Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs 2023
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- Getting your master's degree online may allow you to complete your degree earlier.
- A special education master's degree opens the door to teaching special education students.
- Job growth for special education teachers is in line with the national average of 4%.
- A master's degree can help you advance your special education career.
Special education teachers teach students who learn differently due to behavioral, emotional, mental, or physical disabilities. Almost 15% of students in the United States take part in special education programs. Specialists in the industry help those students succeed.
A master's degree in special education prepares you with the expert training you need to make an impact in a child's life. Below, we look at several online master's degree programs in special education. We also discuss how to determine if an online program is right for you and how getting a master's degree can propel your career in special education
Is an Online Master's in Special Education Right for Me?
Getting your master's degree on campus takes an average of two years. However, getting your degree online can shorten that time. You'll study learning disabilities, how to provide customized lesson plans for each child, and even how to counsel special education students.
A master's degree in special education can provide just the boost your career needs.
Because of the time commitment involved in growing my business, it would have been very hard for me to commit to an in-person program,
explains Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching. For me, an online master's program was absolutely the right choice. It allowed me to both grow my [special needs education] business and add to my credentials at the same time.
Special Education Master's Programs You Should Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Is a Master's in Special Education Worth It?
A master's degree in special education requires a sacrifice of time, effort, and finances. While it can lead to increased job prospects and earning potential, that's not always guaranteed. Yet several students who have pursued this degree online have felt it was worthwhile.
I believe it is [worth it]. There are so many areas of special education you can operate in,
explains Antonia Gray, a middle school paraprofessional currently pursuing her degree online. We have a lot of students who need services that only special education can offer. A master's will afford you the opportunity to be employed as a valuable employee, and most people with a master's are in desperate need in the school system.
Terry Grady agrees. Getting her degree online fit into her lifestyle with her family and allowed her to pursue a career she enjoys.
I was divorced and I had two teenagers, so I wanted to have something where I could be available for them,
she said. There's such a high demand. With my degree, I could get a job anywhere in special education.
For Dr. Levy, a master's in special education was the perfect choice. It is absolutely worth it! It not only brings you more respect, but it opens additional job opportunities, including those with higher salaries, and sets you on a path to success within the field of special education.
Why Should I Get an Online Special Education Degree?
Online learning skyrocketed with the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 33% of all graduate-level students took classes exclusively online. By 2020, that number jumped to 52%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Online learning offers a chance to schedule school into your life instead of scheduling your life around school. The option appeals to busy professionals and active parents. It also allows people to get their degree sooner or take a bit longer to complete their courses.
Losing in-person contact with the professor and classmates can have its drawbacks. But despite the sacrifices, students have found that meshing an online degree with life and career goals is worthwhile.
Benefits of a Master's in Special Education
- Increase your earning potential in the special education field.
- Gain insight into different learning disabilities.
- Learn how to customize lesson plans to maximize kids' success.
- Make a valuable difference in the lives of special education students.
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Special Education Online
- Ability to continue working and schedule school around your job.
- Classwork can fit around family obligations.
- Option to maximize time and finish on an expedited schedule.
- Take longer if needed to finish your degree.
Best Online Master's in Special Education Programs
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Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CU's 30-credit online MA in special education for teacher leaders includes core courses in empowerment for teacher leadership, supervision of instruction, and an action research practicum. CU's master's in special education program also includes professional proficiency and strategy courses.
The master's in special education program runs for 18 months with eight-week sessions. The Christian school requires applicants to possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. You must also submit three references, a statement of purpose, and a teaching certificate.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
The 36-credit online MAT at Liberty provides training in curriculum fundamentals and collaborating for successful classrooms. The Christian school's program offers six specialization opportunities, including adapted, early childhood, and general curricula.
You can also pursue a 45- or 51-credit track in which you can earn additional endorsements, such as in elementary or secondary education. You can complete Liberty's special education master's program in 18 months. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $458
Out of State | $458
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
At UTRGV, the online M.Ed. in special education online features core courses in advanced individual differences, legal foundations of special education, and action research for inclusive settings. You can complete this special education degree within 10 months, leveraging the school's seven-week classes.
You need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, plus a special education teaching certification or specialized undergraduate coursework in the discipline to earn admission. You also need to submit two letters of recommendation and a letter of intent.
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Practicum | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $513
Out of State | $1,079
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
UAS offers a 33-credit online M.Ed. in special education. Core courses include assessment of students with disabilities and low and high incidence curriculum and strategies. Enrollees also complete a special education practicum and a master's research project.
For admission into the special education program, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a state teaching certificate. You also need to submit two letters of recommendation and a personal essay.
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Field Experience | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $441
Out of State | $441
Credits to Graduate
30-42
Program Information
N/A
NMSU's online MA in special education offers initial, secondary, and alternative license tracks, plus a non-licensure path and a visual impairment emphasis track. Core courses include teaching in a culturally responsive society, technology and exceptionality in a diverse society, and classroom management for diverse learners.
To apply to NMSU's special education program, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, plus a statement of interest and three letters of recommendation.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online and Hybrid
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $570-$705
Out of State | $570-$705
Credits to Graduate
36-43
Program Information
Program Accreditation | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
The online MA in special education at FPU includes an education specialist credential. Along with master's core courses, you can choose up to 10 courses among options like assessment and IEP credits, medical implications, and autism spectrum disorder.
You can complete this degree entirely online or in a blended fashion in 1-3 years. To qualify for admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You also need an approved education plan, three reference letters, and a writing sample.
Touro College
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + In-Person Requirements | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $630
Out of State | $630
Credits to Graduate
36-42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation
Touro offers three types of special education master's programs: early childhood and special education (birth-2), childhood and special education (1-6), and teaching students with disabilities (7-12). Each special education program offers studies in assessment of individual differences and educational technology.
In addition to core courses, you'll complete a practicum, a field experience component, and a portfolio. You need to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and the appropriate liberal arts prerequisites to qualify for admission.
Minot State University
Minot, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Clinical Practice | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $445
Out of State | $445
Credits to Graduate
32-45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation
The online MS in special education at MSU allows you to choose from three areas: early childhood special education, Deaf/hard of hearing education, and special education strategist. All students take core courses in law and policy in special education, psychoeducational aspects of exceptional children, and educational leadership.
This online teaching degree also includes clinical practice and thesis components. When applying, you need to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Practicum | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation
The online M.Ed. in special education from UWA has a collaborative teacher (K-6) emphasis. The core courses include behavior management and special education issues.
With a full-time schedule of eight-week classes, you can finish the master's in special education program in 1-2 years. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Without previous special education studies, you may need to complete a special education survey course and practicum.
Drury University
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online and Hybrid | Self-Paced or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
DU's online M.Ed. in special education features courses in behavior analysis and intervention and evaluation of abilities and achievement, plus a capstone seminar and a clinical experience component.
You can also pursue an alternative track for certification in mild/moderate disabilities or an add-on certificate in dyslexia. The admission requirements for DU's master's in special education program include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, plus a personal statement.
How Much Does a Master's in Special Education Cost?
Costs to get your master's in special education vary just as much as the schools themselves. You can save money pursuing a degree online since you don't need to add in the cost of housing or meals.
Medium Annual Tuition Cost
Master's in Education
$6,123
Master's (All Degrees)
$8,230
Read More:
How Long Does an Online Master's in Special Education Take?
Students can complete an online master's in special education as quickly as one year or in the average two-year timeframe.
Because the programs are online, you can opt to take courses full-time or, if it's more convenient, enroll part time. Some schools even offer accelerated programs where you can start your master's in special education while finishing your bachelor's degree.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
*Varies depending on your school/program
Required Course Credits*
30-60 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Special Education?
Average annual wage for special education teachers with a master's
$60,500
Source: Payscale
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's Degree in Special Education?
A master's degree in special education opens the door to more opportunities. This profession is on track for growth in the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is expected to grow about 4% through 2031, which is on par with the average growth for most jobs.
In addition to working as a teacher, a special education master's degree can lead to working as a tutor, consultant, curriculum adaptation specialist, or finding a job in a clinical setting.
Receiving my master's degree in special education — and later my doctorate degree in education — has absolutely advanced my career. I started out personally tutoring special education students myself, including students with dyslexia, other learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and executive functioning challenges, and eventually expanded to bring on other special education teachers to help more students,
Dr. Levy states.
| Job Title | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| School Counselor | $60,510 |
| Special Education Teacher | $61,820 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $63,740 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,570 |
| Elementary, Middle, High School Principal | $98,420 |
Read More: Advance Your Career With One of These 6 Highest-Paying Master's in Education Jobs
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Education? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Beyond the Master's Degree
If you're looking to move beyond a master's degree to a doctorate in special education, several schools offer programs with the training and preparation that you need.
A Ph.D. can prepare you for a career as a postsecondary professor, a researcher, a school administrator, or a public policy expert. It takes an average of 3-7 years to complete a doctorate program. On average, you need between 67-77 credits to finish. Costs vary, but it can run between $34,000-$60,000.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Special Education Programs?
When applying to any college program, you have to meet the minimum requirements to be considered for admission. When applying for a master's in special education, most programs look for an undergraduate GPA of 2.8-3.0. They also want your official transcripts. Some schools require your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores and letters of recommendation.
When you submit your application to an online special education program, you'll likely also need to have:
- Information about past work experience
- Internships you may have held
- Completion of your bachelor's degree
Dr. Levy knew her additional experience in special education would be a valuable part of her application process.
When I was young, my mother started and ran a school for students with learning disabilities in South Florida, where I grew up. I spent many years working with special education students at her school and learning about best practices for helping students with special education needs. I emphasized this experience in my application, along with my true passion for working with and helping special education students,
Levy said.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Special Education
Are Special Education Graduates in Demand?
Special education graduates are in demand as the need for teachers with their specialized training and expertise grows. Although overall growth for special education teachers is at 4%, the BLS projects an 8% job growth rate from 2021-2031 for preschool special education teachers. Approximately 7 million public school students received special education services in the 2020-2021 school year, according to the NCES.
What Is the Burnout Rate for Special Education Teachers?
Research suggests special education teachers experience a turnover rate of 25%. Teachers note they don't receive the support needed from administrators and other teaching staff, that they deal with enormous amounts of unnecessary paperwork, and that they have excessive caseloads. These factors and other stressors lead to burnout for special education teachers at a high rate.
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Master's in Special Education Program?
You will generally take classes to learn about different types of physical, emotional, mental, and behavioral disabilities, though specific classes vary from program to program. You will learn how to cater your lesson plans and teaching styles to each child to help your students succeed. You may study counseling techniques, learn to integrate technology into your teaching, discuss professional ethics in the special education environment, and more.
