Best Online Special Education Degree Programs
Find out what it takes to earn your college degree from a top online special education degree programs. Review top schools and learn about concentration options, completion times, and program costs. This is your guide to your future in special education — keep reading.
Inside Online Special Education Degrees
For prospective college students seeking to balance work and education, online degree programs in special education (SPED) are an attractive option. These programs offer flexible scheduling, allowing students to complete their degree or certificate while also managing work and other commitments. Additionally, full-time online students can earn their degree or certificate in a shorter amount of time than their campus-based counterparts.
Online courses often feature a range of communication methods, including streaming lectures, email, chat, telephone, bulletin boards, and multimedia tools, providing an engaging and interactive learning experience. However, it’s worth noting that many programs require students to participate in classroom or district office internships to gain practical experience. Fortunately, these internships are often arranged in convenient locations, such as the student’s current school or workplace.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of online special education degrees and the skills you’ll develop for the classroom. We’ll also provide valuable information on credentialing and state licensing requirements to ensure that you’re fully prepared to embark on your chosen career path.
Online Certificates in Special Education
For college students looking to take a dive into special education, there are two types of online certificates you can earn: entry-level certificates and graduate certificates. Entry-level certifications are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get a foothold in the profession. Depending on the program, you can complete these certificates in as little as a year. Alongside online coursework, you’ll also be required to complete an on-site supervised internship to gain valuable hands-on experience. On the other hand, graduate certifications are a great option for special education teachers who want to add more skills to their toolbelt and advance in their profession. These certificates usually require a course of study spanning 18-21 credits. The best part? You can complete the classes entirely online, making it easy to work around your busy schedule.
Online Associate Degrees in Special Education
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in special education, online associate degree programs can be a great starting point on your journey towards certification and licensure. These 60-hour programs offer a comprehensive overview of the field and give you the opportunity to determine whether this career path is the right fit for you. Plus, completing general education requirements for transfer to a bachelor degree program can save you both time and money. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to take on roles as a teacher assistant, providing valuable support to teachers and students alike. In fact, many students find that they can continue working in this role while pursuing a flexible, online bachelor degree program. Along the way, you’ll develop a range of core skills that will be invaluable in your future career in special education.
Online Bachelor Degrees in Special Education
Ready to take your education to the next level and become a certified and licensed special education teacher? The next step is to earn your bachelor degree, which requires 120 units of coursework. Luckily, half of those credits are typically made up of general education coursework, which you can complete at a community college and transfer to your program. Many online bachelor degree programs are offered as hybrid programs, which combine online classes with in-person classroom experiences to give you the best of both worlds. You’ll cover a wide range of topics in your coursework, including psychology (with a focus on behavior management), cultural studies, research-based student assessment, interventions, literacy, child development, assistive technology, and the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Throughout your degree program, you’ll build essential core skills that will prepare you to be an effective and compassionate special education teacher.
Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
There are two types of programs to choose from: a Master of Education (M.Ed.) for those interested in advanced teaching and leadership roles, or a Master of Science (M.S.) for students interested in conducting research in the field. Whether you prefer fully online or hybrid programs, you’ll typically need to complete around 45 credits, including a field experience. Your coursework will cover advanced topics such as educational psychology, behavioral and classroom management, assistive technology applications for diagnosis and instruction, special education law, the impact on family members, and graduate research theory and techniques. These courses will help you develop core skills that are essential for success in the field, including:
Online Doctorates in Special Education
Earning a doctorate in special education is the highest level of academic accomplishment in the field and opens doors to various leadership roles in education policy and instructional leadership. The two types of doctorate programs offered are the PhD for those interested in research at the university level and the EdD for individuals aiming to deepen their knowledge and qualifications in a specialized area or advance into leadership positions. Doctoral degree programs typically take six years to complete, with credit hours ranging from 40 to 70. However, accelerated or self-paced online programs can take as little as three years. Admission to these programs requires a minimum of two years’ experience in the field and a master’s degree. A dissertation focusing on independent research is usually required for completion and defense. Depending on the program type, you can expect to gain these essential skills:
Concentrations in Online Special Education Degrees
Special education teachers seeking advancement can return to an online university to earn a graduate degree. One of the best ways to prepare for career progression is to complete a specialization as part of your master’s degree. Concentrations build upon your knowledge and experience, and you’ll gain advanced expertise in a niche serving one or more student populations. The targeted subject matter is focused and intensive. Graduate students can choose a specialization that targets their educator goals or to prepare for education careers on the rise within a school district. Let’s review some of today’s top concentrations in special education:
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technology has been developed to augment the special educator’s toolkit. For example, assistive technologies may address the use of walkers or new-generation wheelchairs. In addition, assistive computer hardware and software focuses on ease of access and the integration of learning skills such as reading comprehension. The goal is to facilitate physical mobility and enhance learning through multimedia.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typified by lack of attention, difficulty communicating with others, hyperactivity, and an attachment to routine. It can be diagnosed as early as age two. The special education teacher addressing ASD can establish routines, integrate social activities, and keep concepts simple and clear.
Behavior Analysis
Graduate students can specialize in behavior analysis to understand and address students who respond negatively to interactions or disrupt classes. Behavior analysis may be used effectively with students demonstrating ASD. Special educator skills include performing interventions to stop reactions as they occur. Or you may employ tactics to demonstrate “replacement behaviors” that offer students positive behavioral choices.
Deaf Education
Students who are hard of hearing often have difficulty completing classroom assignments or understanding teachers’ directions. They are typically challenged in oral communications. Teachers can employ a number of tools to address this complicated issue. They can assign a sign language interpreter to the class or facilitate visual learning through assistive technology (such as text-to-audio software to deliver oral reports and assignments).
English Interpreting
School interpreters help deaf or hearing-impaired students, as well as their parents who may also have hearing disabilities. In this specialization, you’ll need complete a bachelor’s degree along with formal coursework in interpreting. Some interpreters are fluent in two or three languages. Continuing education can further develop your skills and qualify you for senior positions. A Master’s Degree in Interpretation combines practical experience, teaching/interpreting strategies, and communications theory.
High-incidence Disabilities
Students requiring assistance with high-incidence disabilities may exhibit emotional and cognitive disorders and learning disorders. Some of these include LD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. You’ll need a master’s degree concentrating on studies in student assessments, research methodologies, and individual planning for each student. Typical coursework in this specialization includes task-setting, building effective listening skills, and the establishment of structured social interactions.
Multisensory Reading Instruction
Research has found that students may learn more effectively when your teaching appeals to a range of senses, incorporating sound, touch, movement, and sight. Graduate studies in this specialization often include training in The Wilson Reading System (WRS) to address reading issues. The WRS Level 1 Certification is an in-demand specialty.
Special Education Law
Prevent discrimination against your students. State and Federal laws protect the rights of children with disabilities and learning disorders. In this specialization, graduate students learn the application of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its provisions for student evaluations and interventions. They also study Section 504 of the Rehabilitations Act requiring equal access to all students needing disability assistance.
Special Education Leadership
Are you a licensed teacher aspiring to lead special education at your school or district level? Your classroom experience as a special educator has prepared you to evaluate and augment special education programs. The specialized curriculum in an online Master’s Degree in Special Education Leadership includes coursework in law, finance, instructional/managerial strategies, and assistive technology. Programs culminate in special education practicums and seminars.
Online Special Education Degree FAQs
If you’re thinking about becoming a special education teacher, you’ll have questions whether an online program will meet your needs. For starters, you’ll want to know how long it takes to complete a degree and how much money it will cost. Do you need certifications and licenses to work in your state, and how much can you earn? To assist you, we’ve collected the most popular questions asked by potential students and contacted special education experts in the field to answer them.
How long does it take to earn a special education degree online?
Online special education degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels vary depending on whether you pursue them on a full-time or part-time basis. Some accelerated of self-paced courses can cut the time to graduation. Fulltime, online bachelor degrees take less time to compete if you already hold an associate degree. Here are national averages of times for completion for fulltime students:
Do I need to become certified to teach special education?
Special education teachers are required to hold more than one certification to perform their duties. At minimum, you will need to complete a bachelor degree to obtain a general K-6 certification. Some online programs offer dual certification programs that lead to elementary education and K-6 special education credentials. All states offer alternative routes to certification for applicants who have competed a bachelor’s degree in the subject they hope to teach. You’ll also need to obtain a state-issued certification in special education. The American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP) offers the national test for certification. Moreover, you can get certified in your specialization(s). Bachelor and master’s students are encouraged to contact state departments of education to learn about specific certification requirements.
What’s the difference between certification and licensure for special education?
While you’ll need certifications and licenses to work in special education, there are key differences between each. Certifications verify that the applicant has completed their formal, accredited education. Independent national organizations and associations such as the AASEP offer certification exams. Usually certification requirements include formal education, documented work experience, and an examination of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in the profession. Your classroom experience also factors in the approval process. On the other hand, special education licenses are awarded by school districts and state departments of education. Each state has its own licensing requirements. You may apply for a general license or, if the state requires them, licenses to work in your specialization.
How much do special education teachers make?
Your pay rate may vary dramatically based on your level of education, your relevant certifications and experience. For example, if you earn an associate’s degree, you might work in your community as a teacher assistant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage of $35,550 for assistants. If you work as a special education teacher with a bachelor’s degree, the median annual wage is $65,910. By completing a master’s degree, you may advance to jobs as school counselors, administrators, instructional coordinators, and K-5 principals. The median annual wage for instructional coordinators is $74,620.
How much does an online special education degree cost?
That depends on the degree you’re seeking and whether you attend a public or private school. A 60-unit online associates degree can be completed in two years. The national average for two-year tuition is approximately $4,481. A 120-credit Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education takes four years to complete, or half as long if you transfer an associate’s degree. The average tuition at a public college for in-state students is $17,709. At the master’s degree level with full-time study, you can complete the 32-credit curriculum in two years. Costs vary by institution. For example only, the Penn State World Campus master’s program costs $33,891. You can complete an online PhD or EdD in Special Education in 2-4 years. In another example, the full tuition for Regent University’s 66-hour online Doctor of Education in Special Education is $52,800.
Top Online Special Education (SPED) Degrees
Are you ready for a meaningful career where you make a difference in children’s and teen’s lives? Special education teachers address serious learning challenges that can impede a student’s ability to make progress both in and out of the classroom.
Our college ranking below showcases the best schools offering online special education degrees that can provide the training you need through convenient remote coursework. We scored programs based on important factors like affordable tuition rates, robust student support services, proper accreditation, and flexible course scheduling. Learn more about our top picks and see which program fits your needs best.