of special education degree program are eligible for many different job positions in a wide range of of diverse industries and organizations.
Career Outlook for Online Master’s in Special Education Graduates
The demand for special education teachers is growing due to a growing number of students enrolled in special education programs and the increase in early intervention programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teacher employment will grow by 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Online master’s degrees in special education allow graduates to teach at all levels, including schools below college and university.
Developing policies and practices that are more inclusive can also be part of your role within schools and school boards. The demand for special education programs has grown as disabilities in students are identified earlier, and special education programs are offered frequently in more and more schools.
Back to TopWhy Every Educator Should Study Special Education
Becoming a special educator does not necessarily begin with earning a degree in special education. But with master’s in special education online programs, your earning potential and employment prospects increase. With an MA in Special Education, you can grow personally and professionally.
Here are the reasons why every educator needs to study special education:
Become a More Effective Teacher
When you know how to teach all learners, not only those with disabilities, you understand how they learn. Obviously, special education teachers have a direct impact on teaching students with special needs. However, they can also provide professional advice, support, and mentoring to classroom teachers and school support staff, helping them to set achievable goals for their students based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Explore Other Career Paths
An online special education degree can open up several career opportunities outside the classroom, such as becoming a diagnostician in education, working in a clinical setting, or training school districts or state departments of education in special education best practices.
If you’re knowledgeable about special education, you might also be able to work in roles funded through state-wide programs for people with disabilities, such as case management, program coordination, or nonprofit administration.
Stay Ahead of the Competition
A master’s degree can help you stand out from other applicants, beyond just in applying for special education jobs. Having a Special Education degree indicates that you can teach all students—the gifted, the talented, and those with disabilities.
With inclusion increasing, general education teachers are no longer required to have advanced training in special education, so those who have pursued that additional training will be more competitive in a job search.
Become a Lifelong Learner
Working with all kinds of students is a rewarding line of work. By focusing on person-centered education, you can identify each student’s goals and needs, enabling you to adapt continuously and change. Aside from teaching students, you can also receive lessons from your teaching experiences. Newer educators and experienced teachers can benefit from the new skills and continue to become lifelong learners.
Bottom Line: There are numerous career and personal benefits in pursuing an online master’s degree in special education.
Goals of Special Education
Early childhood is usually the period between birth and five years of age. It is during the children’s first few years that their brain rapidly develops, which is critical to cognitive development.
Because the brain is most impressionable during this time, a child’s developmental path can be changed for the rest of their lives with early childhood special education and early intervention. Early childhood education is often overlooked, but it is vital to a child’s learning regardless of ability. However, helping children with special needs develop their social, and gross motor skills requires additional expertise.
A special education specialist for early childhood provides learning experiences to children with special needs, such as those with disabilities, autism, and down syndrome, through extensive training and certification programs. Here are the four developmental goals of early childhood special education teachers:
Intellectual Development
Early childhood special education emphasizes cognitive and intellectual development. Thinking, reasoning, and understanding are all part of this process.
Physical Development
Some special needs children have difficulty developing their motor skills at the same pace as their peers. Early childhood special education aims to teach kids to be strong and help them develop physically.
Emotional Development
Mood swings are common among toddlers. Children can control themselves during emotional outbursts with the help of early childhood educators.
Social Development
Cognitive and social development influence a child’s overall development. Interacting with peers, forming friendships, and strengthening communication skills are all aspects of peer-to-peer interaction. As part of special education, children learn conflict resolution skills to deal with these interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Degrees
Why get a master’s in special education?
Special Education teachers or people with a bachelor’s degree seeking to transition into the field of special education can earn their Master’s degree, which will provide instruction on the best practices for teaching students with different learning styles and educational needs.
What will I learn while getting a master’s in special education?
Classes cover topics such as behavior analysis, IEPs and 504 Plans, and assessment. Most programs require a practicum or field service to earn the degree, and programs take an average of two years to complete.
Is getting a master’s in special education through online classes worth it?
Online students seeking to earn their master’s degrees have more options than ever before. Many high quality universities with excellent teaching programs are now offering fully remote courses.
Online advanced degrees open doors for students seeking to enter top-tier programs while continuing to fulfill existing professional responsibilities.
Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in education.