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
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 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.
