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2023 Best Online Degrees in Special Education

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 5/5/2023
2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Special Education Badge

An online bachelor’s degree in special education is designed for students wanting to educate people with disabilities. A special education degree covers topics like educational psychology, child development, and language skills. Students in this program learn the basic principles of teaching, with some classes tailored to teaching students with special needs. While most coursework is available online, students must also complete some program components in person, such as student teaching demonstrations and preclinical experiences. Some examples of potential courses students may come across with this online program are Lifespan Development, Language Skills for Learners with Special Needs, and Disciplinary Literature. In addition, students may also need to complete a portfolio towards the end of their program. Graduates may enter careers like special education teachers, school psychologists, and behavior analysts, or they may prefer to pursue an affordable master’s degree in special education

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.

2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Special Education Badge
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Online Special Education Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


2023 Best Online Degrees in Special Education

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 Utah State University 81 81 $42,876
# 2 #2 University of Wisconsin - Whitewater 76 $41,999
# 3 #3 Ball State University 68 $40,987
# 4 #4 Bridgewater State University 67 $40,859
# 5 #5 Western Governors University 55 $39,431

#1 Utah State University

  • Salary Score: 81
  • Median Starting Salary: $42,876
  • Locations: Logan (UT)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Utah State University (USU) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students generally spend four years completing this program. USU accepts 93% of applicants, with 55% earning their diplomas.

At USU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for speech-language pathology graduate school. The courses include Language Science, Acquired Communication Disorders, and Basic Audiology. A senior clinic and SLPA clinical experience are also required. Potential career options include special education teachers, instructional coordinators, and applied behavior analysts.

#2 University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

  • Salary Score: 76
  • Median Starting Salary: $41,999
  • Locations: Whitewater (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (UW-Whitewater Online), a public institution, future students can pursue an online Bachelor in Special Education equaling 120 credit hours. It can take four years for full-time students to complete this program. UW-Whitewater Online accepts 83% of applicants and has a graduation rate of 64%.

UW-Whitewater Online has students complete courses asynchronously on Canvas, which means they can work at their own pace. The special education program gives students the knowledge and skills to become special education teachers by participating in courses, such as Lifespan Development, Human Abilities and Learning, and Psychopathology. Capstone and professional development seminars are required to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like teacher assistants, special education administrators, and instructional coordinators.

#3 Ball State University

  • Salary Score: 68
  • Median Starting Salary: $40,987
  • Locations: Muncie (IN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Ball State University (Ball State) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis - Autism totaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to finish this degree within four years. The university accepts 68% of applicants, with 64% graduating.

At Ball State, online students complete coursework delivered on Canvas. This program prepares students to assist adults and children with autism spectrum disorder. The program’s courses include Exceptional Children and Adults, Treatment and Interventions with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Advanced Behavior Analysis. Students must take two seminars to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are special education teachers, reading specialists, and autism spectrum disorder specialists.

#4 Bridgewater State University

  • Salary Score: 67
  • Median Starting Salary: $40,859
  • Locations: Bridgewater (MA)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Special Education, which equals 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. BSU’s acceptance rate is 86%, and it has a 62% graduation rate.

BSU’s distance learners complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the learning platform Blackboard. The program offers two concentrations: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K or Grades 5-12) and Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All Levels). Sample courses include Language Skills for Learners with Special Needs, Cultural Diversity Issues in School Society, and Content Area Reading for Students with Special Needs. Students must complete teaching experiences. Potential career options after graduation include special education paraprofessionals, educational specialists, and behavioral intervention specialists.

#5 Western Governors University

  • Salary Score: 55
  • Median Starting Salary: $39,431
  • Locations: Salt Lake City (UT)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

At Western Governors University (WGU) — a private, nonprofit institution — future students can pursue two online degrees in special education: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Mild to Moderate) (41 courses) and (2) a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) (46 courses). Students typically complete these programs within three years. WGU accepts 100% of applicants, and it maintains a 54% graduation rate.

WGU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning. Both programs above provide opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to deliver special education programs. Example courses are Assessment in Special Education, Children’s Literature, and Disciplinary Literacy. A portfolio, preclinical experiences, a seminar, an assessment, and demonstration teaching are also required. Future careers are classroom teachers, special education coordinators, and special education teachers.

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Overview of Special Education Degrees

Earning a bachelor's degree in special education means studying the way children and young adults with disabilities function in an education environment. You'll not only learn about the various mental, physical, and emotional disabilities that some children face, but you'll also explore the most effective ways of managing their growth and development. Most students who pursue an online bachelor's degree in special education will go on to obtain a teacher's license, while others will continue their education with a master's degree in special education.



Once accepted into the program, you'll complete around 120 credits in four years, including relevant core classes and an in-person teaching component.

Applicants need a 2.75 to 3.0 GPA as well as a high school diploma in order to apply for a special ed program. Some students pursue an associate degree in a related field, such as early childhood education, before applying for a bachelor's, although it's not generally required. Once accepted into the program, you'll complete around 120 credits in four years including relevant core classes and an in-person teaching component.

Can You Get an Online Degree in Special Education?

Special education degrees are widely available online and are viable ways to reach your career goals as a special ed teacher.

One of the main reasons that online schools are just as respected as their on-campus counterparts is that they're also accredited. This is an important aspect of your school to consider before you send in your admissions application.

Accreditation refers to the process of verifying the quality of your school's education by a national or institutional organization.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the main accreditation organization for teaching programs nationwide. All of OnlineU's recommended programs come from accredited schools. It's also smart to ensure your program of choice meets all the criteria for your teacher's license or at least that it's designed as a track toward a teaching license.

How Long Does a Bachelor's in Special Education Take?

As briefly mentioned above, education degrees online take approximately four years to complete on a full-time schedule. They usually require 120 credit hours spread out over two semesters each year. Some programs may offer summer semesters, which allow you to accelerate your studies and complete the degree in a shorter span of time. The benefit of an online degree is that you can often take courses on your own time, allowing you to simultaneously maintain a job and family responsibilities.

In order to pay for four full years of education, you can opt for student loans in the form of financial aid, or you can apply for relevant teacher scholarships.

Core Courses for a Special Education Major

The curriculum for a special education teacher degree consists of core classes covering various special needs, along with teaching methods and practices. You'll learn behavior management that focuses on effective engagement techniques for your future students as well as the different tools and technologies utilized in this unique classroom setting.

Let's take a closer look at some of the core courses you can expect to encounter in an online bachelor's degree in special education:

Learning and Motivation

This class explores the different ways that special education students develop and how encouragement can lead to a more effective learning experience. You'll also look at the individual differences between students and the culture they're involved in.

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

This course looks at the different ways technology can improve a learning environment, including the use of assisted devices. You'll not only look at effective hardware and software technologies in the classroom but also investigate the ethical use of those technologies for children with special needs.

The Inclusive Classroom

The inclusive classroom refers to the strategies for teaching and developing children in a special education environment. You'll explore the ample research and relevant case studies to develop a plan for inclusive learning.

Educational Psychology

Here, faculty introduce students to the theories that support the development of children and adolescents. You'll look at both the proven classroom practices and the well-researched teaching principles that guide linguistic, cognitive, and social development in adolescents.

Educational Policies and Laws

This is an interactive course that looks at the history of teaching through policies and laws. You'll be tasked with understanding the social, historical, and cultural issues that have contributed to the American education and school systems.

Concentrations in Special Education

Special education online degree concentrations allow you to narrow your scope of understanding in a specific area. They include specializations for a particular type of special need or even the degree of severity as a whole. There are also concentrations which focus on the laws and policies surrounding special education or the devices and practices used within the classroom itself.

Consider the following special education concentrations that may be available at your chosen online school:

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Therefore, autism concentrations are commonly found in special education programs for future teachers who want to educate, encourage, and oversee the progress of these individuals. You'll learn how to properly manage their daily curriculum and social activities while developing an understanding of the disorder itself.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to the devices and tools used by individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities. They're very important for basic functionality in their daily lives, especially in an educational environment. This concentration looks at everything from interactive reading software to the latest wheelchair technology.

High-Incidence and Severe Disabilities

There are varying levels of disabilities that children face. Some require a much stronger support system than others. With a concentration in high-incidence and severe disabilities, you'll look closely at classroom training and behavioral techniques that help mitigate the naturally high stress levels for these individuals.

Visual Impairment

Visual impairment concentrations teach you the techniques for managing and developing children with varying levels of vision loss. You'll learn assistance techniques to help them navigate a classroom environment while developing accessible curriculums for their specific impairment.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Special Education?

If you're pursuing special education degree programs you're likely interested in a career as a special education teacher. The majority of students in these programs go on to work in varying grade levels, from kindergarten up to high school. While this is the primary position most graduates seek, there are other roles that utilize similar skill sets and can still be centered around special needs children.

When looking at the job opportunities below, it's important to note that the only job listed that requires a bachelor's degree is the "Special Education Teachers" role — which most students are shooting for. For the rest of the positions, employers mostly require a bachelor's degree, but it's also possible to get your foot in the door without one. Let's take a look at these possible career outcomes:

Special Education Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,820
Job Growth: 4%

Special education teachers work directly in classrooms with special needs students. They manage their course curriculum, social activities, and cater to their specific disabilities — whether they are cognitive, physical, or emotional. Every level of grade school requires special ed teachers, from preschool to high school.

Adult Basic Education Instructors

Annual Median Salary:  $59,720
Job Growth: -1%

Adult basic education instructors educate older individuals who are no longer enrolled in school. Their responsibilities can include preparing adults for a high school equivalency exam or teaching English to non-native speakers. Not unlike special needs teachers, adult education instructors tailor their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students.

Social Service and Community Managers

Annual Median Salary:  $74,000
Job Growth: 15%+

Social service and community managers are tasked with developing and implementing outreach programs in local communities. They oversee policies and program activities while maintaining a positive influence in their neighborhoods. In many cases, special ed graduates go on to work for disability organizations and special needs outreach programs.

Tutors

Annual Median Salary:  $36,470
Job Growth: 15%

Tutors are there to support individuals seeking formal education. Tutors can obtain roles assisting special needs adults or children in their pursuit of education. Their responsibilities will include preparing study materials, applying motivational techniques, and helping them work through difficult problems.

Are Sped Teachers in Demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all special needs teachers will see average, steady job growth through the decade. Specifically, the BLS expects the role to grow by 4% into 2031. This falls close to the expected growth of all occupations across the United States. Meanwhile, preschool special ed teachers are projected to grow at the fastest rate amongst all grade levels at 8%.


As of 2021, there were 476,300 special ed teachers employed in the United States. That number is expected to reach 496,900 by 2031.

What Are the Qualifications To Be a Special Education Teacher?

In order to become a special ed teacher, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in special education. You'll also need to obtain a teacher's license in the state you plan to work in. To make things easier, it's best to pursue a degree program that contains a track for a teacher's license. This way you'll meet all the necessary requirements to apply for your license.

These programs will require you to complete a student-teaching practicum — another necessity for licensure. You may also meet the necessary qualifications by earning your bachelor's degree in similar subjects, such as elementary education or early childhood education.

What’s the Difference Between Certification and Licensure for Special Education?

Teaching certifications and licenses are generally regarded as interchangeable terms. Special education graduates must earn their teacher's license in order to become a certified teacher. The most important step is to check with your individual state in order to see how they designate these terms in regards to working as a special education teacher. Each state has different methods for determining an individual's qualifications for licensure.



Special education graduates must earn their teacher's license in order to become a certified teacher.

Another important clarification is that education degree graduates can earn an online special education certification, which provides them with specialized training in special ed. This comes in addition to their education degree, which may not have contained a sped concentration.

What State Is Best for Special Education?

The BLS shows that California is the state with the highest employment of special education teachers in the country. As of May 2021, there were 8,730 sped teachers working in the Golden State. They also had the highest wages when compared to the other 49 states. During the same month in 2021, California sped teachers earned $73,570 annually. The next highest states were Florida ($68,860) and Texas ($60,290).

Is a Special Education Degree Right For Me?

Earning a degree in special education requires a great deal of patience and flexibility. You'll need to understand several complex and nuanced disorders while developing learning programs that fit your future students' unique needs. Thriving professionals in the world of sped tend to be advocates for students with disabilities and dedicated to ending ableist points of view from society at large. This helps them maintain their resilience during difficult moments with severely disabled students. If you're truly dedicated to helping those with special needs, you can find a fulfilling career as a special needs educator.

Bottom Line

There are many things to consider before pursuing a teaching program or education degree — especially when it comes to the unique nature of special ed. This includes your individual determination to assist with the daily struggles of special needs children.

If you're confident in this aspect of your future career, there's some data to think about as well. For example, preschool-level sped teachers are in higher demand than other grade levels, making it one of the more viable career paths for graduates. Also, special education teachers earn $61,820 a year, the same relative salary for high school and elementary school teachers. Their jobs, however, are considered more challenging due to the inherent complications that come from teaching children with disabilities.

Overview of Special Education Degrees

Earning a bachelor's degree in special education means studying the way children and young adults with disabilities function in an education environment. You'll not only learn about the various mental, physical, and emotional disabilities that some children face, but you'll also explore the most effective ways of managing their growth and development. Most students who pursue an online bachelor's degree in special education will go on to obtain a teacher's license, while others will continue their education with a master's degree in special education.



Once accepted into the program, you'll complete around 120 credits in four years, including relevant core classes and an in-person teaching component.

Applicants need a 2.75 to 3.0 GPA as well as a high school diploma in order to apply for a special ed program. Some students pursue an associate degree in a related field, such as early childhood education, before applying for a bachelor's, although it's not generally required. Once accepted into the program, you'll complete around 120 credits in four years including relevant core classes and an in-person teaching component.

Can You Get an Online Degree in Special Education?

Special education degrees are widely available online and are viable ways to reach your career goals as a special ed teacher.

One of the main reasons that online schools are just as respected as their on-campus counterparts is that they're also accredited. This is an important aspect of your school to consider before you send in your admissions application.

Accreditation refers to the process of verifying the quality of your school's education by a national or institutional organization.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the main accreditation organization for teaching programs nationwide. All of OnlineU's recommended programs come from accredited schools. It's also smart to ensure your program of choice meets all the criteria for your teacher's license or at least that it's designed as a track toward a teaching license.

How Long Does a Bachelor's in Special Education Take?

As briefly mentioned above, education degrees online take approximately four years to complete on a full-time schedule. They usually require 120 credit hours spread out over two semesters each year. Some programs may offer summer semesters, which allow you to accelerate your studies and complete the degree in a shorter span of time. The benefit of an online degree is that you can often take courses on your own time, allowing you to simultaneously maintain a job and family responsibilities.

In order to pay for four full years of education, you can opt for student loans in the form of financial aid, or you can apply for relevant teacher scholarships.

Core Courses for a Special Education Major

The curriculum for a special education teacher degree consists of core classes covering various special needs, along with teaching methods and practices. You'll learn behavior management that focuses on effective engagement techniques for your future students as well as the different tools and technologies utilized in this unique classroom setting.

Let's take a closer look at some of the core courses you can expect to encounter in an online bachelor's degree in special education:

Learning and Motivation

This class explores the different ways that special education students develop and how encouragement can lead to a more effective learning experience. You'll also look at the individual differences between students and the culture they're involved in.

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

This course looks at the different ways technology can improve a learning environment, including the use of assisted devices. You'll not only look at effective hardware and software technologies in the classroom but also investigate the ethical use of those technologies for children with special needs.

The Inclusive Classroom

The inclusive classroom refers to the strategies for teaching and developing children in a special education environment. You'll explore the ample research and relevant case studies to develop a plan for inclusive learning.

Educational Psychology

Here, faculty introduce students to the theories that support the development of children and adolescents. You'll look at both the proven classroom practices and the well-researched teaching principles that guide linguistic, cognitive, and social development in adolescents.

Educational Policies and Laws

This is an interactive course that looks at the history of teaching through policies and laws. You'll be tasked with understanding the social, historical, and cultural issues that have contributed to the American education and school systems.

Concentrations in Special Education

Special education online degree concentrations allow you to narrow your scope of understanding in a specific area. They include specializations for a particular type of special need or even the degree of severity as a whole. There are also concentrations which focus on the laws and policies surrounding special education or the devices and practices used within the classroom itself.

Consider the following special education concentrations that may be available at your chosen online school:

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Therefore, autism concentrations are commonly found in special education programs for future teachers who want to educate, encourage, and oversee the progress of these individuals. You'll learn how to properly manage their daily curriculum and social activities while developing an understanding of the disorder itself.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to the devices and tools used by individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities. They're very important for basic functionality in their daily lives, especially in an educational environment. This concentration looks at everything from interactive reading software to the latest wheelchair technology.

High-Incidence and Severe Disabilities

There are varying levels of disabilities that children face. Some require a much stronger support system than others. With a concentration in high-incidence and severe disabilities, you'll look closely at classroom training and behavioral techniques that help mitigate the naturally high stress levels for these individuals.

Visual Impairment

Visual impairment concentrations teach you the techniques for managing and developing children with varying levels of vision loss. You'll learn assistance techniques to help them navigate a classroom environment while developing accessible curriculums for their specific impairment.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Special Education?

If you're pursuing special education degree programs you're likely interested in a career as a special education teacher. The majority of students in these programs go on to work in varying grade levels, from kindergarten up to high school. While this is the primary position most graduates seek, there are other roles that utilize similar skill sets and can still be centered around special needs children.

When looking at the job opportunities below, it's important to note that the only job listed that requires a bachelor's degree is the "Special Education Teachers" role — which most students are shooting for. For the rest of the positions, employers mostly require a bachelor's degree, but it's also possible to get your foot in the door without one. Let's take a look at these possible career outcomes:

Special Education Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,820
Job Growth: 4%

Special education teachers work directly in classrooms with special needs students. They manage their course curriculum, social activities, and cater to their specific disabilities — whether they are cognitive, physical, or emotional. Every level of grade school requires special ed teachers, from preschool to high school.

Adult Basic Education Instructors

Annual Median Salary:  $59,720
Job Growth: -1%

Adult basic education instructors educate older individuals who are no longer enrolled in school. Their responsibilities can include preparing adults for a high school equivalency exam or teaching English to non-native speakers. Not unlike special needs teachers, adult education instructors tailor their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students.

Social Service and Community Managers

Annual Median Salary:  $74,000
Job Growth: 15%+

Social service and community managers are tasked with developing and implementing outreach programs in local communities. They oversee policies and program activities while maintaining a positive influence in their neighborhoods. In many cases, special ed graduates go on to work for disability organizations and special needs outreach programs.

Tutors

Annual Median Salary:  $36,470
Job Growth: 15%

Tutors are there to support individuals seeking formal education. Tutors can obtain roles assisting special needs adults or children in their pursuit of education. Their responsibilities will include preparing study materials, applying motivational techniques, and helping them work through difficult problems.

Are Sped Teachers in Demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all special needs teachers will see average, steady job growth through the decade. Specifically, the BLS expects the role to grow by 4% into 2031. This falls close to the expected growth of all occupations across the United States. Meanwhile, preschool special ed teachers are projected to grow at the fastest rate amongst all grade levels at 8%.


As of 2021, there were 476,300 special ed teachers employed in the United States. That number is expected to reach 496,900 by 2031.

What Are the Qualifications To Be a Special Education Teacher?

In order to become a special ed teacher, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in special education. You'll also need to obtain a teacher's license in the state you plan to work in. To make things easier, it's best to pursue a degree program that contains a track for a teacher's license. This way you'll meet all the necessary requirements to apply for your license.

These programs will require you to complete a student-teaching practicum — another necessity for licensure. You may also meet the necessary qualifications by earning your bachelor's degree in similar subjects, such as elementary education or early childhood education.

What’s the Difference Between Certification and Licensure for Special Education?

Teaching certifications and licenses are generally regarded as interchangeable terms. Special education graduates must earn their teacher's license in order to become a certified teacher. The most important step is to check with your individual state in order to see how they designate these terms in regards to working as a special education teacher. Each state has different methods for determining an individual's qualifications for licensure.



Special education graduates must earn their teacher's license in order to become a certified teacher.

Another important clarification is that education degree graduates can earn an online special education certification, which provides them with specialized training in special ed. This comes in addition to their education degree, which may not have contained a sped concentration.

What State Is Best for Special Education?

The BLS shows that California is the state with the highest employment of special education teachers in the country. As of May 2021, there were 8,730 sped teachers working in the Golden State. They also had the highest wages when compared to the other 49 states. During the same month in 2021, California sped teachers earned $73,570 annually. The next highest states were Florida ($68,860) and Texas ($60,290).

Is a Special Education Degree Right For Me?

Earning a degree in special education requires a great deal of patience and flexibility. You'll need to understand several complex and nuanced disorders while developing learning programs that fit your future students' unique needs. Thriving professionals in the world of sped tend to be advocates for students with disabilities and dedicated to ending ableist points of view from society at large. This helps them maintain their resilience during difficult moments with severely disabled students. If you're truly dedicated to helping those with special needs, you can find a fulfilling career as a special needs educator.

Bottom Line

There are many things to consider before pursuing a teaching program or education degree — especially when it comes to the unique nature of special ed. This includes your individual determination to assist with the daily struggles of special needs children.

If you're confident in this aspect of your future career, there's some data to think about as well. For example, preschool-level sped teachers are in higher demand than other grade levels, making it one of the more viable career paths for graduates. Also, special education teachers earn $61,820 a year, the same relative salary for high school and elementary school teachers. Their jobs, however, are considered more challenging due to the inherent complications that come from teaching children with disabilities.

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