Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Explore the best special education online degrees, what sets them apart, and what kinds of jobs you'll be eligible for after graduation.
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  • A bachelor's in special education program prepares you to work with students with disabilities.
  • Special education careers are versatile, so you can work in anything from teaching to advocacy.
  • According to Payscale, workers with a bachelor's in special education can earn $50,000-$72,000.

When you break it down, school is about helping students reach their full potential. The goal is the same in special education, though the tools and strategies to get there may differ.

In a bachelor's in special education program, you'll learn how to work with students with various disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and behavioral conditions.

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If you're considering an online special education degree, here's what to do next:

  • Explore this page to make sure this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online special education programs and our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from the schools you're interested in.

Is a Degree in Special Education Worth It?

A special education degree comes with all the big benefits you'd expect: teaching expertise, higher income potential, and more career opportunities. But another factor makes it appealing, too.

Teaching shortages remain an ongoing problem in some parts of the country. Fewer teachers means a higher 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 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

Popular Special Education Programs You Should Consider

Why Should You Get a Degree in Special Education?

A special education degree can be beneficial for you in a variety of ways:

  • It's rewarding: You get to make education accessible and enjoyable for learners with a range of disabilities.
  • It's versatile: Besides teaching, you can qualify for roles like disability advocate, research consultant, and reading specialist.
  • It's impressive: A special education degree sets you apart from other candidates because you can provide high-quality education to a diverse range of students.
“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

Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs

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#1 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Liberty University offers a fully online bachelor of education in special education. The degree has a licensure track that allows you to apply for a teaching license through the state of Virginia. 

In LU's education program, you will work with a curriculum that focuses on the practical application of essential learning theories. You'll work in a local school to gain hands-on classroom experience. 

If you're a first-time applicant, you must submit proof of a high school education. You must also have at least a 2.0 GPA.

Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

University of West Alabama

  • Livingston, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $325
Out of State | $325

Credits to Graduate
127

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

The University of West Alabama's online special education degree provides graduates with certification to teach grades K-6 and/or K-6 and K12. At the end of UWA's special education program, you'll be certified to teach within Alabama schools or any states that have a reciprocity agreement. 

The degree features a mentor collective program that links you to a mentor. This mentor will help you build your network and develop professional skills. 

You must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores to apply.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,100
Out-of-state
$18,200
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
5,734
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% 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 2023

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • Honolulu, HI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $585
Out of State | $585

Credits to Graduate
123

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Chaminade University's BS in special education program is designed for students who are transferring from Leeward Community College. Chaminade's program prepares you for special education careers in especially diverse and multicultural schools.

Upon graduation, you'll know how to implement effective instructional strategies for special education students, in line with the Marianist tradition. 

To apply, you must have completed 90 credits from Leeward Community College. 

Average Tuition
In-state
$26,800
Out-of-state
$26,800
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
2,208
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $219
Out of State | $648

Credits to Graduate
132

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

At the University of West Florida, you'll learn to meet the unique needs of diverse students. Completing UWF's special education program makes you eligible to receive a professional Florida educator's certificate in exceptional student education (K-12), as well as elementary education (K-6). 

The program also includes two field experiences in classrooms, supervised by experienced teachers. Student teaching is the final capstone experience, where you'll assume full teaching responsibilities for one semester before graduation. 

First-time applicants need a cumulative 2.7 high school GPA and must submit an SAT or ACT test score.

Average Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
13,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Mayville State University

  • Mayville, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $336
Out of State | $336

Credits to Graduate
126

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Mayville State University offers a BS in education in special education as a standalone degree or as part of a double major with early childhood, elementary, or secondary education majors. 

MSU's special education program features a fast-track option that allows you to incorporate 8- and 16-week courses into your schedule to move through the coursework faster.

For admission, you must submit high school transcripts, along with ACT or SAT scores.

Average Tuition
In-state
$6,025
Out-of-state
$9,038
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
1,168
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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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#6 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $326
Out of State | $961

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The University of Georgia's BS in education is designed for Georgia residents who want to earn a teaching certification in special education. 

Classes are completed in a cohort model, and you are expected to graduate within 2-3 academic years. And you'll participate in a full-time student teaching experience in your last semester. 

To apply to UGA's program, you must hold a minimum 2.8 GPA and have completed 60 transferable college credit hours.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
39,147
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Central Methodist University

  • Fayette, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $260
Out of State | $260

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

The Central Methodist University special education degree teaches you how to meet the needs of those with special accommodations and evaluate developmental behavior. In CMU's program, you will receive hands-on learning experience through your work in projects, field experiences, and internships. 

You can apply to the program once you have completed 60 hours of coursework with a minimum 2.0 GPA. You'll need an ACT score of 22 or higher. You must also submit a self-assessment and two faculty evaluations.

Average Tuition
In-state
$5,950
Out-of-state
$5,950
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
3,429
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Western New Mexico University

  • Silver City, NM
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $319
Out of State | $595

Credits to Graduate
148

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

Western New Mexico University's special education program prepares you to work in early childhood, elementary, or secondary school settings. WNMU's program focuses on hands-on, practical skills, and you can complete it online, in-person, or a mix of both. 

To apply to the program, you must provide high school transcripts, unless you've already earned 24 college credits. The school does not require ACT or SAT scores.

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,417
Out-of-state
$11,400
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,896
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $205
Out of State | $883

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

East Carolina University's Partnership Teach program is designed for students who begin at a North Carolina community college and wish to complete their teaching degree online. 

ECU's special education program features a general and adapted curriculum based on your preferences. You will also participate in a full-time internship in a public school classroom during your senior year. 

Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, passing Praxis Core tests, and the ability to take 16-18 hours per semester.

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
28,798
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

  • Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $496
Out of State | $496

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you can choose from two special education programs. The first program is designed for children ages 2-6, and the second is designed for children in grades K-6. SMWC's program blends developmental courses with special education courses, so you can become dual licensed.

You'll partake in several clinical and field experiences throughout your study, which will culminate in student teaching during your final semester. 

To apply, you must submit official high school or college transcripts.

Average Tuition
In-state
$29,950
Out-of-state
$29,950
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
1,099
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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 also 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
Jobs Average Annual Salary (Dec. 2022)
Special Education Teacher $54,300
Education Program Director $65,800
Reading Specialist $55,430
Instructional Designer $66,620
Intervention Specialist $43,700
Source: Payscale

Read More: Special Education Careers

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

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

National data for online bachelor's in special education is not available. But, in general, you can expect to pay about $25,000 total for a bachelor's degree in education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). NCES data shows the average bachelor's in education costs $6,345 per year.

You can look into education scholarships to help pay for school. Scholarships 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 | 2020-2021

Public Institution

$9,375

Private Institution

$32,825

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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

Public Institution

$56,000

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$112,000

Source: BestColleges

Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?

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.

And 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

Special Education: 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.

Everything Else You Need to Know About a Bachelor's in Special Education

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?

Director of special education (average base salary of $81,850 per year), education manager ($74,810), and education program director ($65,540) were some of the highest-paying jobs in special education as of December 2022, according to Payscale. But, in addition to your bachelor's degree, you may need a master's degree to qualify for these higher-salary roles.

Are special education majors in demand?

Special education majors are in demand, but not more than normal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for special education teachers to grow by 4% from 2021-2031. Four percent is as fast as the average growth of all other professions.

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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