Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs of 2023
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- Graduates of online special education degree programs can pursue jobs in teaching, disability advocacy, and similar areas.
- Special education programs typically feature student teaching, preparing students for licensing exams.
- Students pursuing a bachelor's in special education typically complete 120 credits over four years.
- According to Payscale, workers with a bachelor's in special education usually earn $54,000-$58,000.
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
Best Online Special Education Undergraduate Programs
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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.
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.
Discover Similar Education Programs.
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
| 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 |
How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor's in Special Education?
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
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$54,880
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$106,080
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.
