Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs 2024
Online master’s in special education programs help you gain the skills to work with students with special needs. Learn more about affordable programs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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A master’s in special education program prepares you to support students with special needs. A master’s degree can also unlock advanced career options that may not be available to bachelor’s degree graduates, including administration, curriculum development, government, and leadership roles in special needs residential facilities.
A master’s degree in special education usually takes two years to earn, although certain online programs offer accelerated paths that allow you to graduate in less time.
Read on to learn about the cheapest online special education master’s degrees.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
30%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
55,781
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
30%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
55,781
Public
Yes
University of Washington
Seattle, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$17,004
$30,477
48%
19%
$10,927
$38,757
94%
53,083
Public
Yes
$17,004
$30,477
Seattle, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$17,004
$30,477
48%
19%
$10,927
$38,757
94%
53,083
Public
Yes
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,718
$28,520
53%
47%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
50,884
Public
Yes
$9,718
$28,520
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,718
$28,520
53%
47%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
50,884
Public
Yes
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$10,033
$31,932
83%
48%
$10,012
$37,685
90%
47,005
Public
Yes
$10,033
$31,932
Bloomington, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$10,033
$31,932
83%
48%
$10,012
$37,685
90%
47,005
Public
Yes
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
64%
65%
$6,168
$18,566
91%
55,687
Public
Yes
$911
$2,003
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
64%
65%
$6,168
$18,566
91%
55,687
Public
Yes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$28,301
47%
50%
$6,535
$28,276
94%
36,700
Public
Yes
$9,095
$28,301
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$28,301
47%
50%
$6,535
$28,276
94%
36,700
Public
Yes
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$20,202
$39,696
88%
76%
$15,966
$41,778
89%
50,023
Public
Yes
$20,202
$39,696
East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$20,202
$39,696
88%
76%
$15,966
$41,778
89%
50,023
Public
Yes
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$19,323
$24,648
92%
63%
$15,135
$24,735
73%
17,170
Public
Yes
$19,323
$24,648
Rochester Hills, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$19,323
$24,648
92%
63%
$15,135
$24,735
73%
17,170
Public
Yes
University of Houston
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,713
$17,857
66%
69%
$10,856
$26,096
85%
46,700
Public
Yes
$8,713
$17,857
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,713
$17,857
66%
69%
$10,856
$26,096
85%
46,700
Public
Yes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$6,138
$17,928
79%
65%
$7,770
$24,900
82%
23,805
Public
Yes
$6,138
$17,928
Lincoln, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$6,138
$17,928
79%
65%
$7,770
$24,900
82%
23,805
Public
Yes
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Special Education Program?
An online master’s in special education program usually takes around two years to complete. You may be required to take additional classes if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field of study.
Programs typically offer concentrations in areas including elementary or secondary education, gifted, or special education technology. Some programs require students to get hands-on experience through a practicum or internship.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, make sure you fulfill all teaching license requirements, including mandatory student teaching hours, before you graduate.
Common courses in master’s in special education programs include:
- Designing Elementary Instruction for Learners With Disabilities
- Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education
- Assessment in School Settings
- Promoting Positive Behavior
- Special Education Practices: Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines
- Math Instruction for Students With Disabilities
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Special Education Degree?
The 1990 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act guarantees a quality education for individuals with special needs. The job outlook for special educators is primarily influenced by school enrollments and requirements for special education services.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects little change in employment for special education teachers between 2023 and 2033, it also projects there will be 35,900 openings for these professionals each year, on average, during that time period.
According to the BLS, special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $65,910 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $106,290.
Special education teachers can work with students from preschool through high school. However, graduates with an online master’s in special education don’t necessarily need to work in school settings. Nontraditional career paths include working for a nonprofit or a local, state, or federal education department.
| Job | Median Salary (May 2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $60,560 | -13% |
| Career and Technical Education Teachers | $63,580 | 0% |
| Special Education Teachers | $65,910 | 0% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $74,620 | 2% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $84,380 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $102,610 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Special Education Programs
An online master’s in special education is worth it for graduates who want to pursue a career helping students with special needs. Earning a master’s degree online gives you the flexibility to level up your education without putting your life on hold.
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