Special education plays a key role in the lives of students with unique learning needs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 7.3 million U.S. public school students accessed special education services during the 2021-2022 school year. That equates to 15% of all learners enrolled in public schools.
Earning an online master's in special education can be an efficient way to begin a career in this important field. This guide explores degree profiles and details, licensure and certification, employment opportunities, education financing, and more. Use it to guide and inform your deep research of schools and program options.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Should I Get a Master's in Special Education?
Educators pursue special education master's degrees for a variety of reasons. Graduate-level credentials signal authority and commitment to the field. They may also elevate the standing of master's degree holders as they compete for employment.
Others choose special education master's programs as a means of deepening their knowledge and professional insights. A Pepperdine University analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary data also found that a master's degree can boost an educator's earnings by 10-15%.
Why Get a Master's in Special Education Online
- Online programs offer flexibility that allows degree-seekers to schedule learning around their existing commitments.
- Students can achieve cost and time savings by avoiding the need to relocate or commute.
- Online programs build familiarity with the digital learning platforms educators may later use in their own careers.
- Learners gain access to a broader set of school and program options since they are not limited to institutions in their immediate geographic area.
Top 10 Online Special Education Master's Degrees
Read About Our Methodology Here
#1 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $458
Out-of-State | $458
Credits to Graduate: 30
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) features a 100% online master of education in special education that emphasizes modern instructional methods. Coursework focuses on behavior analysis, evidence-based practice, skills development, and collaborative inclusivity. The program does not directly lead to certification. However, it provides the necessary academic background to qualify for state certification as a special education teacher.
UTRGV maintains the lowest tuition fees of any institution in the University of Texas system. It also ranks second in the state for tuition affordability among public colleges. The program's flat-rate fees extend to all learners, regardless of their residency.
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $513
Out-of-State | $513
Credits to Graduate: 33
University of Alaska Southeast's (UAS) online master of education in special education suits practicing teachers and educational professionals looking to upgrade their academic credentials. The program emphasizes culturally sensitive and responsive approaches to special education. Year-round course offerings and evening virtual class meetings help working professionals fit the program into their schedules.
Exit requirements include sitting for the Praxis II: Special Education Core Knowledge and Application examination. Learning outcomes also cover seven Council for Exceptional Children standards. The same affordable graduate tuition rates apply to both Alaska-based and nonresident learners.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $444
Credits to Graduate: 30-42
At New Mexico State University (NMSU), students can customize their master of arts in special education degree through pathways such as initial licensure, prior general education licensure, alternative licensure, and visual impairment.
While the licensure paths are ideal for aspiring educators, the other paths offer established teachers unique opportunities to build targeted credentials in specialized areas of professional practice. As a 100% online program in the NMSU Global Campus network, all students pay the same low tuition fees.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Touro College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 36-42
New York City-based Touro College features three affordable master of science programs in special education: early childhood and special education; childhood and special education; and teaching students with disabilities.
Each program emphasizes specialized topics in their concentration area and requires students to develop a professional portfolio demonstrating their concept mastery to qualify for graduation. Students can complete all coursework online. However, in-person requirements include classroom-based fieldwork and practicums.
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $451
Out-of-State | $451
Credits to Graduate: 32-45
Minot State University's (MSU) Department of Special Education supports several professional interests with its master of science in special education programs. Degree-seekers supplement a common core program structure with concentrations such as deaf and hard-of-hearing education; disability human services; early childhood special education; and special education strategy.
MSU also offers a generalist master's program in special education, along with certificate programs. All programs are ideal for licensed educators looking to build advanced, concentrated academic specializations.
Online MSU students pay the school's in-state tuition rates. Learners in the deaf and hard-of-hearing concentration can receive stipends, which further improve the program's affordability.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 34
University of West Alabama's (UWA) online master of education in special education prepares students for careers as collaborative teachers in K-6 environments. The program uses eight-week courses and takes 1-2 years to complete, leading to teaching certification in Alabama.
Coursework emphasizes compassionate and inclusive approaches to teaching students with behavioral, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. UWA ranks among the lowest-cost institutions in Alabama.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Drury University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 30
Missouri-based Drury University (DU) features a flexible master of education in special education program. Degree-seekers can enroll in a standard 30-credit curriculum or complete additional credits leading to a certificate in dyslexia.
Required courses cover behavioral analysis and intervention, student evaluations, and educational technology. Students also participate in two clinical experience modules. The program is designed for participants with existing education certifications and does not lead to initial licensure. All enrollees qualify for DU's low tuition fees through the institution's Global Online campus.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $618
Out-of-State | $1,226
Credits to Graduate: 30-36
University of Northern Colorado's master of arts in special education focuses on K-12 students with unique needs. Program graduates hold the academic qualifications necessary to effectively instruct nearly all students in special education programs.
Licensed educators and aspiring special education teachers who have not yet earned licensure can qualify for the program. Non-licensed learners may need to complete an additional three-credit course to earn the necessary academic credentials.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $547
Out-of-State | $547
Credits to Graduate: 30 or more, depending on concentration
The master of science degree in special education at the University of North Dakota is designed for currently licensed educators. Learners can pursue a generalist option or specialize their learning in areas like autism spectrum disorders, early childhood special education, emotional behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities.
Students can also earn a combined concentration in emotional, intellectual, and learning disorders. Affordable tuition fees apply to all online learners, regardless of location.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Northwestern College
- Orange City, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 30-42
Iowa's Northwestern College (NWC) features a master of education in special education program with flexible 100% online delivery. Students advance through eight-week courses covering generalist topics in education, plus a 15-credit concentration in special education.
The standard program includes 30 credits. Learners may also opt for a special education master's plus endorsement, which comprises 36-42 credits and prepares graduates to pursue licensure. NWC supports affordability with budget-friendly tuition. All online learners pay the same rate, regardless of their location.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
What Is a Master's in Special Education?
Special education master's programs equip educators with advanced and specialized tools for providing effective instruction to learners with specific needs. Examples include gifted students and students with physical, intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities.
Master's programs in special education typically lead to one of two degree designations: a master of arts (MA) or a master of education (M.Ed.). Rarely, schools may confer a master of arts in teaching (MAT) degree.
MA, MAT, and M.Ed. degrees feature similar curricula, but they differ in subtle, technical ways. MA programs generally provide the flexibility to move between classroom-based and educational policy-based careers. MAT programs focus more on classroom instruction, while M.Ed. degrees tend to concentrate on advanced practice standards.
Courses and Specializations
Online master's in special education curricula usually cover methods for teaching K-12 students with disabilities. In addition to classroom-based instruction techniques, they also tend to emphasize:
- Unique and differentiating characteristics of students with special needs
- Specialized student assessment methods
- Effective, compassionate approaches to behavioral management
- Interfacing and collaborating with parents of special-needs students
Many such programs feature course content oriented toward students with disabilities that mildly or moderately impact their lives. Some institutions also offer special education programs for teachers of students with disabilities that profoundly impact their lives.
Another variant covers gifted students. Gifted students can benefit from enriched curricula and specially tailored instructional techniques. Concentrated master's of special education programs for gifted and talented students equip educators with these specialized teaching tools.
Licensure and Certification
Online master's in special education programs may differ with respect to the licensure and certification pathways they offer. Some programs lead directly to licensure or certification. Such programs typically have formal endorsements from state-level education boards or certifying bodies. These programs often include mandatory practice teaching requirements covering a specified number of instructional hours.
Notably, special education master's programs sometimes support or lead to other types of professional credentials. Examples include:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE)
- Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
These certifications may be of interest to professionals planning to work in targeted areas of special education.
Your program, specialization, and certification choices depend on your personal background, research interests, and career goals. Educator licensing is a state-level issue, so research requirements and options that are relevant to the state in which you plan to work.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Special Education?
According to the BLS, special education teachers earned a median salary of $62,950 per year as of May 2022. The role offers higher earning potential: According to the BLS, the top 10% of U.S. special education teachers made more than $102,450 during the same period.
With respect to jobs, the BLS projects demand for all teachers due to the nationwide teacher shortage. The BLS anticipates little to no job growth for special education teachers between 2022 and 2032. However, depending on the state you live in, demand could be higher.
If you plan to work as a special education teacher in the U.S. public school system, you must possess a state-issued teaching license. Standards vary: Some states accept general education degrees, while others require degrees in special education. Seek resources from the state in which you plan to work for further specifics.
Careers Beyond Teaching
Many people who pursue a master's in special education go on to become classroom-based special education teachers. However, advanced special education degrees may offer pathways into alternate careers, including:
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Behavior intervention specialists concentrate on managing the behavior of special-needs students in a manner that maximizes their educational attainment potential. BCBA certification may be preferred or required for the role.
Mean salary: $48,070 (as of September 2023)
Education Consultant
Education consultants work with teachers, schools, school boards, and governments to develop special education curricula and teaching strategies. Consider earning specialized credentials such as Certified Educational Planner (CEP).
Mean salary: $63,830 (as of September 2023)
Special Education Director
Special education directors design and implement curricula for special-needs students. They may work only for one school, or maintain responsibility for multiple schools in a particular district. Some schools offer programs leading directly to special education director licensure.
Mean salary: $71,050 (as of September 2023)
Special Education Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators develop and integrate subject-specific content into school curricula. Employers may require Certified Curriculum Coordinator (CCC) certification or similar endorsements.
Median salary: $73,080 (as of May 2022)
How Can I Make My Special Education Master's Degree More Affordable?
NCES reported the following averages for graduate tuition fees in the United States for the 2020-2021 school year:
- Public institutions: $12,394
- Private for-profit institutions: $14,301
- Private nonprofit institutions: $28,445
Given these costs, students must create viable education financing plans. The following sections offer tips learners can use to reduce the cost of their special education master's programs.
Attend a Public School in Your State
Almost all U.S. public institutions charge in-state residents lower tuition. Because state residents pay taxes that go toward supporting the state's public universities, they are offered discounts. Out-of-state students and their families have not contributed to the state's taxes, and, therefore, they pay more.
Many states are members of interstate tuition reciprocity agreements. These compacts allow students from bordering states to qualify for in-state tuition rates at participating institutions.
Apply for Federal Financial Aid
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) automatically qualifies a student for both loan programs and grants, which do not need to be repaid. If you need financial aid, strongly consider submitting the FAFSA.
Special education graduate students also qualify for additional federal student aid programs. These include TEACH Grants, which provide education funding to students who agree to work in high-priority elementary or secondary institutions for a set number of years and do not need to be repaid. TEACH Grants convert to repayable loans if the recipient elects to pursue other career opportunities.
The federal government also supports multiple loan forgiveness programs for teachers.
Apply for Scholarships
Many scholarship opportunities are open to students pursuing online special education master's degrees. Examples include scholarship programs from the following organizations:
You can also research scholarships offered at the state and local levels. Organizations also offer scholarships based on individual criteria related to race, ethnicity, academic achievement, and career goals, among other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Master's Programs
Do you need a master's to teach special education?
Not necessarily. Most states offer teacher certification pathways to candidates with bachelor's degrees. However, a master's degree could lead to higher earning potential, expanded career opportunities, and deeper professional knowledge.
Is a master's in special education worth it?
An online master's in special education can lead to higher salaries and a greater breadth of career options. Education professionals with master's degrees may also be more satisfied with their careers thanks to their wider knowledge bases. From these viewpoints, the degree often generates a positive return on investment.
How long does a master's in special education take?
Programs vary in their lengths and credit requirements. However, most online special education master's degrees take 1-2 years to complete on a full-time study schedule. They generally require students to complete about 30 credits, though some require up to 60 credits.
What are the admission requirements for an online master's in special education program?
Core admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and academic transcripts. Schools frequently request supporting materials, including a personal essay/statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. Note that some graduate education programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree specifically in education, and/or to have an active teaching license.
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Page last reviewed September 15, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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