If you want to earn a versatile teaching degree, consider an online master's in special education. Across the U.S., schools need special education teachers to fill vacancies. These professionals ensure students who need individualized education programs receive appropriate accommodations and equal access to education. Special education teachers work in inclusive or self-contained classrooms with students of various moderate-to-severe learning, emotional, physical, and mental disabilities. Special education teachers provide differentiated instruction across all subject areas: math, science, language arts, the arts, and history.
In addition to traditional classroom teacher roles, special education degree-holders can also work as behavior intervention specialists and education consultants.
Use this guide to learn about the best master's in special education and career outcomes, including jobs outside the classroom.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Special Education Master's Degrees
#1 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Special Education
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
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
What Is a Master's in Special Education?
Special education master's programs equip educators with advanced, 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.). Some schools may confer a master of arts in teaching (MAT) degree, though this is less common.
MA, MAT, and M.Ed. degrees feature similar curricula, but they differ subtly. 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.
Discover 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 students with special needs
Many programs in this field focus on students with disabilities that mildly or moderately impact their lives. Some schools also offer special education programs for teachers of students with disabilities that profoundly impact their lives.
Another variant covers gifted students. Special education master's programs in this subfield teach educators to develop enriched curricula and tailored instructional techniques for gifted learners.
Understand Licensure and Certification
Research each prospective online master's in special education degree to understand the pathways it offers for licensure and certification. Some programs lead directly to professional credentials and typically hold 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.
Special education master's programs may also help prepare graduates for other professional credentials, including board certified behavior analyst, certified adapted physical educator, and certified disability management specialist. These certifications can benefit professionals who plan to work in targeted areas of special education.
Ultimately, educator licensing is a state-controlled consideration, so research requirements and options relevant to the state where you plan to work.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Special Education?
A master's in special education commonly leads to classroom teaching positions. In both self-contained and inclusive learning environments, special education teachers instruct learners of various abilities, including students with moderate-to-severe disabilities and exceptional learners.
Nationwide, special education teachers earned a median wage of $65,910 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages depend on a variety of factors, including location and experience. In addition to expanding education expertise and sharpening classroom skills, professional credentials like certifications and endorsements can also help teachers increase their earning potential and qualify for roles outside the classroom.
Careers Beyond Teaching
Many people who pursue a master's in special education work as classroom-based special education teachers. However, advanced special education degrees may offer pathways to alternate careers, including:
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Behavior intervention specialists manage the behavior of students with special needs to help these learners maximize their educational attainment potential. Some employers may prefer or require these professionals to hold board certified behavior analyst credentials.
Average Salary: $48,070 (as of March 2024)
Education Consultant
Education consultants work with teachers, schools, school boards, and governments to develop special education curricula and teaching strategies. Some employers may prefer or require these professionals to hold credentials like certified educational planner.
Average Salary: $66,830 (as of April 2024)
Education Director
Education directors design and implement curricular plans for their institutions. They may work for one school or multiple institutions in a particular district. Some master's programs lead directly to special education director licensure, which can qualify professionals for jobs designing special education curricula specifically.
Average Salary: $75,510 (as of April 2024)
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators develop and integrate subject-specific content into school curricula. Employers may require certified curriculum coordinator certification or similar endorsements.
Median Salary: $74,620 (as of May 2023)
Speech Language Pathologists
Speech language pathologists address speech and language disorders, social communication disorders, and cognitive communication disorders. Working collaboratively with teachers and parents, speech language pathologists help students to use verbal and nonverbal communication in the classroom.
Median Salary: $89,290 (as of May 2023)
Should I Get a Master's in Special Education?
Graduate-level special education credentials can signal authority and commitment to continued learning. Consequently, holding a special education master's degree can help professionals stand out in the job search. A Pepperdine University analysis of 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.
-
-
-
Learners gain access to a broader set of school and program options since they are not limited to institutions in their immediate geographic area.
How Can I Make My Special Education Master's Degree More Affordable?
Teaching degrees can provide a positive return on investment, especially as funding sources like scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement programs can reduce the financial burden of pursuing a program in this field. Consider the options below if you need help defraying the cost of your special education master's degree.
Access Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program forgives up to $17,500 of student loan debt for "highly qualified" classroom teachers. Eligibility for this program requires a commitment to teach full time for five years in a school serving low-income students. If you have a bachelor's degree, a teaching license, and teach in a designated school, you meet the "highly qualified" criteria.
Get Federal Loans
Federal loans typically have lower interest rates than private lenders' loans. Nonetheless, borrow only what you require when it comes to federal loans. For example, if you qualify for $10,000 but your school costs $4,000 per semester, accepting only the amount you need for tuition, books, and expenses means you can reduce how much you must pay back after earning your degree. Graduate students qualify for direct unsubsidized loans and direct PLUS loans.
Secure TEACH Grants
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant offers up to $4,000 annually to education majors who agree to teach in a high-need area for four years. If you cannot complete your commitment, the grant turns into a loan, which requires repayment.
Scholarships
Schools and organizations award teaching scholarships based on merit, financial need, or demographics. Scholarships do not require repayment. Strong personal essays and an impressive academic record can help you stand out in the application process for awards like:
Price Check
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for graduate programs in the 2021-22 school year — $20,513 — is nearly five times higher than it was in the 1989-90 academic year.
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 can lead to higher earning potential and expanded career opportunities.
Is a master's in special education worth it?
Depending on your career goals, an online master's in special education may be worth it. This credential can help you increase your earning potential and qualify for advanced careers, including jobs outside the classroom.
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 of full-time study. Students usually complete around 30 credits, though some programs can require as many as 60 credits.
What are the admission requirements for an online master's in special education program?
Core admission requirements for online special education master's programs usually include a bachelor's degree and academic transcripts. Schools frequently request supporting materials, including a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Note that some graduate education programs require applicants to hold an active teaching license or an education bachelor's degree.
Edited by