A master's in special education prepares you to work with students with special needs in a variety of settings, including as a teacher, educational diagnostician, and behavior intervention specialist. If you pursue an online master's in special education program, you can also take more control of your time and manage flexibility.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of special education teachers is projected to rise eight percent through the year 2026. School enrollment and the demand for special education services should drive employment growth. In order to qualify for these highly specialized teaching opportunities, proper education is required. While a bachelor's degree is necessary, a graduate degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. can set you apart from the competition and increase your earning potential. Thankfully, special education online degrees have become available so that you do not need to quit your current teaching job to go back to school.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable master's in special education online degree programs.
Most Affordable Master's in Special Education Online Program in 2021
What Can I Expect From a Master's in Special Education Online?
A master's in special education program prepares you to work with students who have special needs above and beyond what they can get in a traditional classroom setting. Coursework will focus on learning to understand the disabilities your future students may face, including identifying learning disabilities and providing a curriculum to make their lessons more accessible.
An online master's in special education provides a more flexible learning environment so you can complete your coursework while continuing to work in your current job. You'll still have regular classes, homework, and access to your professors to ask questions and seek feedback.
Admissions and Requirements
While the requirements may vary per program, most master's in special education programs expect candidates to submit materials like GRE scores, a resume/CV and professional recommendations. Schools will also require GPAs with scores ranging between 2.5 and 3.0.
Also, you might offset your average GPA with a strong personal statement and professional experience. Your experience might include holding a teaching license, or a minimum amount of relevant practical experience related to the program.
Career and Salary Outlook for Special Education Graduates
The median annual wage for a special education teacher is about $61,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That being said, a master's degree in special education will increase your earning potential. Salaries in the top 10% of the field are $100,160. With a more advanced degree, it's likely you would be on the higher end of the earning spectrum.
The career outlook is positive for special education teachers. Employment is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. For preschool special education teachers, employment is expected to grow even more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for this occupation are Oregon, Virginia, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Georgia.
Concentrations in Special Education Master's Programs
When you pursue a master's degree in special education, you'll have the choice of several concentrations. The concentration you choose will depend on the type of work you hope to do after graduating with your degree. Common concentrations include:
Mild/moderate disabilities
A concentration in mild/moderate disabilities focuses on K-12 students who participate in general education classes but have been diagnosed with mild to moderate disabilities. As a professional with this concentration, you'll learn about social and emotional functioning, as well as non-cognitive skills. Other topics include the role of scientific research in theory development and school-wide behavioral needs.
Behavioral intervention and support
An online master's in special education with a concentration in behavior intervention and support will help you achieve a specialty that you can put into practice in related fields such as counseling, social work, teaching, and speech language pathology. Some courses within this concentration include Behavior modification, high incidence disabilities, and the option to choose internships for more hands-on experience.
Trauma-informed education
Unline behavioral intervention, this concentration can prepare you to understand childhood trauma and mental health by emphasizing the effects that poverty can have on learning. You'll be able to learn about attachment and psychological disorders in children, as well as implement trauma-sensitive practices in classrooms and other settings.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Scholarships for Special Education Graduates
Pursuing a master's degree in special education can require a significant financial investment. Below are several scholarships available to learners pursuing a master's in special education degree.
Early Childhood Educators Scholarship ProgramWho Can Apply: Currently employed and out-of-school educators and providers who enroll in an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program in Early Childhood Education or related programs. Amount: $9,000
Ab Irvine Scholarship ProgramWho Can Apply: Students who have career plans to work with students with special needs, including but not limited to special education, learning disabilities, deaf/blind education, and more. Students must be enrolled as junior, senior, or graduate students in NM, CO, or TX.Amount: $2,000
Joseph T. Weingold Scholarship for Special Education StudentsWho Can Apply: Students enrolled in a New York State degree program leading to a special education certification.Amount: $3,000
