On this page

Back to top

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.

Search hundreds of schools for the degree you want...

I want my
in
Focusing on

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.

About the ranking

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

Ball State University

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 60%

2

Regent University

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 92%

3

University of Florida

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 57%

4

Granite State College

Concord, New Hampshire

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 100%

5

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

6

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 87%

7

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 65%

9

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 74%

10

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 78%

11

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 91%

12

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 88%

13

CUNY City College

New York, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 86%

14

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 63%

15

Niagara University

Niagara University, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 68%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 89%

17

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 63%

18

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 66%

19

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 88%

20

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 72%

21

University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 66%

22

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

23

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 76%

24

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 79%

25

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 82%

26

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

27

California University of Pennsylvania

California, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 80%

28

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 71%

29

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 86%

30

Minot State University

Minot, North Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 62%

31

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 70%

32

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 72%

33

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 43%

34

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 56%

35

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 73%

36

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 72%

37

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 86%

38

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 81%

39

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 69%

40

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 58%

41

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 59%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 81%

43

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 34%

44

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 79%

45

Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 70%

46

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 82%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

48

Fontbonne University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 80%

49

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

50

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 35%
About the ranking

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

Itawamba Community College

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 67%

2

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 59%

3

Pima Community College

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
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

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.