There were
no special education instructors
in the U.S. before 1975. This fairly new profession has brought education to students with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities, helping them achieve their potential and excel in the classroom.
The
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) states there are nearly half a million special education teachers working in U.S. classrooms. The BLS expects the profession to grow about 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with the average for all professions. The median
salary
for a special ed teacher is currently $61,420 a year — a number that may increase for those with a master’s degree in special ed.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
The 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education of 2021
WGU's online master's in special education program prepares licensed teachers to educate K-12 children and adolescents. WGU's 12-course, 36-credit curriculum emphasizes the foundations of instructional design, behavioral management and intervention, and psychoeducational assessment. All learners must also complete a 240-hour practicum at a school.
TWU's special education master's degree features a 30-credit curriculum that appeals to both licensed teachers and education researchers. Students analyze high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities, assessments for effective interventions, and legal and administrative issues. Learners can customize the program by earning an optional educational diagnostician certification.
UHV's 30-39-credit special education master's online offers four concentrations: applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, diagnostic certification, and dyslexia. Each track emphasizes coursework in diagnostic teaching, assistive technology and instructional strategies, and programming and collaboration. UHV provides resources for distance learners, including online workshops, top job boards, and networking sites.
SOSU's online master's in special education program requires a 30-credit curriculum that full-time students can complete in 12 months. Specialty coursework prepares students to use positive behavioral intervention, teach children with autism, and analyze behavior in the workplace. At SOSU's Career Management Center, students can search for a new job and explore internship opportunities. Online services include mock interviews, resume and cover letter critiques, and one-on-one career counseling.
Students who want to learn asynchronously choose UF's special education master's degree. The 36-credit curriculum features four concentrations: autism, disabilities in society, dyslexia, and early childhood studies. All students complete coursework in designing instruction for inclusive classrooms, learning strategies, and collaborative practices. UF uses a GRE score cutoff, and in-state students save approximately 75% on tuition compared to out-of-state degree-seekers.
Students can select from six concentrations, including child psychology, effective student assessment methods, and behavior management. The program uses a cohort-based format, and students take 1-2 courses at a time. Students in the accelerated track can earn a degree in 24 months, while other learners can graduate in 28-32 months. Averett features several career-centered resources for all students, including academic portfolio assistance, interest inventories, and professional etiquette training.
Graduation rate: 33%
School status: Private
Number of programs offered: 151+
City location: Danville, Virginia
Admission requirements: 3.0 GPA, Virginia state teaching license
MSU's online master's in special education prepares graduates to educate children with blindness or low vision. The program's 39-credit curriculum requires coursework in the principles of orientation and mobility, the application of technology in special education, and the methods of teaching independent living skills. All students complete a practicum experience.
Licensed teachers who can learn in an accelerated format should consider UTRGV's special education master's degree. The program's 30-credit curriculum uses seven-week courses and features coursework in the legal foundations of special education, applied behavioral analysis, and the foundations of assessment in special education.
Graduation rate: 43%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 120+
City location: Edinburg, Texas
Admission requirements: 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, two recommendation letters, resume
Licensed Texas teachers can enroll in UT Tyler's special education master's online program. During the program's two-year, 36-credit curriculum, students hone knowledge and skills related to learning theory, educational strategies, and individual assessment of cognitive function. The program uses a cohort learning model. More than 95% of graduates pass the special education TExES exam on the first try.
Graduation rate: 45%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 80+
City location: Tyler, Texas
Admission requirements: Texas teaching license, 3,25 GPA, GRE scores
LU's online master's in special education program appeals to licensed educators who want to earn a special education endorsement. All courses last five weeks and include educational psychology, special education law, and functional behavioral assessment.
Graduation rate: 33%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 100+
City location: Beaumont, Texas
Admission requirements: Teaching license, 2.5 GPA, two years of teaching experience, letter from applicant's principal.
FIU's special education master's degree allows licensed special education teachers to earn a Florida autism endorsement, which transfers to many states. The one-year, 36-credit curriculum includes coursework in the foundations of educational research, instructional technology for special education, and assistive and instructional technology.
Graduation rate: 54%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 189+
City location: Miami, Florida
Admission requirements: Teaching license with certification in special education; 3.0 GPA, statement of purpose, three recommendation letters
WilmU's special education master's online attracts both practicing and aspiring educators. Students can select from five degrees, four of which award a Delaware teaching license with a special education endorsement. Program requirements include 33-54 credits depending on the degree and may include coursework in reading in content areas, technology for instruction, and curriculum in special education.
Prospective learners living in and around Huntsville, Texas, should consider SHSU's online master's in special education program. The program features a unique bilingual track wherein Spanish-speaking students train to work with recent immigrants. The 36-credit curriculum requires coursework in the education of individuals with disabilities, a seminar in special education, and outcomes in behavior intervention.
Graduation rate: 53%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 170+
City location: Huntsville, Texas
Admission requirements: Two recommendation letters, GRE scores, one year of teaching experience
NU's special education master's degree offers two tracks for practicing and aspiring California educators: mild/moderate and moderate/severe. Both degrees use an accelerated, 77-quarter-credit curriculum with coursework in learners and learning, advanced behavioral supports, and language literacy. Degree-seekers pursuing licensure complete student teaching.
TTU's special education master's online program features a concentration in applied behavior analysis. The 36-credit curriculum includes courses in strategies for children with low-incidence disabilities, behavior change, and human development in education. Some courses may require students to attend an orientation or other academic event on TTU's Lubbock campus.
Graduation rate: 59%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 150+
City location: Lubbock, Texas
Admission requirements: Transcript, recommendation letters, 3.0 GPA, statement of interest
Licensed Wyoming teachers enroll in UW's online master's in special education program to take their teaching career in a new direction. Students can choose between a 33-credit program concluding with an action research project or a 41-credit program that requires a thesis. In both tracks, students analyze research applications in the classroom, assistive technology, and transition planning. All students also complete two practica.
NSU's special education master's degree features four concentrations: Gifted education, early intervention, elementary mild/moderate, and secondary mild/moderate. Foundational courses include curriculum development, instructional improvement, and action research for school improvement. Each concentration requires 36 credits and may not prepare degree-seekers in all states for licensure.
Graduation rate: 38%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 50+
City location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Admission requirements: Transcripts, GRE scores, two recommendation letters
HFU's special education master's online program enrolls licensed educators looking for a career change. The flexible curriculum allows learners to specialize in one of five areas, including autism, reading, and ESL programs. Courses last eight weeks, and students living in and around HFU's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campus can earn the degree in a hybrid format.
Graduation rate: 56%
School status: Private
Number of programs offered: 40
City location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Admission requirements: Teaching license, 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, personal essay
Motivated students who want to earn a degree in 12 months select UTPB's online master's in special education program. Required coursework includes educational psychology, the foundations of special education, and transition programming for exceptional learners. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Graduation rate: 34%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 140+
City location: Odessa, Texas
Admission requirements: 3.0 GPA (GRE scores must be submitted if GPA is below 3.0), personal essay
UNT's special education master's degree includes a required concentration in autism education. Students examine special education law, positive behavioral interventions, and teaching social skills to children with disabilities. The curriculum requires 33 credits, and full-time students can graduate in 15 months.
Graduation rate: 50%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 239
City location: Denton, Texas
Admission requirements: Two recommendation letters, personal statement, GRE scores (must be submitted if GPA is under 3.25)
Purdue's special education master's online program appeals to aspiring educators who want to earn an Indiana teaching license. The degree features six concentrations, and all students complete coursework in advanced assistive technology, applied behavior analysis, and advanced characteristics of children with mild disabilities.
Graduation rate: 31%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 211
City location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Admission requirements: Resume, three recommendation letters, personal statement, transcripts
Students who work full time choose UW's online master's in special education program. Online courses meet in the evenings. Students examine applied behavior analysis (ABA) concepts and principles, complete assessments in ABA, and design comprehensive behavioral interventions. Most students can earn the degree in 1-2 years.
Graduation rate: 67%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 370+
City location: Seattle, Washington
Admission requirements: GRE scores, two recommendation letters, statement of purpose, experience working with individuals with disabilities
Fitchburg State's special education master's degree uses a hybrid curriculum with some Saturday sessions on the university's Fitchburg, Massachusetts, campus. The program features five 36-39-credit concentrations, including dyslexia specialization, reading specialization, and a specialization in teaching students with moderate disabilities.
Graduation rate: 57%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 96+
City location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Admission requirements: Teaching license, three recommendation letters, personal essay
IU's special education master's online program attracts licensed K-12 educators who want to teach children with mild or moderate disabilities. The 36-credit degree requires coursework in classroom management and behavior support, collaboration and service delivery, and a field-based seminar in teacher education. Students work with an academic advisor to create a bespoke concentration.
Graduation rate: 78%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 300+
City location: Bloomington, Indiana
Admission requirements: 2.75 GPA, personal statement, two recommendation letters
FHSU's online master's in special education program prepares degree-seekers to work with children with high-incidence disabilities. The 36-credit curriculum includes coursework in legal and professional issues, behavior management in schools, and methods and materials for exceptional students. Students complete an educational research project in their final semester.
Graduation rate: 43%
School status: Public
Number of programs offered: 70+
City location: Hays, Kansas
Admission requirements: 3.0 GPA, personal statement, two recommendation letters
At Best Value ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs.
We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the
National Center for Education Statistics
and the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric
Data Used
Percentage
Academic Quality
Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates
25%
Affordability
Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid
35%
Reputation
Admission and enrollment rates
15%
Program Offerings
Number of program options
10%
Online Enrollment Score
Portion of learners taking at least one online course
15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our
methodology page.
Have Questions About Special Education Master’s Degrees? We Have Answers.
Do I need a master's degree to be a special education teacher?
That depends on the regulations in the state you reside in. Some states require master’s level certification for their K-12 teachers. Either way, you may be eligible for a higher salary with a master’s-level degree.
Is an online master's of special education as good as an in-person degree?
Although that depends on the program you choose, colleges and universities provide top-level education for online students, with highly qualified faculty and resources that are no different from what in-person students receive.
Can I get a master's degree in special education while I'm working?
Yes, most programs allow you to take classes part-time. Asynchronous programs offer classes you can take at your convenience, whether that means early morning, late at night, or some other time.
What jobs pay the most in the field of special education?
Administrative jobs tend to pay more than classroom jobs, with elementary and secondary school administrators earning a median pay of $98,880, according to the BLS.
How can I find the best online masters of special ed for my own needs?
Do your homework: think about your goals, and review top programs’ websites. Talk to admissions counselors, and see if you can sit in on a virtual class. Also, consider your finances, and look for financial aid.
ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频 design master’s degrees in special education for students with undergraduate degrees in education or similar fields. You will learn about disabilities in children of all ages, from preschool to post-secondary, and the ways you can help these students reach their academic potential.
Common coursework in a master’s program in special ed includes classes on:
Behavioral disorders
Psychology
Language development
Trends in special education leadership
You may be able to focus on a particular disorder, such as autism, or take classes that teach you how to write curriculum or become an administrator.
Degree Requirements
You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education to apply to a special education master’s program online. Programs may also require provisional certification in an educational content area. Many programs look for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, as well as the GRE or Praxis tests.
Other standard application requirements for an online special education master’s degree include recommendation letters, an essay that answers the institution’s questions, and an interview to ask and answer questions.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Special Education Degree
When researching programs, prospective students should read through course descriptions to ensure the content aligns with their
specialized teaching career goals
. For example, individuals who want to work with high school students with disabilities should look for a program that covers education methods specific to this age group. While courses vary by program, the following list outlines five common special education classes.
Application of Technology in Special Education
Most Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) include a technology component. In this class, future teachers learn how to use technology to break down learning barriers for students. For example, students who struggle to process visual information can benefit from computer audio that reads assignment instructions to them.
Applied Behavior Analysis
In an applied behavior analysis course, participants learn how to use the principles of motivation to encourage positive actions in students. This course focuses on how to effectively help learners with behavioral disabilities improve their social interactions. Class participants read through case studies and discuss what factors contribute to helping students overcome behavioral challenges.
Cognitive and Behavioral Teaching Approaches
This course covers common research-based cognitive and behavioral teaching approaches that special educators use in the classroom. Class participants learn how to empower students to control their own behavior. The course discusses methods other than external reinforcements that teachers can use to help students with disabilities stay on task.
Practicum
Most special education master’s degrees include a practicum component that gives students hands-on, supervised experience working with learners with disabilities. Some programs require multiple practicums with various age groups.
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Since autism is a relatively common disorder, many special education programs include a class devoted to this topic. In this course, students discover how to enhance learning and social interactions in children with autism spectrum disorders. While this class does not teach students how to diagnose this disorder, it teaches them signs of the disorder so they can make professional recommendations for testing.
Career Path for Master’s in Special Education Degree
For many graduates from an affordable master’s program in special education, the classroom is their logical destination. They may be employed in pre-K, primary, or secondary level classrooms — both in mainstreamed classes as well as those which focus solely on students with special needs.
Some graduates of master’s of special education online programs may enter public service, working at the state, regional, or even federal level to create policy that benefits students with special needs. Others may work as educational administrators at the school or district level, working with students in a broad range of settings to ensure the best possible academic experience.
Still, others may become instructional coordinators, overseeing school curriculum and teaching standards for students with special needs. This field is growing faster than average, with the BLS projecting 6% growth over the next decade.
Job Outlook & Salary
Special education professionals enjoy strong job prospects. The
Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) projects jobs for special educators to grow 3% between 2019 and 2029. In 2020, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $61,420. However, related occupations that graduates with a master’s in special education can pursue feature higher growth rates. For example, the BLS projects the need for
instructional coordinators
to grow 6% between 2019 and 2029. In 2020, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $66,970.
Graduates with an online master’s in special education can also potentially work as
medical scientists
, focusing on the needs of youth with special needs, and making a median annual salary of $91,510 in 2020.
They may also work at the college or university level as
postsecondary teachers
, who earned an annual median salary of $80,790 in 2020. It is increasingly common for colleges and universities to have an office dedicated to the needs of students with disabilities, and this is a common destination for those with a master’s in special education.
Students pursuing an education-related bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply. Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of voluntary unionism through a 500-word essay.
Students in New York currently completing a degree program that leads to special education certification may apply. The Arc New York Chapter also reserves scholarship funds for current employees who want to further their studies in this field.
The U.S. Department of Education provides this grant to prospective teachers who plan to work in a high-need field in a low-income area. Recipients must take specific classes during their studies and commit to the award’s career requirements. Otherwise, this grant converts to a loan.
Amount:
$4,000
Deadline
:October 31
Related Degrees
Degrees similar to special education include the following:
A psychology degree will allow you to work with students in a school setting, as a school counselor or psychologist, or in medical settings. You may also open a private practice that focuses on treating children with mental disabilities.
Studying law would allow you to carve out a professional niche as a special education advocate or consultant. You might take the bar exam in your state to practice law, or you could work in government, helping to shape policy for special education needs.
A degree in writing at either the graduate or undergraduate level would be helpful if you wish to work on curricular materials, such as textbooks and lesson plans, for special education students. You might also write articles or books on children with special ed needs on a freelance basis.
Mary Van Keuren
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mary Van Keuren is a contributing writer who covers higher education, online graduate programs, college planning, and more for Grad School Hub. Her writing has also appeared in MSN, Bankrate, and NextAdvisor.com.
Additional Resources
Use articles and resources to uncover answers to common questions, get guidance on your goals, and learn about applying to schools.
A represents more than a standard educational degree. As a frequent qualification for high school principals, college administrators, and school guidance counselors, it represents advanced skills in education, communications, and administration....
In many cases, the tuition assistance for teachers working to earn their master's degrees isn't directly provided by the school that they're attending; however, exceptions may occasionally be made for...
With the changes in the education system throughout the United States over the past 10 years, teachers who are in the process of earning a teaching degree are encouraged to...
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