What Can You Do with a Masters in Special Education?

What Can You Do with a Masters in Special Education?
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • A master’s degree in special education can lead to well-paid roles as school superintendents or university administrators.
  • There is a shortage of special education professionals in the majority of states in the US.
  • A master’s in special education offers career opportunities in teaching, therapy and rehabilitation, or policy making and advocacy.

Are you considering a career in special education? We have done extensive research on what can you do with a master’s in special education to help you make informed career choices. Stick around as we explore various career options. Furthermore, we will also list the top education programs offered by reputable universities.

Female teacher teaching an elementary english class

Featured Programs

What can you do with a master’s in special education?

With a master’s in special education, you can do much more than just teach in a regular classroom. There are many different jobs you could do that would help lots of people. You could work in schools or help people with therapy or rehabilitation. Or even help make new rules and plans for education.

Educational Setting

Studying for a master’s in special education helps you get better jobs in schools. You can become a special education teacher, helping students who need extra support. You can also take on bigger roles, like helping decide what students learn and how they’re taught.

Below are some career options with a master’s degree in special education:

  • Educational Administrators are in charge of programs and staff, making sure everyone follows the rules. You’ll work with others to keep things running smoothly and implement policies effectively.
  • The Instructional Coordinator collaborates with teachers and administrators to improve teaching and student outcomes. You will create a curriculum and assess educational standards, enhancing teaching methodologies and ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
  • Leadership Positions need coordinators to make schools safe for students and teachers.  They need to make sure everyone feels supported and treated fairly. This helps schools do well academically and be inclusive to everyone.

Your master’s degree provides you with the knowledge necessary for positions. You can make a difference and advocate for special education through this position.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

With this degree, you can choose jobs where you help students in different ways. Speech, occupational, and physical therapists are required to manage students with special needs. Here are some career options you could opt-in for therapy and rehabilitation field:

  • Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders. Generally, they require additional certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. According to BLS, this field is lucrative, with job opportunities expected to grow by 19% from 2022 to 2032.
  • Behavior Intervention Specialists develop and implement strategies to improve behavior and social skills. They also work with teachers and parents to create behavior management plans.
  • Rehabilitation Counselors help students with disabilities attain their academic goals. These professionals are students with special needs preparing for life after school. This includes helping them find job training, get a job, and learn how to live independently.

Policy Making and Advocacy

Your advanced degree opens doors to a career in policy-making and advocacy. As a specialist, you can influence the laws that govern educational systems.

Here are some options for individuals with a degree in policy-making and advocacy:

  • Educational Policy Analyst research to pinpoint areas in academic programs needing improvement. They then use this research to formulate recommendations to improve these programs.
  • Advocates or Lobbyists fight for the rights of students with disabilities. This means you could speak up for policy changes and lobby decision-makers. This helps students with disabilities get the help they need to do well in school.
  • Government Personnel work on policies and decisions to improve education. This way, you’re not just shaping your future—you’re shaping the future of education. By getting involved, they have a say in what is taught, how it is taught, and the resources available to students.

Whether teaching, advising on policies, or providing important therapy, you can make a big difference.

Students using individual laptops for class
Back to Top

Role of Technology and Behavioral Management In Special Education

A degree in special education teaches you different teaching methods for students with special needs. These techniques help manage classroom behavior to create an inclusive learning environment. With a master’s in this field, you can explore the services for students with special needs. Then, based on your interests, you can complete your specialization in that field.

Technology in Special Education

Learning about using technology in special education is key for your career. This means knowing about tools that help disabled students learn and how to adjust these tools for each student.

A survey showed that 55-64% of schools catering to special needs students offer assistive or adaptive hardware. Additionally, the same survey showed that 39-56% of these schools provide adaptive software.

Here’s a closer look at some key types of assistive technology:

  • Assistive Software: These programs are designed to aid students with disabilities. One such tool is text-to-speech software, which reads out computer screen text.  This helps students with reading comprehension. Other assistive software programs assist with writing, organization, and math.
  • Communication Aids: These devices are vital for students who have difficulty speaking. Communication aids can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices. They enable non-verbal students to express themselves and communicate effectively with others. This enhances their social interactions and educational experiences.
  • Interactive Whiteboards: These interactive display boards can greatly enhance classroom engagement. They allow teachers to present lessons interactively, catering to different learning styles. Interactive whiteboards promote active student participation, encouraging collaboration and hands-on learning experiences.

Behavioral Techniques and Management

In special education, knowing how to manage behavior is important. These programs teach you different ways to encourage good behavior. This way, you will create a positive learning environment for everyone.

It teaches you:

  • Positive Reinforcement: This means using praise or rewards to encourage good behavior and reinforce it. For example, when students finish their work on time, they might get extra free time or a sticker as a reward. This helps reinforce the behavior and encourages them to continue doing well.
  • Conflict Resolution: Educators must equip our students with important conflict resolution skills. These skills help educators solve students’ problems and create a peaceful classroom environment. Teaching these skills to students can foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
  • Crisis Intervention: Sometimes, things might get tough in the classroom. You’ll be prepared with plans to handle emergencies or serious behavior problems. This includes knowing how to safely remove a student from a dangerous situation or who to call for help in an emergency.

Behavior specialists don’t just work in classrooms. They also help in other places, such as different types of schools or private practice. They make sure students learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Best Master’s Program in Special Education

Consider several factors when selecting the best master’s program in special education. The ideal program must have a comprehensive curriculum and experienced faculty. It should also offer practical experience opportunities and a supportive learning environment.

Following are some of the best schools offering Master’s in special education programs.

  1. #1

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Special Education degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $56,128
    Expenses: $25,644
    Starting Salary: $97,040
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vanderbilt University offers programs with creative teaching, research opportunities, and a strong faculty. U.S. News has ranked this institute as the best in special education.

    • Certification & Initial Licensure: You can earn certification and licensure to become a special education teacher here. The training program thoroughly prepares teachers to educate diverse learners.
    • Research Opportunities:  Vanderbilt offers research opportunities in special education. Students can study teaching methods and interventions for disabilities. Faculty members guide and mentor students through their evidence-based research projects.

    This institute is great for students who want to gain practical experience. It is not the best choice for those who want a research-oriented or theoretical approach.

    Compare school
    2. Woman guiding a blind man with his braille textbook
  2. #2

    University of Kansas

    Lawrence , KS
    #8 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/24

    Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Kansas

    Cost of Degree: $11,574
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $70,208
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Kansas offers excellent academics, research, and a lively campus community. Its special education programs are for those interested in teaching and researching. The university also provides services to individuals and families with disabilities.

    • Continuing Education: The University of Kansas provides continuing education options for professionals. These programs help you learn and grow in your career while being flexible to meet your needs. The institute understands the importance of lifelong learning. It offers flexible continuing education options for professionals.
    • Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Kansas. This accreditation means that KU provides a tough, high-quality education. It assures students and employers that they can trust the education they receive.

    K.U. offers great business, engineering, and education programs and has a lively campus life. If you’re looking for a highly-ranked research institution, consider other options.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Oregon

    Eugene , OR
    #1 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Oregon

    Cost of Degree: $19,236
    Expenses: $20,052
    Starting Salary: $60,736
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    This institute is a respected public research university located in Eugene, Oregon. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in special education. It is committed to preparing educators for diverse student needs.

    • Research: Acclaimed teachers teach this high-ranked special education program. The research includes early intervention, autism, and social-emotional learning. It aims to improve educational equity and outcomes for students with disabilities.
    • Licensure: The research includes early intervention, autism, and social-emotional learning. It aims to improve educational equity and outcomes for students with disabilities. Students can choose from two focus areas: K-12/Generalist and early intervention.

    This school is great if you like learning theories and applying them. People here are known for taking and using what they study in real life. If you want to teach in classrooms and don’t care much about doing research, this might not be the best fit for you.

    Compare school
  5. #4

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $22,612
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $94,005
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Virginia (UVA) is a well-known public university in Charlottesville, Virginia. Their Special Education Master’s program focuses on supporting students with special learning needs. It covers topics like creating lesson plans, handling behavior, and collaborating with families.

    • Career Alignment: This program makes teachers and curriculum developers eligible for licensure. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in special education or further research. The institute also helps them to grow in their careers and contribute to special education.
    • Faculty Expertise: UVA has experienced faculty in special education. They focus on effective teaching practices, assistive technology, and behavior interventions & supports (PBIS).

    UVA is a good fit for those who want to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. However, if you are interested in educational theories, you may not find this college to be the best choice.

    Compare school
    6. Teacher checking up on her students during class
  6. #5

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Special Education degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $12,737
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $77,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Florida in Gainesville offers evidence-based practices and inclusive teaching methodologies. The program equips graduates to support students with disabilities effectively. U.F.’s program caters to both preservice and in-service teachers.

    • Program Specialization: UVA’s program specializes in evidence-based practices for various learning needs. Choosing specific electives lets you customize your studies. You can focus on early childhood special education, autism, or assistive technology. They make sure you gain the skills to support a diverse range of learners effectively.
    • Hands-On Learning Modules: The program offers practical experiences. These include simulations, field placements, and action research projects. Students use simulations to learn teaching strategies. On the contrary, field placements provide hands-on experience in local schools. Students can explore their interests in special education and improve their learning.

    UVA’s Special Ed master’s program is best for those seeking practical experience and specialization options. It might not be ideal for students on a tight budget, as prestigious universities often cost more.

    Compare school

Related Questions

What is the highest paying master’s degree in education?

A master’s degree in educational leadership and administration offers highest paid roles. This degree leads to well-paid roles as school superintendents or university administrators.

How much do special education teachers make in California with a master’s degree?

In California, special education teachers with Master’s degrees earn a lucrative amount. Some make as much as $137,180, while most fall between $49,300 and $65,100. This shows the potential to earn a good living in this field in the state.

Are special education teachers in demand in the USA?

Yes, special education teachers are in great demand across the United States. The shortage of special education professionals in 49 states shows their needs and how promising the opportunity is for special education teachers nationwide.

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s in special education offers a variety of rewarding career paths. In this job market, having advanced qualifications can increase your salary potential. With the tips and information shared, you can make informed decisions about a rewarding career in special education.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here