Best Online Master’s in Special Education Degree Options
What To Expect From an Online Master’s in Special Education
Students take courses in foundational topics such as language and literacy development, characteristics of exceptional learners, behavior interventions and educational research methods. Programs also delve into contemporary ethical, legal and professional issues in special education.
Along with classroom instruction, candidates may pursue experiential learning through practicums, internships and student teaching. Online master’s in special education programs often allow students to complete these requirements in their current workplaces or home areas.
Admission Requirements
Whether you choose to earn your master’s in special education online or on campus, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A related academic or professional background can help prepare you for master’s-level coursework in special education, but many schools accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in any subject. Programs catering to practicing teachers may prefer or require applicants to hold valid teaching licenses.
Additional application requirements typically include:
- Official transcripts for prior college-level coursework
- Minimum GPA, often 3.0
- Personal essay
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency for international applicants
Concentrations for an Online Master’s in Special Education
Pursuing your master’s in special education online allows you to search programs across the country for the one that best fits your professional goals. Some programs feature formal concentrations or emphases, while others allow students to explore areas of interest through electives.
If your local schools do not offer specializations that align with your interests, online programs based outside of your local area may give you a better chance of finding a program that features your desired emphasis.
Possible concentrations within this degree include:
- Applied behavior analysis
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Mild/moderate support needs
- Intensive support needs
- Cognitive and intellectual disabilities
- Behavioral disorders and learning disabilities
Additionally, master’s candidates can focus on early childhood special education or K-12 special education. Those planning to work with K-12 exceptional learners can target their studies toward different grade level ranges.
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Special Education Program?
Online master’s in education programs are the right fit for many students, but not all. Ask yourself a few questions before committing to a degree:
- What are your outside obligations? Flexibility is one of the main selling points for distance learning programs. Parents and working professionals might benefit from attending classes online. Many programs deliver coursework asynchronously, or without set meeting times, allowing students to access class materials and lectures 24/7.
- What can you afford? At many universities, students pay in-state or discounted tuition rates if they only enroll in online courses. Distance learners also generally avoid campus-related costs like transportation.
- How do you learn? If you prefer a classroom structure and the support of an in-person peer group, on-campus learning might be your best option. To succeed as a distance learner, you must be self-motivated, disciplined and organized.
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Special Education Program
There are two types of accreditation for online master’s in special education programs: institutional and programmatic.
The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the organizations that award institutional accreditation. These accrediting bodies ensure that schools employ excellent faculty members and deliver high-quality programs, services, and student outcomes.
When researching schools, institutional accreditation should be non-negotiable, as attending an accredited school is the only way to receive federal financial aid. To determine whether a school holds accreditation, visit the college’s website or search CHEA’s database.
Specific degrees and departments earn programmatic accreditation. For special education programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Many states maintain a list of approved educator preparation programs that lead to licensure. Since teaching requirements vary by state, check this list in your home state to make sure you will qualify for your initial teaching license.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Special Education Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
An online master’s in special education suits initial license seekers and practicing teachers who want to earn higher salaries and advance to administrative roles. Some programs prepare students to pursue state teaching licensure or certification, while others serve learners who hold teaching credentials already or expect to pursue careers that do not require licensure.
An online master’s in special education also helps aspiring teachers who have never worked in a classroom. Many of these degrees meet requirements for initial licensure. Once employed, new master’s degree holders may automatically earn higher pay according to their district’s salary schedule.
To meet licensure requirements, you generally need to complete a certain number of fieldwork hours and pass either the Praxis® or an equivalent exam. If you don’t have teaching experience, choose a program that incorporates these fieldwork hours as an internship and/or practicum.
If you already hold a license but want to earn a master’s to increase your salary and advancement options, you may want to choose a more flexible program without a field experience component.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 programs in our guide range from $300 to $781. Full programs require 27 to 43 credits, putting total tuition between $8,100 and $32,250.
During the 2022–2023 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that graduate students at public colleges paid an average tuition of $11,554, while private school students paid $20,015. Many master’s programs take two years to complete, totaling $23,108 or $40,030. In comparison, many online master’s in special education programs are relatively affordable.
To receive federal financial assistance, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Through the FAFSA, you can access opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Nonprofit organizations and individual schools may also offer many of these aid opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Are special education teachers in demand?
Classrooms still need special education teachers, but the field as a whole is static. Between 2022 and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects no change in demand for this profession.
Is a master’s in education the same as a master’s in teaching?
In most cases, a master’s in teaching focuses on the practical craft of teaching, covering topics like classroom management and pedagogy. A master’s in education encompasses broader skills such as curriculum development and instructional coaching.
What can you do with a master’s in special education?
Many master’s in special education graduates serve diverse learners as special education teachers in public, private and charter schools. Others leverage their advanced training to step into non-classroom roles such as school or program administrator, instructional design specialist, educational tester, instructional coordinator or educational consultant.
How much does an online master’s in special education cost?
Like other master’s degrees, online master’s in special education programs can vary widely in cost, depending on their host schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, annual graduate tuition at public institutions averaged about $11,500 as of the 2022–2023 school year, while grad students at private universities paid an average of around $20,000 a year.
How much can you make with a master’s degree in special education?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2023 median annual salary of $65,910 for special education teachers. However, this figure represents teachers with all levels of educational preparation; teachers with advanced degrees typically earn more than those with just a bachelor’s education. The highest-paid 10% of special education teachers earn over $106,000 a year.
Is an online master’s in special education worth it?
For many educators, yes. A graduate degree is not required to become a special education teacher, but those with a master’s typically earn more than their bachelor’s-educated colleagues. Additionally, a master’s degree in special education can help you qualify for education sector roles outside of classroom teaching.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in special education?
It depends on the program, but most students can earn their master’s in special education online or on campus in about two years. Some licensure-oriented programs require up to three years of study, however, and accelerated programs designed for practicing educators can take as little as one year to complete.
