Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2024

Many colleges offer online special education bachelor's degrees. But what makes some programs better than others? Learn what sets the best degrees apart.
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Updated on February 14, 2024
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  • An online special education degree prepares you to work with students with disabilities.
  • Career paths include teaching, disability advocacy, and reading intervention specialist.
  • Programs often include student teaching and preparation for licensing exams.
  • A bachelor's in special education usually earns $54,000-$58,000, according to Payscale.
Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Special Education

Special education professionals support learners who have physical, emotional, mental, or learning disabilities. Students who earn bachelor's degrees in special education may also pursue roles as reading specialists, intervention specialists, education program administrators, or instructional designers.

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in special education can lead to good job security since much of the United States faces teacher shortages. Special education teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in the subject. They may also need teaching experience and a license to work in public schools. Learn more about the benefits of working in this field and discover the top online undergraduate programs in special education.

What Do You Learn in an Online Special Education Degree Program?

There are three types of bachelor's degrees in special education: a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), and a bachelor of education (B.Ed.). Degree classification and curriculum vary by institution. Generally, BA programs place more emphasis on the humanities, while BS programs dive deeper into the sciences and B.Ed. programs emphasize teaching and education.

Within the major of special education, some programs may ask you to choose a concentration, such as mild-to-moderate special education, early childhood special education, or K-12 special education. The option to double major in two subjects, like special education and mathematics, may also be available.

To provide aspiring educators with hands-on experience, online bachelor's programs in special education include student teaching. Degree programs also prepare you to take a teaching licensure exam. Some programs may prepare students to teach in all 50 states, while others only focus on licensing students to teach in one state.

“I think it is a rewarding field where you can make a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities. You learn skills that will help you work in a school system, as well as how to make the world a more accessible and accepting place.”

Tatiana Ransom, BA Special Education, East Tennessee University

Related Programs for You to Consider

Why Should You Get a Degree in Special Education?

A special education degree comes with all the big benefits you'd expect from a four-year degree: greater expertise in your field, higher income potential, and more career opportunities. In addition to teaching, you can qualify for roles like disability advocate, research consultant, and reading specialist. It's a rewarding field where you can help make education more accessible and enjoyable for learners with a variety of disabilities.

Teaching shortages remain an ongoing problem in many parts of the country. Fewer teachers leads to greater demand for someone who can meet the needs of special education students. You'll be more likely to get hired and have the flexibility to choose where you want to work, including in general education classrooms, resource rooms, and self-contained classrooms.

“I decided to pursue a career in special education because of my twin brother. He has autism, apraxia, and an intellectual disability. Growing up seeing the struggles he and my family had with the school system because of these things made me want to make a difference.”

Tatiana Ransom, BA Special Education, East Tennessee University

Online Special Education Degrees Rankings Snapshot

Top Online Special Education Degrees

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2024

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,825
Out-of-State | $3,825

Credits to Graduate: 120

Western Governors University's online B.A. in elementary education and special education program prepares students to become special education instructors for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Students can customize their degree plan, complete courses at their own pace and gain practical experience.

Students complete at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation and 12-20 weeks of supervised teaching opportunities. WGU's program helps students become licensed teachers by meeting certain eligibility requirements, though additional qualifications are typically necessary. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,162
Out-of-state
$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2024

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $883

Credits to Graduate: 120 

Eastern Carolina University offers two B.S. in special education programs in adapted and general curriculum. Both programs require completing general education, core, elective, and professional studies courses. They help lead to licensure, but you may need to meet some additional requirements to obtain K-12 teacher licensure.

The adapted curriculum prepares teachers to work with students who have significant cognitive disabilities. ECU offers elective courses in related services such as social work, adapted physical education, recreation, sign language, or occupational therapy. The general curriculum focuses on working with children with disabilities who are pursuing a high school diploma.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
28,021
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $206
Out-of-State | $6197

Credits to Graduate: 120

Florida International University offers an online B.S. in special education, educational foundations, and policy. The program focuses on teaching you ways to educate others about educational and foundational policies for people with disabilities. It covers cognitive, language, and social/emotional developmental needs of people with disabilities from ages 5-22.

Students can select cognates within the major to plan for advanced degrees in various areas. These areas serve individuals with special education, policy advocacy, law, business, and more. This major does not lead to teacher certification. Licensure requirements may vary by state.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2024

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,909-$4,895
Out-of-State | $8,555-$14,415 

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Georgia's online B.S. in education offers a special education major. It focuses on developing the skills and knowledge to work with students with high-incidence disabilities—for example, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. A major portion of the program includes supervised teaching opportunities in P-12 schools. 

UGA's program prepares students for teaching and reading intervention specialist roles in K-12 public schools. The Double Dawgs Pathway is also available and allows eligible students to earn an accelerated online master's degree in special education general curriculum. Students receive a recommendation for a master's level teaching certificate (T-5).

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,878
Out-of-state
$25,186
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
40,118
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education?

A bachelor's degree in special education prepares you to work with students with disabilities in educational settings like public and private schools.

You'll have other options, too, such as helping students improve their vocabulary and comprehension as a reading specialist or lobbying for disability rights as a disability advocate.

“There are many benefits to getting a bachelor's degree in special education. First, you can get a job right out of college. Second, there's a high demand for special education teachers. Third, you can help children with disabilities succeed in and outside of school. Fourth, you'll never get bored.”

Tatiana Ransom, BA Special Education, East Tennessee University

Popular Jobs in Special Education
Job Title Average Annual Salary
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School $55,350
Education Program Director $67,360
Reading Specialist $55,110
Instructional Designer $67,680
Intervention Specialist $44,650
Source: Payscale (as of June 2023)

How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor's in Special Education?

BA, Special Education

Average base salary: $54,000

Source: Payscale

BS, Special Education

Average base salary: $58,000

Source: Payscale

B.Ed., Special Education

Average base salary: $57,000

Source: Payscale

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Special Education Cost?

On average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the net price of a four-year degree program was $18,360 during the 2020-2021 academic year. Students at public schools paid about $14,000 annually, while those at nonprofit private schools spent more than $26,000. However, many factors impact the cost of college.

Additionally, you can look into education scholarships to help pay for school. Funding opportunities like the TEACH Grant provide up to $4,000 per year if you plan to teach in a low-income school district.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2021-2022

Public Institution (In State)

$9,678

Private Institution

$38,768

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-2021

Public Institution

$54,880

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$106,080

Source: NCES

How Long Does a Bachelor's in Special Education Take?

Most online bachelor's in special education programs require 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete.

Some schools offer a bachelor's in special education as a degree completion program. This means you must hold an associate degree or about 60 transfer credits and complete the required prerequisite courses to enroll.

So what's the benefit? These programs lead to a degree in two years, and if you earned your transferable credits at a community college, you can save a substantial amount of money.

Required Course Credits*

120 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program

Average Length of Time*

4 years
*Varies depending on your school/program

Beyond the Undergraduate Degree

Requirements for special education roles vary by state, with some requiring a master's degree in special education before you may apply for teacher certification. Additionally, special education consultants who help teachers develop individualized education programs (IEPs) and act as advisors for government agencies, school boards, and families typically need a graduate degree.

If you're looking for advancement opportunities or leadership roles in administrative positions, you may also need a master's degree to qualify. These roles may require you to pursue a master's in educational administration.

Keep in mind: Many teachers need to earn a certain number of continuing education credits each renewal cycle to maintain their licenses. These requirements also vary by state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Special Education Degrees

What are the admission requirements for an online special education bachelor's program?

Generally, students interested in earning an online bachelor's degree in special education first apply to a college or university, which generally involves submitting academic transcripts and an application fee. They may also need to meet GPA or standardized test requirements. Once accepted to the institution, bachelor's degree-seeking students typically need to declare a major by their sophomore year.

Is an online special education degree worth it?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for special education teachers is projected to grow by 4% between 2021 and 2031 — this is on par with the average growth rate for all occupations. Additionally, these professionals take home a median salary of $61,820, which is about $16,000 more than the national average. This combination of demand and above-average wages can make an online special education degree worth it for many students.

Are online education degrees respected?

As long as you graduate from an accredited institution, your online degree should be deemed valid by potential employers. Additionally, your diploma will not specify whether you earned your degree online or on campus.

What qualifications do you need to become a special education professional?

You typically need a bachelor's degree and a state-issued certification or license if you want to work in special education. Public schools require special education teachers to have both, but private schools may only require a bachelor's degree and not a license or certification.

What are the highest-paying jobs in special education?

Instructional designers and education program directors are among the highest-paid professionals in special education, both earning average salaries above $67,000. Instructional designers may require additional training beyond a bachelor's degree, including a technical writing background. Many education program directors also earn graduate degrees.

With Contributions By:

Tatiana Ransom

Tatiana is currently a graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University studying to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist. She graduated East Tennessee State University with a degree in Special Education and is certified to teach people with mild to severe disabilities in grades K-12. She has experience teaching people with and without disabilities ages one to twenty-five-years-old in subjects including early literacy skills, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and basic Spanish. Tatiana believes in a family and person-centered care approach to help support the goals of students and their families. As an educator, Tatiana individualizes instruction, meets students at their current level, and uses a strength-based approach to enable students to grow. Tatiana hopes to help students build their confidence so they are able to succeed in and outside of school.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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