Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023
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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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Ready to Start Your Journey?
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
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| 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 |
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
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
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.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Education Programs.
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.
