Best Online Special Education (SPED) Degree Programs
Learn what it takes to earn an online degree in special education. Review today’s top schools, read the ins and outs of the best online programs, and see potential earnings once you transition from student to professional.
Top Online Special Education (SPED) Degrees for 2024
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 for 2024 and see which program fits your needs best.
Programs that might interest you:
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University's online Master's in Special Education prepares students for careers serving adults and children with disabilities. No GRE is required to apply to the program, and students can opt to attend classes entirely online or in a blended format. To further personalize their degree, students choose a focus area from six graduate certificate programs and five teaching licensure options. Potential graduate certificates include Autism and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Certificates, while licensing programs include Early Childhood Special Education and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. This program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children; the applied behavior analysis course sequence is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis.
Program Highlights:
Master's in Special Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $451/credit (in-state); $676/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online or blended
- Accreditation: CAEP
2
Virginia Beach, Virginia
No matter which level of post-graduate studies in special education a student has in mind, Regent University has an online learning option to match. Those who have completed a bachelor's degree can enroll in both licensure and nonlicensure paths for the Master of Education in K-12 Special Education. Post-master's students can pursue an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership - Special Education. For those who want to obtain the highest level of education in the field, both a PhD in Education - Special Education and a Doctor of Education in Special Education are available. Whichever degree path students choose, coursework can be completed entirely online, with fieldwork the sole in-person component of the program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in K-12 Special Education (Licensure)
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $565/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership - Special Education
- Credits: 31
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $800/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Doctor of Education in Special Education
- Credits: 61
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $800/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
3
Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida offers several online learning options for students in the special education field. The Dyslexia Graduate Certificate helps practicing educators and service professionals learn to conduct literacy assessments and intervention. The Teach Well Online Academy is a graduate program designed for practicing teachers and helps prepare them to serve students with disabilities. Teach Well students choose a generalized study track or a specialized track in dyslexia, early childhood studies, or disabilities in society. For students who want to obtain the highest level of education in the field, there's the Doctorate of Education in Special Education. All of these programs are available fully online, making it convenient for current teachers to obtain additional education and qualifications in the special education field.
Program Highlights:
Dyslexia Graduate Certificate
- Credits: 15
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $449/credit (in-state); $621/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Teach Well Online Academy
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $449/credit (in-state); $621/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Doctorate of Education in Special Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $449/credit (in-state); $621/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
4
Concord, New Hampshire
5
Jonesboro, Arkansas
6
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
7
Tampa, Florida
8
Cincinnati, Ohio
9
Greenville, North Carolina
10
Athens, Ohio
11
Lynchburg, Virginia
12
Natchitoches, Louisiana
13
New York, New York
14
Clarion, Pennsylvania
15
Niagara University, New York
16
Kent, Ohio
17
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
18
Newark, Delaware
19
Pensacola, Florida
20
Laramie, Wyoming
21
Orono, Maine
22
Springfield, Missouri
23
Las Cruces, New Mexico
24
Fairfax, Virginia
25
Silver City, New Mexico
26
Birmingham, Alabama
27
California, Pennsylvania
28
Plattsburgh, New York
29
Lake Charles, Louisiana
30
Minot, North Dakota
31
Grand Forks, North Dakota
32
Kalamazoo, Michigan
33
Fresno, California
34
Tucson, Arizona
35
Kearney, Nebraska
36
Rock Hill, South Carolina
37
Nacogdoches, Texas
38
Richmond, Virginia
39
Charlotte, North Carolina
40
Louisville, Kentucky
41
Storm Lake, Iowa
42
Odessa, Texas
43
Oxford, Ohio
44
Macomb, Illinois
45
Emporia, Kansas
46
Greensboro, North Carolina
47
Miami, Florida
48
Saint Louis, Missouri
49
Saint Paul, Minnesota
50
Milledgeville, Georgia
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Fulton, Mississippi
Itawamba Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn their Associate of Arts in Special Education before proceeding to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. This AA degree is built around a 35-credit core of general education courses. In addition to these foundational courses, students take program-specific coursework to prepare them for further study in the field of special education. Itawamba maintains an articulation agreement with eight public universities in Mississippi, paving the way for a smooth and seamless transition to a four-year school. While students may be able to complete some coursework online, special education major courses are only available in person, on campus.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Special Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $145/credit (in-state); $245/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Perkinston, Mississippi
At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), students can pursue special education licensure through the School of Human Sciences and Education. Students learn through participation in coursework as well as hands-on in classroom environments. Online classes provide the opportunity for students to adjust their learning schedule to their unique needs, meaning that they don't have to compromise their current profession and obligations to obtain a degree. Though coursework can be completed without campus visits, students must report to campus for at least one proctored exam for each course. MGCCC has partnered with the Mississippi Virtual Community College Consortium to offer nearly 3,000 courses online.
Program Highlights:
Special Education Licensure
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $165/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Tucson, Arizona
Whether prospective students are professionals looking for a career pivot or experienced teachers looking to level up their skills, Pima Community College offers an online option for earning a special education post-degree certificate. The Special Education Mild-Moderate Disabilities Certification is ideal for those who do not already have a teaching degree. The Special Education Endorsement for Certified Teachers is geared toward students who already have an Arizona Standard Professional certificate. In both programs, students learn professional teaching standards, how to serve students with diverse needs, and current teaching theory. All coursework can be completed entirely online, with the exception of mandatory field experiences.
Program Highlights:
Special Education Mild-Moderate Disabilities Certification
- Credits: 40-43 credits
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $92/credit (in-state); $224/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Special Education Endorsement for Certified Teachers
- Credits: 17
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $92/credit (in-state); $224/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Inside Online Special Education Degrees
For prospective college students seeking to balance work and education, online degree programs in special education present 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. In this article, 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.
- Teaching skills to work with special education students, the faculty, and parents.
- The basic understanding of developmental disorders, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and physical limitations.
- Familiarity with classroom management techniques and the special education curriculum.
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.
- A fundamental understanding and application of assessment procedures
- The ability to create and measure the effectiveness of IEP programs
- The methodology to measure assistive technology as it applies across the range of disorders and disabilities
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:
- Expertise in curriculum design and assessment.
- Personalized teaching strategies and emotional support of children with high-incident disabilities.
- Techniques for building collaborative programs with the school, the district, with student families and the greater community.
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:
- Education leadership and staff mentoring at the school or district level.
- Conducting evidence-based, scholarly research for advancing the profession.
- Overseeing the creation of policies and to address budgeting issues, including grant writing.
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:
- Associate degree: two years
- Bachelor degree: 5.1 years, 2.5 years with a two-year associate transfer
- Master’s degree: 1.5 to 2 years
- PhD: 5 years if you have completed a master’s degree
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 $26,970 for assistants. If you work as a special education teacher with a bachelor’s degree, the median annual wage is $59,780. 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 $64,450.
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 $6,880. 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 $18,820. 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 $28, 352. 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 $51,150.