If you’re committed to working with students who don’t fit the traditional classroom mold, then you might be a fitting candidate for earning a special education degree.
A special education program will prepare you to work with exceptional students, including those with physical or cognitive disabilities. As an aspiring educator, you will learn about instructional methods, student assessment, and child development.
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After earning your teaching degree online, you could become a teacher who makes a lasting difference in the lives of countless special education students.
Special Education Degrees Online
Schools should be places where all learners are welcomed and valued. Strong special education programs help make sure that schools are inclusive.
If you want to offer educational services to students who need extra support, then consider becoming qualified to teach in a special needs classroom. As a special ed instructor, you may work with students who have learning difficulties or behavioral disorders.
The kids in your care might have physical disabilities or developmental delays. Whatever the concern, you’ll be there to help them learn, grow, and interact with others.
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To work as a special education teacher, you will be required to complete a college program in special education. Common topics for this degree include:
- Behavioral disorders and learning disabilities
- Community resources and outreach
- Curriculum and teaching methods
- Educational and adaptive technology
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Literacy development
- School and special education law
- Typical development and developmental delays
A key part of teacher preparation is observing young students and practicing teachers. During your classes, you may repeatedly visit local schools to see what goes on in the classrooms. Eventually, you’ll begin a student teaching experience that lasts several months, where you’ll practice leading the class and fulfilling the duties of a real teacher.
If you want to be a classroom educator, then state licensure is essential. You can verify that your degree program, whether on-campus or online, meets the requirements for licensure in your state. After graduation, your state will require a passing score on an industry exam.
As a licensed special education teacher, you might work with young preschoolers, students who are getting ready to complete high school, or those who fall somewhere in the middle.
Common Online Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Concentrations
There are many groups of students who receive special education services. If you want to work with a particular subset of special needs kids, you could look for a college that offers a concentration related to your interest area.
Common special education concentrations include:
- Autism. Because autism spectrum disorders are quite common, you might have many opportunities to draw on the specialized knowledge that you’d gain in an autism-focused program.
- Behavioral Disorders. The classes in this concentration would prepare you to offer constructive support for children who need behavioral interventions.
- Early Special Education. Early childhood is usually considered the years between birth and age 8, and this degree concentration will help equip you to work with special needs children in that age bracket.
- Profound Needs. If you’re interested in working with students who have multiple disabilities or severe special needs, you might appreciate the focused instruction that you’ll receive with this concentration.
- Visual Disabilities. You might learn about Braille, assistive technology, and mobility so that you can teach children and adults who are blind or have other visual impairments.
Not all colleges offer concentrations for special education undergraduate degrees. Even if you get a generalist bachelor’s degree in special education, you might decide to specialize later on. Master’s degrees often include options for special education concentrations.
Special Education Careers and Salaries
The most popular job for a degree in special education involves working as a special education teacher. Positions are available in preschools through high schools. Both public and private schools hire special ed instructors.
Some special education teachers decide to move to other positions within a school system. They might consider becoming administrators, instructional coordinators, or school counselors. These jobs often require getting new certifications or adding endorsements to your current teaching license.
An option for working with kids outside of a public school system would be to take the helm of a childcare facility or a private preschool. Special education experts may have opportunities to become writers. Creating curricula or workbooks for special needs students might be one option. Writing freelance articles on education topics could be another.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for jobs in education and training is $57,220.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Special Education Teachers — Preschool | $62,420 |
| Special Education Teachers — High School | $62,120 |
| Special Education Teachers — Middle School | $61,820 |
| Special Education Teachers — Kindergarten and Elementary School | $61,640 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
| Fundraisers | $60,660 |
| Recreational Therapists | $47,940 |
| Preschool and Childcare Center Directors | $47,310 |
Transitioning into some of these roles could require more education or additional licensure. Some special education graduates want to make a difference for people with special needs through non-school organizations. One idea is to be a fundraiser for an advocacy or community service group.
Also, social assistance agencies or nursing facilities sometimes hire recreational therapists. These professionals use games or activities to help people with physical or mental health challenges. Management roles might be available in community, healthcare, and advocacy organizations that work with individuals with disabilities. Some teachers choose to work with adult learners in the workplace.
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Training and development specialists help employees learn new jobs, develop additional skills, or become familiar with company policies. A background in special education could help instructors tailor workplace education to each employee’s individual needs.
Bachelor of Special Education Curriculum & Courses
Special education degree programs include a variety of classes to teach you about school systems, classroom methods, child development, and special needs. Here are some course examples:
- Behavioral Intervention: In your special education curriculum, there might be a course in providing extra behavioral support to children who struggle with self-management.
- Child and Adolescent Development: You’ll study the development patterns of young people and learn about exceptionalities to typical development.
- Classroom Management: Some special education programs include a course on how to organize a classroom, maintain order, and reach all learners.
- Curriculum Design and Instructional Methods: This course will prepare you to create lessons that target students’ needs and allow them to be successful at learning.
- Exceptional Students: You might have a foundational class that introduces you to various physical and cognitive disabilities that could affect the students in your classrooms.
- Language and Literacy: You’ll learn how to foster special needs students’ language skills and help them engage with books.
- Learning Technology: In a class on classroom software and technological tools, you might focus on adaptive technology that makes education more accessible for exceptional students.
- Special Education Law and Practices: This course will introduce you to regulations that govern special education and teach you how to operate within the framework those rules provide.
- Team Collaboration: There might be a class that prepares you to partner with families, other teachers, school administrators, and community organizations so that students can have successful educational experiences.
- Testing and Assessment: You can learn how to collect data on students and use the data to make decisions about what curriculum, instructional methods, or modifications those students need.
In addition to classroom work, any special education teacher degree that leads to licensure will require a session of student teaching.
How to Choose an Online Special Education Bachelor Degree Program
Many colleges offer online special education degrees, so you may be curious about how to select the best one. Analyzing the following criteria could help:
- Accreditation. To make sure that you’re ready for licensure and the workforce, you could pick a college that holds regional accreditation and is approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Concentrations. If you know that you want to work in a particular special education role, then you can look for a college program that offers that area of study. For example, becoming credentialed as a teacher for hard-of-hearing students requires taking certain classes.
- Licensure. Not all online programs offer licensure tracks. If you want a classroom job, then verify whether you’re choosing a program that leads to licensure.
- State alignment. Each state sets its own guidelines for licensure. It’s necessary to pick a program that is tailored specifically to what your state expects. For that reason, you may want to select an online college in your own state. An in-state school might be able to offer better support as you complete the steps in the licensure process.
- Student teaching opportunities. You can complete your classes online, but you’re going to step foot in a real-world classroom to do your student teaching. Before committing to a college, ask whether the education department will be able to connect you to a practicum site in your local area.
Picking your college carefully will increase your chances of graduating workforce ready.
Admissions Requirements
Online college programs in special education have a variety of admissions requirements. Some schools want to see a more robust applications packet, and others need only a handful of materials. Common criteria include:
- Admissions form and potential application fee
- High school transcripts that show a minimum GPA and that you graduated
- ACT or SAT scores (not needed by all online colleges)
- Writing sample
You might be required to complete a background check or certain health screenings before entering the education program.
Accreditation
When looking for colleges, one of the first things to check out is whether an institution holds regional accreditation. Schools become accredited after demonstrating that they offer quality academics and have good operating practices.
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If you ever switch schools, you may be able to transfer accredited coursework. Also, to get into a graduate program like an online masters in special education or doctorate in special education online or on campus, you’re required to show that you’ve graduated from an accredited institution. A regionally accredited degree is likely to be one of your state’s requirements for teaching licensure. Employers will want to know that you went to a regionally accredited college, too.
Special Education Licensure and Certifications
Working as a K-12 teacher in a public school requires being licensed by your state. State requirements vary, but here are some common ones:
- Accredited bachelor’s degree in education
- Experience as a student teacher
- Passing score on your state’s teaching exam, often the Praxis tests
- Portfolio or performance evaluation
Your license will specifically indicate that you are qualified to teach special education. In addition, you can pursue national certifications, such as NASET/AASEP Board Certification in Special Education. A credential like that will demonstrate your commitment to excellence in this field.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re dedicated to the idea of becoming a special education teacher, there may be financial resources to support you. To learn about your options, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal aid for online students often comes in the form of grants or loans. Grants are free tuition money, but loans get paid back after graduation. Eligibility for these programs is determined based on financial need. Sometimes, there are special grant programs intended just for teaching majors. In addition to the federal government, your state may offer grants and loans as well.
Students might qualify for scholarship money in addition to their government assistance. Colleges sometimes recruit promising students by offering scholarship funds. You can apply for scholarships from other organizations, too. It can also pay to go to school while working. Some employers even often tuition support for their team members.
Special Education Professional Organizations
Teachers often provide an invaluable support system for one another. If you want to network with current, former, and aspiring educators, consider joining an industry organization. Your membership may connect you with a wealth of helpful resources.
Some professional organizations in this field include:
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEA)
- National Education Association (NEA)
Joining one of these groups may give you access to professional discounts, resource libraries, annual conferences, and industry publications. In addition to offering benefits directly to members, these organizations often spearhead advocacy campaigns as well.
What Is a Special Education Major?
A special education major is a college degree program for people who want to teach students with disabilities or other exceptionalities.
Most special education students plan to teach in K-12 public or private schools. Special education degree programs usually prepare students for state licensure. The curriculum is often aligned with a particular state’s standards.
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Majoring in special education requires spending time in real-world classrooms. Students often complete observation hours for various classes. At the end of the program, they spend about one semester doing practice teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher.
Is Special Education a Good Career?
Yes, special education is a good career for many professionals. Working with students who have special needs can be a fulfilling job. You may have the privilege of watching children learn new things and gain important skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that special educations teachers can usually earn between $46,180 and $100,040 each year. Public schools usually offer higher wages than private ones. Working in special education could be a stepping stone to advanced roles in school systems. You might build on your experiences with more education and pursue work as a curriculum coordinator or a school administrator.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher?
As a general rule, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in special education for this line of work. It’s beneficial to enroll in a program that’s designed with licensure as the end goal. That way, you can fulfill your state’s requirements for would-be teachers, and you can complete a student teaching experience.
Some people enter the special education field with a master’s degree instead. If you’ve never been a licensed teacher before, you’d be required to complete a licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching. For those who are already teachers, a non-licensure master’s degree could provide the additional training necessary for teaching special ed.
What Skills Do You Learn in an Online Degree in Special Education?
In a class like Growth and Development, you’d learn about the normal progression that kids take from birth to adulthood. In studying special education, you can also learn about ways that some kids veer from this typical timeline.
Curriculum and instructional methods will be important to study as well. You’ll explore key content areas and discuss ways to adapt lessons for special needs learners. The courses can also help equip you with effective, engaging strategies for leading classrooms.
Other skills you’ll study in a special ed program include writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), working with parents, and assessing students’ progress.
What Can You Do with a Special Education Degree?
Most people who complete special education degrees become licensed teachers. Special education positions are available in early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school settings. Both public and private schools may hire special needs teachers, but public schools often pay more.
Special education professionals can also work in schools as behavior specialists, curriculum coordinators, or administrators. Some additional training or certification may be a prerequisite for those jobs. In other settings, special ed graduates might run community programs for special needs individuals, coordinate advocacy campaigns, tutor struggling students, or develop curricular materials for classrooms.
What Can You Do with a Special Education Degree Besides Teaching?
Many special education teachers want to be in the classroom, but some choose to pursue other lines of work. Fortunately, a background in special education could be useful for a variety of alternative career opportunities, such as:
- Adult literacy specialist
- Childcare center director
- Curriculum writer
- Educational consultant
- Fundraiser for an advocacy group
- Instructional coordinator
- Occupational therapist
- Recreational therapist
- School administrator
- Special education lobbyist
- Tutor
- Workplace trainer
Some of these careers might require going back to school, though some of these options don’t require additional education.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Online?
Full-time students spend about 4 years earning their degrees in special education. Four years is a fairly common timeframe for both online and on-campus programs.
Some online bachelors in education programs are shorter, though. When you enroll in an online program that has year-round classes, you might be able to complete your studies within 3 to 3.5 years. Also, when courses are arranged into 8 week terms instead of 16 week semesters, students are often able to graduate more quickly.
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Even for online students, student teaching must last a set length of time. It’s helpful to keep that in mind when considering ways to speed up your studies.
What’s the Difference Between a Certification vs. Licensure for Special Education?
Here are some of the differences between special education licensure and certification.
| Special Education Licensure | Special Education Certification |
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State licenses require occasional renewal. To maintain your license, it’s necessary to earn continuing education hours.
Is a Special Education Teaching Degree Worth It?
Yes, a special education teaching degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a 4% growth rate for special education positions over the next decade.
The demand for preschool special education teachers will be higher than that. It’s expected that these roles will increase at an 8% rate. Student exceptionalities are being identified at younger ages, which means that specialists for the littlest learners are in demand.
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The federal government dictates that special education services must be available for students who need them, so school districts will continue to employ qualified teachers and specialists.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Special Education Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arkansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education. Individuals who are passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs may find an ideal fit in the K-12 Special Education concentration. Up to 90 qualifying credit hours may be transferred in toward the program’s 120 required credit hours. All classes meet online.
Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Central Methodist University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education. The Mild to Moderate Disabilities K-12 Special Education concentration is designed to prepare educators to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Classes may be attended online or on campus. Potential courses in the curriculum include Counseling in Special Education, Exceptional Child, and General Methods for Teaching.
Central Methodist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. This program is intended for students transferring from Leeward Community College to complete their remaining baccalaureate requirements. This program is housed entirely online. Many graduates pursue teaching roles in K-12, PK-3, K-6, or 6-12 level schools.
Chaminade University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Colorado Christian University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist. There are options for licensure and non-licensure. This program boasts small class sizes, individualized learning, and a unique Christian perspective. All classes meet conveniently online.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. The curriculum aims to provide educators with the knowledge needed to help their students develop social, emotional, academic, and life skills. Classes are attended part-time and 100% online. Up to 90 qualifying credit hours may be transferred in from outside institutions.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
East Carolina University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Special Education with General Curriculum and Adapted Curriculum specializations to choose from. All General Curriculum students complete a Reading concentration as well. Many graduates become teachers or co-teachers in traditional classrooms, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fontbonne University offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Potential courses include Analysis and Correction of Reading Difficulties, Multisensory Methods for Elementary Classrooms, and Assessment of Ability. The curriculum spans 120 total credit hours. While classes meet primarily online, the program also offers opportunities to gain early, mid-level, and final clinical experience in the field.
Fontbonne University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education. This program is designed to prepare students for entry level teaching roles and initial state licensure. The curriculum is delivered fully online. Courses cover concepts like developmentally appropriate pedagogy, classroom management, adaptive learning, personalized education, and assessment.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Education in Special Education. Potential courses include Behavior Management, Special Education Law and Characteristics, and Inclusive Planning for Diverse Learners. Classes meet 100% online and are typically 8 weeks long. On average, the program’s 120 required credit hours can be completed in 3.5 years when attending classes full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mayville State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education. Individuals who are passionate about educating and advocating for diverse learners may find an ideal fit in the Special Education specialization. Most students can complete the required coursework in 4 years of full-time study, while transfer students may be able to graduate in just 2.5 years.
Mayville State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Concentrations are available in General Curriculum and Adapted Curriculum. This program can be completed entirely online. Upon completion of general baccalaureate education requirements, students must complete at least 30 major-specific credit hours to graduate.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern Wesleyan University offers a Bachelor of Education in Special Education. Graduates of the program often pursue careers as public-school special needs teachers, special education program supervisors, case workers, transition specialists, or school-to-work coordinators. All classes meet conveniently online and are typically 7 weeks long. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.
Southern Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The concentration in Special Education may be an excellent next step for educators who are interested in working with students with special needs. Available minors include Special Education Teaching, Special Education Non-Teaching, or Early Intervention. Classes may be completed fully online.
Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alaska Southeast offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. The program is designed to prepare students for initial teaching licensure. Classes can be attended online or on-campus. The curriculum focuses on educating students and youth with disabilities, diverse Native and non-Native communities, and rural and urban communities.
The University of Alaska Southeast is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education. The curriculum covers topics like classroom and behavior management, learning disabilities, reading intervention, assessment, and family collaboration.
This program is designed for students who already have 60 transferable credit hours. It can typically be completed in 2 years. Incoming students are admitted once yearly in fall terms.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Carolina – Aiken offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Additional certifications are available in Multicategory Special Education, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disabilities.
The program is intended for those who have 45 to 60 transferable credits. To graduate, students must have completed 126 to 129 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA in their student teaching. On average, the major-specific coursework can be completed in 2.5 years of full-time study.
The University of South Carolina-Aiken is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of West Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher. This program is intended for those wishing to pursue special education careers in grades K-6 or K-12. Classes meet fully online and are typically 8 weeks long. The program’s 127 required credits can potentially be completed in just 3 years.
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Wisconsin – Stout offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Students attending online have the convenience of asynchronous courses alongside student services support and dedicated distance librarians.
The curriculum covers topics like curriculum development, human development, assessment, transition plan development, and family collaboration. The program requires the completion of 120 credits to graduate.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. The curriculum is designed to teach essential skills in the field of special education and prepare for licensure. Classes are offered online and are 3 to 8 weeks long. Student teaching may be completed at approved schools locally.
UW-Whitewater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education. This program is intended to provide graduates with dual licensure. Major requirements can potentially be completed in 27 months of full-time attendance. All classes meet conveniently online.
WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Special Education Bachelors Degree Online
Special education can be a fulfilling career in which you help all students fulfill their potential. A college education program that focuses on special education services would provide the necessary training.
Bachelors in special education online degrees could be a strategic option for you. While studying on campus often requires adherence to a strict schedule, online classes may give you the freedom to study when and how it works for you.
To prepare for teacher licensure, you can pair online college classes with an in-person student teaching experience. You could start your educational journey today by exploring accredited online programs.
