Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Special Education

An online special education program prepares you to work with students who experience behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and other challenges. In addition to general education requirements, you’ll take courses in effective learning environments, methods of inclusion, and instructional strategies for those with disabilities. You’ll also learn how to assess and determine a student’s eligibility for special education services.

Explore what an online special education degree offers and the career opportunities it provides.

Obtaining a special education degree can propel you into a field where your creativity and compassion make a significant difference in the lives of students who need extra support. This rewarding career continues to grow in demand.

Pursuing an online special education degree allows you to work at your current job, care for your family, and gain experience in your community without having to commute or relocate. The following list covers some of the top benefits of attending a special education bachelor’s program online.

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Programs that prepare you to teach in public schools require student teaching experiences, which typically involve full-time teaching in special education settings. All states require supervised clinical practice. However, states vary on the amount of practical experience required, so check with your state’s board of education before selecting a program.

Some schools also offer non-certification tracks. These pathways do not lead to teacher certification. If you’re interested in a career outside teaching, such as an early intervention specialist or special education advocate, this track may offer a viable option.

Institutional accreditation ensures that colleges and universities meet high educational standards. By attending an accredited institution, you gain access to federal financial aid and can more easily transfer credits between schools. Make sure the accrediting organization is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

Programs and departments within schools can also gain programmatic accreditation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits most educational programs. Some states require graduation from a CAEP-accredited teacher preparation program to gain licensure.

Many graduates pursue roles as special education teachers in public schools. However, there are other career paths in education. You may teach in private schools or work in hospitals, residential facilities, and even students’ homes. State agencies and nonprofits hire candidates for case management positions and advocacy programs.

You can also advance to senior management positions in residential or vocational programs for individuals with disabilities. A director of special education provides staff support and ensures the program meets the needs of the students. Payscale reports that these directors earn an average salary of $83,671 as of April 2024. This position may require a master’s in special education or educational administration.

If you’ve set your sights on a career as a special education teacher in public schools, you’ll need to obtain your degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program. Additional requirements may include passing a basic math, reading, and writing skills test. You may also need to take the Praxis special education test to get your teacher’s license.

Admission into a bachelor’s program in special education requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. The minimum GPA requirement is usually 2.0. Some schools also require SAT or ACT scores. Many schools offer degree-completion programs, which typically require 60 transfer credits from undergraduate studies with GPAs ranging from 2.0-2.75.

NCES data indicates that the average in-state tuition and fees for public universities was $9,596 in the 2021-2022 academic year. For non-residents, that figure rose to $27,457. Remember that some colleges do not charge out-of-state fees for online programs. Private colleges cost the most, averaging $34,041 annually in tuition and fees.

Most online bachelor’s in special education programs require 120-132 credits. If you attend school full time, you can complete the program in about four years. Some programs offer year-round accelerated options, allowing you to reduce completion time. If you enroll part time, it may take 5-6 years to complete.

Yes. If you’re interested in helping students with disabilities through teaching, advocating, or managing resources, an online special education degree is worth it. You also experience high demand and higher-than-average wages. BLS data reveals that, as of May 2023, special education teachers earn a median wage of $65,910.

Special education teachers in secondary schools make the most money compared to other grade levels. Where you live also affects the money you make. For instance, in New York, the top-paying state, these teachers earn an average wage of $94,460, according to BLS data from May 2023.