2023 Best Online Degrees in Special Education
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Overview Courses Concentrations Careers Good Fit?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.
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Online Special Education Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Grand Canyon University
Annual Tuition: $17,800
2 Programs (view all)

Liberty University
Annual Tuition: $11,700
3 Programs (view all)

Western Governors University
Annual Tuition: $6,670
2 Programs (view all)
2023 Best Online Degrees in Special Education
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Utah State University | $42,876 | ||
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater | 76 | $41,999 | |
Ball State University | 68 | $40,987 | |
Bridgewater State University | 67 | $40,859 | |
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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