Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
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A career in special education offers fulfilling work in a field that continues to require more teachers. Though more than 470,000 special education teachers work across the nation, nearly all states report a shortfall for these professionals. Obtaining a master’s in special education may provide a hiring advantage, especially in states that do not require an advanced degree to teach.
This guide explores the benefits of a master’s in special education degree, along with common coursework, potential career prospects, and salary information.
Why Should You Earn Your Master’s in Special Education Online?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment for special education teachers is set to keep pace with projections for all occupations from 2021-2031, indicating growth.
Special education offers the opportunity to work in early childhood, middle school, and high school settings. Within these age groups, you can specialize your knowledge in areas like autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, moderate-to-severe disabilities, and learning disabilities.
Pursuing a master’s in special education online can offer several benefits, including :
- Reduced tuition, especially for out-of-state students
- Flexible programming with asynchronous coursework or night and weekend courses
- Advanced skills in specialty areas
- Upward mobility and a pay bump
Top 10 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $319
Out-of-State | $319
Credits to Graduate: 30
Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky, offers an online master's in special education teacher leader degree from a Christian perspective. Each course lasts eight weeks, and the degree takes about 18 months to complete. Enrollees study support methods for learners with behavioral, emotional, and learning disorders.
The curriculum explores research methods, strategies for improving classroom behavior, and designing effective instruction. Graduation requirements include an action research practicum. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate, and three professional references.
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$8,473
- Out-of-state$8,473
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled12,771
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $458
Out-of-State | $458
Credits to Graduate: 30
Students can earn a master of education in special education online from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. The 10-month program features seven-week courses like legal foundation of special education, action research for inclusive settings, and advanced individual differences.
Prospective students do not need a teaching certificate to start the program. Admissions criteria include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent. Applicants also need demonstrated knowledge of special education.
- In-State$7,233
- Out-of-state$17,049
- In-State$6,458
- Out-of-state$13,820
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled32,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $513
Out-of-State | $513
Credits to Graduate: 33
Designed for educators already working in Alaska schools, the online M.Ed. in special education from the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, Alaska, prepares teachers to serve students with disabilities. The program offers year-round evening classes online and focuses on diverse communities within Alaska, including native, remote, and rural students.
Classes explore assessment of students with disabilities, curriculum strategies, and professional ethics. To finish the degree, enrollees complete a master's research project or portfolio and a special education practicum.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a current Alaska teaching certificate, and two recommendation letters.
- In-State$7,250
- Out-of-state$23,154
- In-State$10,978
- Out-of-state$23,091
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled2,070
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $444
Credits to Graduate: 30-42
New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, offers a fully online MA in special education that learners can complete in two years. The program features five special education pathways, including options for licensed teachers and professionals who do not need licensure.
The curriculum focuses on social justice and includes classes like current research in special education, technology and exceptionality in a diverse society, and classroom management for diverse learners.
- In-State$6,041
- Out-of-state$22,507
- In-State$4,981
- Out-of-state$17,330
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled14,227
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Touro College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 36-42
Touro College in New York, New York, offers an MS in special education program with three options: early childhood and special education (birth to grade two), childhood and special education (grades 1-6), and teaching students with disabilities (grades 7-12).
Depending on your track, you can receive certification in either general and special education (birth to grade two or grades 1-6) or special education only (grades 7-12). Coursework takes place primarily online, but students must complete practicum and field experiences in-person in schools and classrooms.
- In-State$18,283
- Out-of-state$18,283
- In-State$12,618
- Out-of-state$12,618
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled11,699
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390
Out-of-State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 32-45
Students can earn a special education master's degree online from Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Concentration options include early childhood special education, special education leadership, special education strategist, and deaf/hard of hearing education.
The program requires classes like interdisciplinary collaboration in special education, psychoeducational aspects of exceptional children, and law and policy in special education. Students also complete a practicum, clinical practice, and a thesis or research project.
All distance learners pay Minot State University's in-state tuition rate. The school provides stipends to students pursuing the deaf/hard of hearing emphasis.
- In-State$6,691
- Out-of-state$6,691
- In-State$8,731
- Out-of-state$8,731
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 34
The University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama, offers a fully online M.Ed. in special education: collaborative teachers, K-6. This degree prepares enrollees for Alabama master's-level teaching certification. Educators learn best practices for instructing students from kindergarten through sixth grade with various disabilities.
The 34-credit degree takes 1-2 years to complete and features eight-week classes. Curricular offerings explore topics like educational planning, technology, and statistics. Enrollees pair with a mentor to further develop their skills and professional networks. Required courses include a seminar in behavior management, counseling multicultural populations, and a technology portfolio.
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$13,356
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled5,734
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Drury University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 30
Students can earn a fully online M.Ed. in special education at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice for serving children with diverse learning abilities and styles.
Required courses include behavior analysis and intervention, educational technology, and language development in the exceptional child. Students must complete two clinical experiences and a capstone seminar to graduate. Learners can add an optional graduate certificate in dyslexia. The program does not lead to a state teaching certification.
- In-State$29,900
- Out-of-state$29,900
- In-State$8,388
- Out-of-state$8,388
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled1,691
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $618
Out-of-State | $1,226
Credits to Graduate: 30-36
The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, offers an online MA in generalist special education. The program takes 1.5-2 years to complete and prepares educators to teach K-12 students with various levels of disability. The degree is available with or without licensure.
Courses explore literacy, assessment, behavioral interventions, and foundations of special education. The program requires a field-based experience working in a school with K-12 students.
- In-State$7,596
- Out-of-state$19,854
- In-State$10,867
- Out-of-state$19,620
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled11,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $547
Out-of-State | $547
Credits to Graduate: 30+
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, offers a fully online MS in special education that students can complete in just 1.5 years. Designed for educators, the program does not include an initial teaching license. Classes explore inclusive methods, assessment and behavior change systems, and Braille reading and writing.
Students can add a specialization in areas like applied behavior analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavior intervention specialist, or early childhood special education. The curriculum includes a master's project and optional on-the-job fieldwork.
- In-State$8,540
- Out-of-state$12,810
- In-State$11,060
- Out-of-state$16,590
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled13,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
In 1975, Congress passed the first separate legislation allocating federal funding for special education.
What Do You Learn in an Online Special Education Master’s Program?
Special education stands out from other teaching subject areas for its versatility. An online master’s in special education degree often includes specialized pedagogical courses to train you to work with children and younger individuals with behavioral disorders, language-based disabilities, multiple disabilities, and severe disabilities.
Special education teachers who work in middle school or high school may have the opportunity to teach English, math, social studies, or the creative arts. Most special education master’s programs include classroom experience, where you’ll observe other teachers in action and lead lessons.
You’ll find non-licensure track and licensure track special education programs. A non-licensure master’s degree in special education suits working teachers seeking advanced degrees who do not need the credential. If you are new to teaching, consider a program that prepares you for licensure and/or certification in your state.
Common Courses in Master’s in Special Education Programs
- Curriculum design for diverse learners
- Methods of instruction for an inclusive classroom
- Assessments and instructional strategies
- Child and early adolescent development and psychology
- Language development
- Instructional planning and assessments
Does Accreditation Matter for Special Education Master’s Programs?
Higher education institutions undergo a voluntary validation process known as accreditation. Attending an accredited school provides the peace of mind that your education meets quality standards.
Institutional accreditation also enables you to qualify for federal financial aid and transfer college credits. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize independent agencies that provide institutional accreditation.
Master’s in special education degrees may also receive programmatic accreditation from agencies such as the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and Council for the Accreditation of the Educator Preparation. To qualify for a state-issued teaching credential, you must graduate from a state-approved educator preparation program.
States have different requirements for approval — typically, they require that you graduate from a school with institutional accreditation, though some require programmatic accreditation. Employers may also prefer educators who have completed accredited programs.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
Master’s-level graduates can pursue many special education roles. These teachers work in preschools, along with elementary, middle, and high schools. They can also specialize in areas like bilingual education, literacy, creative arts, and STEM.
Kindergarten and elementary special education teachers make up the highest level of employment for this specialization, followed by secondary special education teachers.
Aside from working in the classroom, a master’s in special education can prepare you to pursue a career as an independent consultant, instructional coordinator, behavioral analyst, or assistive technology specialist.
| Grade Level | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | $62,240 | 8% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School | $62,390 | 4% |
| Secondary School | $63,560 | 4% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degrees in Special Education
What are the admission requirements for special education master’s programs?
Most master’s in special education programs require each prospective student to possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a competitive GPA. Specific admission requirements vary by school and program. For example, some schools require you to submit GRE scores.
How much does an online master’s in special education cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students paid an average of $12,394 in tuition and fees at public institutions in the 2020-2021 academic year. Specific tuition rates vary by school and your status as a student. Luckily, there are many scholarships for aspiring teachers that can help lower your financial burden.
How long does an online master’s in special education take?
Expect to spend at least 2-3 years completing a master’s in special education when you attend college full time. Accelerated special education degrees may take as few as 12 months if you meet prerequisites.
Is a master’s in special education worth it?
Yes—the career offers personal and financial rewards, particularly if you work in states with high special education teacher pay. New York, California, Texas, and Washington, D.C., consistently rank as the top-paying jurisdictions for special education teachers, according to the BLS.
Where is the highest demand for special education teachers?
Demand for special education teachers varies by grade level and region. Jobs for special education secondary teachers in Arizona, Nevada, and New York are projected to grow by 15% from 2020-2030, according to ONET OnLine. Colorado received a 19% projected growth rate for the role, while growth projections for Utah and Washington, D.C., reached 20% in this period.
