The need for qualified special education teachers continues to grow in the United States. This guide details the top online master's in special education programs, which can prepare you to pursue private and public sector careers across several industries.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Special Education?
A special education degree allows you to make a difference in an area of education facing a critical shortage of qualified educators. Not every state requires a master's in special education, allowing you to increase your employability and potential salary with a graduate degree.
This versatile degree features pedagogical coursework and experiential learning opportunities that prepare you to pursue careers in curriculum design, educational policy, and/or administration in about two years.
Here, we highlight the top online master's in special education programs. Continue reading to learn about tuition costs, common coursework, career outcomes, and salary expectations.
Top Online Master's in Special Education Programs 2023
#1 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $458
Out-of-State | $458
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master's in special education degree at UTRGV takes as few as 10 months to complete. In that time, you can learn to teach and help students with low and high-incidence disabilities by learning about assessments, effective communication strategies, and evidence-based practices. This program prepares certified teachers for a special education credential.
Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and experience in special education, such as a state certificate, undergraduate special education coursework, or special education or early education coursework.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $513
Out-of-State | $513
Credits to Graduate: 39
UAS features a master's in special education program that trains educators to teach students with disabilities in Alaska's rural and remote communities. Online courses are conveniently available in the evenings. The program includes a graduate certificate. Coursework covers early childhood special education, assessments, teaching strategies, a practicum, and a research or portfolio project.
It takes a current teaching certificate for admission, as well as supplemental application materials like a 3-5 page admission essay and two letters of recommendation.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $444
Credits to Graduate: 30-42
At NMSU, the master's in education offers specializations in program management, educational diagnostics, program directorship, special education teaching, and instructional coordination in special education.
The two-year program admits students through five pathways. Non-teachers can follow a specific path to obtain an initial licensure, whereas licensed teachers can pursue a special education credential. Special education teachers have the option of pursuing an alternate licensure degree. Additionally, there is a scholar route and a visual impairment concentration.
For consideration, you need a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Touro College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 36-42
New York's Touro features three master's in special education programs. Concentrate your graduate coursework in early childhood and special education for infants to second graders, childhood and special education for children in elementary, or prepare to teach special education in middle school.
Each concentration builds your competencies in the history and philosophy of special education, child development, and assessments. You can apply your lessons through field experiences in your concentration area.
Each candidate must submit evidence of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, prerequisites, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $389
Out-of-State | $389
Credits to Graduate: 32-45
North Dakota's MSU features a master's in special education program with four focus areas, a practicum, and a thesis or research project.
Emphasis areas include early childhood special education, specific learning disabilities, special education strategist, or deaf and hard-of-hearing education. The Department of Special Education also offers a general master's in special education degree or a master of science in disability human services.
Designed for licensed teachers, this program admits students who have accredited bachelor's degrees and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 33-36
UWA offers a master's in special education degree that students can complete in as few as 12 months from its campus in Livingston, Alabama. A mentor from the UWA Mentor Collective helps throughout your studies.
The program includes 15 professional courses in topics like technology and education and techniques of educational research. Next, you'll take 18 certification credits in behavior management, collaborative teaching methods, and communication skills.
Educators seeking certification to work in special education can apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Drury University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 30
At DU, the master's in special education degree emphasizes evidence-based practice with optional certificates in teaching dyslexia and instructional technology leadership. All courses offer online options, including electives in correction of math difficulties, language development, and analysis of reading disabilities.
DU also features a master's degree in special with a mild and modern disabilities certification and a non-certification program. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and at least a 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: None
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $678
Out-of-State | $678
Credits to Graduate: 33-45
UNC's School of Special Education, established in 1954, offers multiple master's programs in special education online and at its campus in Greeley, Colorado. You have the option to pursue a master's in special education generalist degree or specialize in areas like deaf and hard of hearing or visual impairment.
The 2-3 year generalist program also offers concentrations in learning and behavior disabilities, autism, cognitive and intellectual disabilities, or behavior challenges. To apply, you need an accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $498
Out-of-State | $498
Credits to Graduate: 30
UND offers an online master's of science in special education and a master's of education in special education — both of which take fewer than two years. There are no campus requirements, but you can opt for fieldwork. Applicants enter this program as certified teachers or educators seeking an applied behavior analysis specialization.
Ten specializations give you the chance to tailor your studies with topics like autism spectrum disorder, visual impairment, or emotional behavioral disorders. Each applicant needs at least a 2.75 GPA and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Top Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,095
Out-of-State | $1,095
Credits to Graduate: 30-39
Based in New Jersey, Monmouth University features a master's in special education that incorporates various learning formats and optional specializations and certificates. For instance, a certified teacher can take an advanced level track to earn a teacher of students with disabilities certificate or supervisor endorsement. By blending online coursework and hands-on experience, you can complete fieldwork at nearby schools.
To qualify, you must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Featured Online Special Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Much Does a Special Education Degree Cost?
Special education degree costs vary by school. In general, public schools charge less than private universities. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that, of the 2020-2021 academic year, public graduate schools charged an average of $12,394 in annual tuition and fees. In this period, students at private graduate schools paid $26,621 in tuition and fees each year, on average.
Students earning a master's in special education online can save on commuting and parking costs. They can complete classes from anywhere with an internet connection, often on their own schedules. Distance learners also do not pay for campus housing or meal plans.
Additional Online Student Fees
In addition to tuition, online students should budget for other expenses. They may need to buy new computers, textbooks, and software. Some schools charge graduation fees, and others require payments to access virtual classroom platforms.
While many courses use Open Educational Resources, online students may also need to buy books and class materials. Buying used or digital textbooks can save students money. Learners can also save money by renting books. Reselling books at the end of the semester can help students recoup some of the costs.
Career and Salary Outlook for Special Education
After earning a master's in special education, you pursue education roles to work with elementary, middle school, high school, or postsecondary students. Within schools, you can work in specific subject areas, like math or arts.
Educators looking for roles outside of K-12 classrooms can consider postsecondary education careers that require only a master's degree, like instructor or adjunct professor.
Outside of the classroom, graduates can pursue positions as instructional coordinators to help implement teaching standards. School superintendents, another available pathway, oversee all schools within their district.
The following table includes wages for special education degree-holders but is not exhaustive, especially for those with graduate certificates and other credentials. For example, graduates seek specialized roles as deaf and hard-of-hearing educators, reading specialists, gifted teachers, and educational diagnosticians.
Special Education Careers and Wages
| Special Education Career |
Median Annual Wage (2022) |
| Educational Administrator |
$101,320 |
| Instructional Coordinator |
$66,490 |
| School Superintendents |
$101,320 |
| Special Education Teacher |
$62,950 |
| Postsecondary Education Administration |
$99,940 |
| Postsecondary Teachers |
$80,840 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Courses in Special Education
The coursework featured in an online master's in special education teaches you to develop and modify curricula, assessments, lesson plans, and classrooms to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Lessons prepare you to take on roles at the district level, shaping curriculum and leading teams of educators in the classroom with specific subject matter or crafting special education policy at the state and national levels.
Here, we explore a typical class schedule. This sampling covers common coursework, although exact courses and descriptions vary by school and program.
Curriculum Planning and Instruction
Regardless of your career goals, a course in curriculum design provides valuable insights into creating equitable learning opportunities for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities.
You'll learn about effective classroom instruction techniques for language and literacy at different age ranges, as well as how to create curriculum material and stage interventions to address behavioral issues.
Education of Exceptional Children
Exceptional children may face learning challenges or excel academically. This course covers methods for facilitating the learning of these students. Lessons may teach how to support diverse learners' social and emotional needs or use self-led approaches in classrooms.
Special Education Law and Ethics
This course covers the laws that protect students' civil rights in the United States. Students explore important laws in special education, like the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher needs an accredited bachelor's degree in any subject. Bachelor's degree-holders can then pursue teaching licensure. These educators may also enroll in master's degrees while working.
All educators must complete student teaching or practicums. Most students with an undergraduate education degree have fulfilled student teaching requirements. Some states allow alternative routes to teacher certification. These options may not require student teaching. Aspiring educators should check with their state's licensing boards for specific requirements.
Featured Online Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Licensure for Teachers
Licensure requirements vary by state. Colleges and universities usually offer teacher certification programs. These schools tailor the curriculum to meet specific state regulations. Candidates must pass a background check.
Bachelor's degree-holders may seek alternative certification programs. For example, aspiring Missouri teachers without undergraduate degrees in education can begin teaching without formal certificates. While they teach, they must simultaneously complete 30 semester hours. They may also demonstrate competence by taking the American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence certification exam.
Many states with similar licensure requirements participate in reciprocity agreements. Eight states offer full reciprocity agreements, which allow students to easily transfer their licenses among participating states. Other states limit licensing barriers by featuring few requirements.
Featured Online Special Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education
Is an online master's in special education worth it?
For the right person, a master's in special education offers personal rewards, job security, and a versatile degree that can lead to opportunities across education settings. According to the BLS, bachelor's degree holders earn a usual weekly income of $1,432, while master's degree-holders make $1,661 a week, indicating a strong return on investment.
How long will it take to get an online master's in special education?
These programs typically take full-time students about two years — up to five years if you need to take courses on a part-time basis. You'll need to complete about 36-48 credits to graduate.
Can I earn a master's in special education online?
Yes. Many schools offer fully online master's special education programs, along with hybrid formats, which blend distance learning with on-campus classes.
Page last reviewed November 10, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the BCR Rankings Team.
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