Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Special Education

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $325
Out-of-State | $325

Credits to Graduate: 127

UWA's BS in collaborative teacher special education program prepares students to pursue teaching roles in elementary, middle, or high school special education positions. Graduates receive certification with endorsement as a collaborative special education teacher K-6 and/or K-12. This co-teaching method incorporates collaboration between a special education and a general education teacher.

You must complete an internship and field experience in an Alabama-approved school. By the program's end, you'll be certified to teach in Alabama or states with a reciprocity agreement. UWA notes high job placement rates for graduates. The program incorporates about 42 hours of teaching field experience. It also matches you with an alumni mentor.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585

Credits to Graduate: 120

Chaminade's BS in special education 3 + 1 program only accepts students transferring from Leeward Community College. Admission requirements include completing specific courses with a grade of C or higher. Of the 33 upper-division credits completed at Chaminade, 12 cover a student teaching seminar. 

This Catholic-based university prepares you to teach special education in diverse, multicultural schools. Graduates may be licensed to teach special education in grades preK-3, K-6, 6-12, or K-12. As with most teaching programs, if you plan to teach in a state other than Hawaii, check with your state's department of education for requirements.

Active and non-active duty military receive significant reductions in tuition costs.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $648

Credits to Graduate: 132

UWF's BA in special education can lead to state certification in exceptional student education K-12 and elementary education K-6, along with endorsements in English for speakers of other languages and reading. The program includes two 100-hour field experiences of instruction and observation. Enrollees complete the program with a semester-long student teaching experience, gradually taking full responsibility for the class.

This program is ideal for students who want to teach special education at the elementary or secondary levels, along with general education at the elementary or middle school levels.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $337
Out-of-State | $337

Credits to Graduate: 125

MSU's BS in special education offers two pathways: a standalone degree or a double major in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education. Licensed teachers looking to pursue special education licensure can complete the standalone track in as little as 2.5 years.

Admission requirements include passing the Praxis exam and possessing a minimum GPA of 2.75. These programs prepare you for North Dakota licensure exams. Non-residents must meet with advisors to discuss licensure requirements in their states.

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $474
Out-of-State | $474

St. Andrews' BA in special education prepares pre-service teachers to teach students with mild disabilities through the general K-12 curriculum. Enrollees participate in field experiences and community events involving children with disabilities, such as the Special Olympics.

In professional studies, enrollees take math, technology, and integrating movement courses. They must pass the Praxis core academic skills for educators test before proceeding to pedagogical studies. This section comprises 36 credits with courses like assessments, IEP planning, and math for special learners. The program culminates with a practicum experience and a student teaching senior seminar.

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629

Credits to Graduate: 120

UGA's BS special education degree requires a minimum of 60 transferable college credits from an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 2.80. The program follows a cohort model, enabling you to complete courses with your peers. 

Learners must complete practicum experiences each semester in Georgia preK-12 schools. The final semester requires a full-time student teaching experience, and full-time enrollees can graduate in two years. The school also offers an alternative three-year program for those unable to commit to full-time enrollment.

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $270
Out-of-State | $270

Credits to Graduate: 124

CMU's BS in special education prepares you to pursue roles teaching students with mild-to-moderate disabilities in grades K-12. The special education certification requirements comprise 51 credits with coursework like special education processes and counseling in special education. The program includes a series of fieldwork experiences and a full semester of student teaching experience.

Candidates may apply for admission after earning 60 credits with a GPA of 2.0. Additional requirements include a composite ACT of 22 or passing all the sections of the Missouri General Education Assessment.

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $323
Out-of-State | $415

Credits to Graduate: 127

WNMU's BS in special education for grades preK-12 incorporates online and hybrid courses. The program focuses on practical hands-on skills and includes 31 credits in general education. Students must also pass the Praxis core content knowledge tests, special education core knowledge, and principles of learning and teaching grades K-6 or 7-12. 

Hands-on experience includes field experience labs, special education practice teaching, and a practice teaching seminar. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 to apply for the practice teaching field experience.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $883

Credits to Graduate: 120

ECU's Partnership Teach online degree-completion program suits students transferring from any North Carolina partnering community college after completing two years. During the program, your hands-on learning opportunities occur in public schools near your home. The senior year consists of a full-time internship.

The part-time special education cohort has flexible schedules for working adults. You can choose between a BS in special education general curriculum or an adapted curriculum. The general curriculum prepares you to work with children with disabilities who are pursuing high school diplomas. The adapted curriculum enables you to work with children experiencing more significant cognitive disabilities. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association of Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Term:
In-State | $3,825
Out-of-State | $3,825

Credits to Graduate: N/A

WGU's BA in special education prepares you to meet teacher certification requirements in all states that offer a K-12 special education license. This program, focused on students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, also lets you gain licensure in elementary education. WGU's competency-based approach does not require a certain number of credits. Instead, you earn a degree by demonstrating your knowledge and skills.

According to WGU, 62% of students finish the program in 29 months. Video-based classroom observations help prepare you for teaching experiences. Clinical experiences culminate with a teaching experience in an elementary special education setting and one in a secondary school.