Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs of 2025
Do you want to teach students with disabilities? Discover the benefits of pursuing an online master’s in special education, including job opportunities and salary potential.
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2025Do you want to study current research and practices in teaching students with disabilities? A master’s degree in special education will help you enhance your special education career, whether you want to stay in the classroom or work in an administrative or leadership role.
No matter what interests you about an online master’s in special education degree, earning one will improve your advocacy skills, inclusive teaching practices, and data literacy. Common admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation.
Read on to learn more about special education careers and scholarships, along with firsthand experiences from students who’ve pursued the degree.
Popular Master’s in Special Education Online Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,885
$19,593
63%
40%
1. Texas A&M University
Why We Chose This School
With Texas A&M University's online master's in special education, you'll expand your knowledge in education and behavior to better support and advocate for students with disabilities.
While you don't need a teaching certificate to apply, prior teaching or clinical experience working with people with disabilities can make you a stronger candidate. Program graduates have moved on to work as behavior coaches, counselors, and therapists.
The university offers funding opportunities through Project SUCCESS. To qualify, you have to be a special educator in the Brazos Valley region, among other requirements. Through this program, you can also become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Highlights
- 94% retention rate
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- 43% admission rate
- Applicants with relevant prior experience preferred
$8,443
$36,637
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
$6,885
$19,593
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,885
$19,593
63%
40%
$8,443
$36,637
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
1. Texas A&M University
Why We Chose This School
With Texas A&M University's online master's in special education, you'll expand your knowledge in education and behavior to better support and advocate for students with disabilities.
While you don't need a teaching certificate to apply, prior teaching or clinical experience working with people with disabilities can make you a stronger candidate. Program graduates have moved on to work as behavior coaches, counselors, and therapists.
The university offers funding opportunities through Project SUCCESS. To qualify, you have to be a special educator in the Brazos Valley region, among other requirements. Through this program, you can also become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Highlights
- 94% retention rate
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- 43% admission rate
- Applicants with relevant prior experience preferred
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
Why We Chose This School
The M.Ed. in special education from the University of Florida is designed for part-time students. You can complete your degree in just two years by taking two courses per semester, including summer.
The university also offers specialist degree tracks for students who have already completed a master’s degree. These specialist tracks include dyslexia, disabilities in society, and early childhood studies. To complete a specialist degree, you must submit a final project and pass an oral exam.
Highlights
- 97% retention rate
- Ranked #1 for graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive tuition compared to others
- 39% admission rate
- Specialist tracks designed for students with master's degrees
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The M.Ed. in special education from the University of Florida is designed for part-time students. You can complete your degree in just two years by taking two courses per semester, including summer.
The university also offers specialist degree tracks for students who have already completed a master’s degree. These specialist tracks include dyslexia, disabilities in society, and early childhood studies. To complete a specialist degree, you must submit a final project and pass an oral exam.
Highlights
- 97% retention rate
- Ranked #1 for graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive tuition compared to others
- 39% admission rate
- Specialist tracks designed for students with master's degrees
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$8,034
$23,820
77%
51%
Why We Chose This School
The online master of education in special education from the University of Oklahoma is designed for working professionals who need flexibility. The program features coursework, field experience, and an independent study to bolster your special education knowledge.
You'll take courses such as applied behavior analysis in school settings, collaboration, accommodations and modifications, and advanced assessment. In this 33-credit hour program, you'll take 15 hours of required courses. You'll also take 18 hours of elective courses.
Based on the electives you choose, you could pursue a graduate certificate in special education. Graduate certificate options include: applied behavior analysis, fundamentals of special education, and secondary transition education specialist.
Highlights
- Optional thesis
- Three graduate certificate options
Know Before You Apply
- Lower student completion rate compared to other schools on this list
- Lower graduation rate compared to other schools on this list
$5,070
$22,140
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
$8,034
$23,820
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$8,034
$23,820
77%
51%
$5,070
$22,140
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The online master of education in special education from the University of Oklahoma is designed for working professionals who need flexibility. The program features coursework, field experience, and an independent study to bolster your special education knowledge.
You'll take courses such as applied behavior analysis in school settings, collaboration, accommodations and modifications, and advanced assessment. In this 33-credit hour program, you'll take 15 hours of required courses. You'll also take 18 hours of elective courses.
Based on the electives you choose, you could pursue a graduate certificate in special education. Graduate certificate options include: applied behavior analysis, fundamentals of special education, and secondary transition education specialist.
Highlights
- Optional thesis
- Three graduate certificate options
Know Before You Apply
- Lower student completion rate compared to other schools on this list
- Lower graduation rate compared to other schools on this list
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
59%
67%
Why We Chose This School
Florida International University's online MS in special education grants you a Florida Autism Endorsement, which prepares you to teach autistic students. The program is also focused on preparing you to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families.
You'll take core courses such as advanced theory and research in special education, as well as more specialized classes, such as assessment and strategies for autistic students.
Highlights
- Affordable tuition compared to others on this list
- Leads to Florida Autism Endorsement
Know Before You Apply
- 34% admission rate
- Must be able to work directly with students or K-12 teachers to complete some degree requirements
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
$911
$2,003
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
59%
67%
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Florida International University's online MS in special education grants you a Florida Autism Endorsement, which prepares you to teach autistic students. The program is also focused on preparing you to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families.
You'll take core courses such as advanced theory and research in special education, as well as more specialized classes, such as assessment and strategies for autistic students.
Highlights
- Affordable tuition compared to others on this list
- Leads to Florida Autism Endorsement
Know Before You Apply
- 34% admission rate
- Must be able to work directly with students or K-12 teachers to complete some degree requirements
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
77%
54%
Why We Chose This School
University of Missouri's master of arts in special education is an online, multidisciplinary program that offers preparation for classroom management, behavioral and assessment strategies and research techniques.
Some of the courses you'll take include research with exceptional children, literacy in special education, and language development of exceptional students. This curriculum can prepare you to work with people with disabilities in an administrator role or as a researcher, curriculum developer or consultor.
You'll finish the program with a comprehensive take-home exam. You'll have two weeks to write research papers answering four questions using material from your courses and research journals.
Highlights
- 88% admission rate
- Funding opportunities available
Know Before You Apply
- Six credit hours of electives
- Higher tuition cost than other options on this list
$13,000
$33,200
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
$10,447
$28,605
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
77%
54%
$13,000
$33,200
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
University of Missouri's master of arts in special education is an online, multidisciplinary program that offers preparation for classroom management, behavioral and assessment strategies and research techniques.
Some of the courses you'll take include research with exceptional children, literacy in special education, and language development of exceptional students. This curriculum can prepare you to work with people with disabilities in an administrator role or as a researcher, curriculum developer or consultor.
You'll finish the program with a comprehensive take-home exam. You'll have two weeks to write research papers answering four questions using material from your courses and research journals.
Highlights
- 88% admission rate
- Funding opportunities available
Know Before You Apply
- Six credit hours of electives
- Higher tuition cost than other options on this list
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,504
$18,504
86%
43%
Why We Chose This School
Saint Joseph's University's MS in special education is designed to prepare you to work with students with special needs in various school environments, including public and private schools.
This university offers five certifications and endorsements you can add to enhance your master's degree. These endorsements and certificates include:
- Autism spectrum disorder endorsement
- Teaching deaf and hard of hearing (PK-12) certificate
- Social, emotional, and behavioral wellness certificate
- Reading interventionist certificate
The college's special education program is only one of nine programs in the world that meet the standards of the International Dyslexia Association. Also, note that Saint Joseph's University also offers an MS in supervisor of special education.
Highlights
- Ranked #3 for student completion rate
- 4+1 degree option
- Graduate assistantships available
Know Before You Apply
- Most expensive tuition compared to other schools on this list
$49,410
$49,410
88%
7,201
Private
Yes
$18,504
$18,504
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,504
$18,504
86%
43%
$49,410
$49,410
88%
7,201
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Saint Joseph's University's MS in special education is designed to prepare you to work with students with special needs in various school environments, including public and private schools.
This university offers five certifications and endorsements you can add to enhance your master's degree. These endorsements and certificates include:
- Autism spectrum disorder endorsement
- Teaching deaf and hard of hearing (PK-12) certificate
- Social, emotional, and behavioral wellness certificate
- Reading interventionist certificate
The college's special education program is only one of nine programs in the world that meet the standards of the International Dyslexia Association. Also, note that Saint Joseph's University also offers an MS in supervisor of special education.
Highlights
- Ranked #3 for student completion rate
- 4+1 degree option
- Graduate assistantships available
Know Before You Apply
- Most expensive tuition compared to other schools on this list
Clemson University
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
Why We Chose This School
With a master's in special education from Clemson University, you'll be eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) exam.
During your studies, you'll take courses in applied behavior analysis, single-case research design, advanced classroom management, and more. Classes are taught in an asynchronous format, which means you can access your classes' instructional materials at any time you choose during the week without ever logging into live video lectures.
While this program does not include supervised field experiences, some courses will require you to interact with students to complete them. Also, note that to qualify for the program, you must currently work in an education setting and have a bachelor's in education or a related field.
Highlights
- 88% graduation rate
- Ranked #8 for earnings potential
Know Before You Apply
- Requires self-discipline
- Does not lead to teaching licensure in South Carolina
- Transfer credits not accepted
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
$10,858
$22,566
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
With a master's in special education from Clemson University, you'll be eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) exam.
During your studies, you'll take courses in applied behavior analysis, single-case research design, advanced classroom management, and more. Classes are taught in an asynchronous format, which means you can access your classes' instructional materials at any time you choose during the week without ever logging into live video lectures.
While this program does not include supervised field experiences, some courses will require you to interact with students to complete them. Also, note that to qualify for the program, you must currently work in an education setting and have a bachelor's in education or a related field.
Highlights
- 88% graduation rate
- Ranked #8 for earnings potential
Know Before You Apply
- Requires self-discipline
- Does not lead to teaching licensure in South Carolina
- Transfer credits not accepted
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,426
$35,377
89%
71%
Why We Chose This School
George Mason University's online master of education in special education gives you the option to pursue a graduate certificate track in autism spectrum disorders or applied behavior analysis, which will make you eligible for a Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) certification.
This program is part-time, allowing you to complete your courses comfortably even if you have a busy professional and family schedule. Note that a prior degree in education or related experience will help your chances of getting accepted into the program.
Highlights
- Ranked #2 for student completion rate
- Some credits may transfer
Know Before You Apply
- Applied behavior analysis certificate option to be phased out by 2026
$10,092
$34,260
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
$13,426
$35,377
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,426
$35,377
89%
71%
$10,092
$34,260
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
George Mason University's online master of education in special education gives you the option to pursue a graduate certificate track in autism spectrum disorders or applied behavior analysis, which will make you eligible for a Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) certification.
This program is part-time, allowing you to complete your courses comfortably even if you have a busy professional and family schedule. Note that a prior degree in education or related experience will help your chances of getting accepted into the program.
Highlights
- Ranked #2 for student completion rate
- Some credits may transfer
Know Before You Apply
- Applied behavior analysis certificate option to be phased out by 2026
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,292
$18,846
80%
25%
Why We Chose This School
The online master of education in special education from Georgia College & State University is designed for working teachers with a level four teaching certificate from Georgia.
The program focuses on developing school improvement plans and methods for students between preschool and senior high school. As you complete this program, you'll examine the needs of the schools you work at. Then, you'll create an improvement plan, and share your analysis with local, regional, state, and national associations.
Coursework is taught in a fully online format. You'll take classes such as advocacy and leadership in special education and supporting school improvement. You're also required to complete a capstone project.
The degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours to complete, and you can transfer up to nine graduate credit hours.
Highlights
- 88% admission rate
- Affordable tuition
- Transfer credits accepted
Know Before You Apply
- Specifically for teachers working in the state of Georgia
$7,508
$26,688
80%
6,315
Public
Yes
$5,292
$18,846
Milledgeville, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,292
$18,846
80%
25%
$7,508
$26,688
80%
6,315
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The online master of education in special education from Georgia College & State University is designed for working teachers with a level four teaching certificate from Georgia.
The program focuses on developing school improvement plans and methods for students between preschool and senior high school. As you complete this program, you'll examine the needs of the schools you work at. Then, you'll create an improvement plan, and share your analysis with local, regional, state, and national associations.
Coursework is taught in a fully online format. You'll take classes such as advocacy and leadership in special education and supporting school improvement. You're also required to complete a capstone project.
The degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours to complete, and you can transfer up to nine graduate credit hours.
Highlights
- 88% admission rate
- Affordable tuition
- Transfer credits accepted
Know Before You Apply
- Specifically for teachers working in the state of Georgia
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online M.Ed. in special education and child development with a concentration in special education. This 33-credit hour program includes 12 credit hours in electives that can be used to complete a specialty track.
With these electives, you can earn North Carolina teaching license in adapted curriculums or general curriculums alongside your master's degree. You could also add a certificate in autism spectrum disorder.
You can also take three additional courses. If you pass the required exam, you can get licensed as an exceptional children's program administrator.
Highlights
- Affordable tuition
- Graduate job placement services available
Know Before You Apply
- Designed for licensed special education professionals
- Lower completion rates compared to other schools on this list
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$4,337
$18,482
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online M.Ed. in special education and child development with a concentration in special education. This 33-credit hour program includes 12 credit hours in electives that can be used to complete a specialty track.
With these electives, you can earn North Carolina teaching license in adapted curriculums or general curriculums alongside your master's degree. You could also add a certificate in autism spectrum disorder.
You can also take three additional courses. If you pass the required exam, you can get licensed as an exceptional children's program administrator.
Highlights
- Affordable tuition
- Graduate job placement services available
Know Before You Apply
- Designed for licensed special education professionals
- Lower completion rates compared to other schools on this list
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
An online master’s in special education leads to a variety of special education career paths, both inside and outside the classroom, such as administration, community services, and therapy. Special education jobs include educational diagnostician, social and community service manager, and special education teacher ranging from early education to high school.
While a bachelor’s degree allows you to work in most special education roles, earning a master’s degree will permit you to work in specialized or leadership roles, taking on more responsibility and earning more money each year.
Jobs like occupational therapist and assistive technology analyst allow you to provide direct, tailored support to students. Taking a job as a policy analyst and special education director allows you to influence policy and program development.
Careers such as literacy education teachers and postsecondary teachers provide the rewards of helping students with disabilities find academic success.
| Job | Job Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Instructional Coordinator | Works in schools to oversee curricula, develops and implements instructional material, coordinates educational content for students with disabilities. | |
| Postsecondary Educational Administrator | Works at the college level overseeing the administrative and academic activities of educational institutions. | $103,960 |
| Adult Basic, Literacy, and Secondary Teacher | Teaches basic skills — such as reading, speaking, writing, math, and English — to adults who haven’t completed high school but want to improve their career prospects. | |
| Career and Technical Education Teacher (junior college) | Teaches various vocational subjects like healthcare, auto repair, and culinary art. | |
| Postsecondary Teacher | Teaches a variety of academic subjects to undergraduate and graduate students while also conducting research. | $83,980 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Works with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to advocate for groups within the communities they serve by writing grant proposals, developing program budgets, analyzing surveys, and working on strategies to improve community programs. | $78,240 |
| Educational Diagnostician | Works in schools and private practices to conduct assessments that identify students who are struggling and find ways to help them overcome academic and behavioral challenges. | $67,890 |
| Assistive Technology Analyst | Assesses people with disabilities to determine the appropriate assistive technology solutions to facilitate communication, executive functioning, and daily living, working, and learning abilities. | $61,720 |
| Literacy Education Teacher | Shows children who struggle with reading and writing how to improve their literacy skills. | $62,480 |
| Special Education Director | Oversees special education programs and provides quality education and support to students with disabilities. | $82,240 |
Scholarships for Master’s in Special Education Programs
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.
Below, hear from three students who pursued this degree online and felt it was a solid investment.
“I believe it is [worth it]. There are so many areas of special education you can operate in. 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.”— Antonia Gray, middle school paraprofessional
“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.”— Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master’s in Special Education
The difference between a master’s in education and a master’s in special education their career paths. A master’s in education program is designed for classroom teachers in all subjects and those who want to become administrators. Some master’s in education programs have an option for you to choose a concentration in special education.
A master’s in special education is for those who specifically want to work with children with disabilities. The degree provides specialized knowledge and skills for teaching children with learning disabilities.
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