Online Special Education Degree Programs

An accredited special education degree online is perfect for you if you believe you are patient person who loves working with learners with special needs.

Working as a special education teacher is rewarding and fulfilling. You will work with students to? Are you always looking for the potential in every human being? If so, consider a rewarding career in helping children with special needs reach their fullest potential: become a special education teacher by taking online special education classes. Learn more about Certificate/K12-Education programs below with special education options. As a special education teacher you would work with students who are either learning disabled or developmentally challenged or you could also work with those who are gifted and talented. Some special needs include learning difficulties, communication difficulties, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disorders. The goal of special education is to help students maximize on their learning outcome through specialized teaching and learning techniques and resources as well as technology.

Selected Online Special Education Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• Master of Arts in Education/Special Education

Walden University

• M.S.Ed - Special Education (non-licensure)
• Ph.D. in Education - Special Education

Capella University - Online

• MS - Special Education Teaching
• PhD - Special Education Leadership

Liberty University

• MA in Teaching - Special Education
• M.Ed - Special Education
• M.Ed - Special Education (TC)
• MED Teaching and Learning-Special Education
• M.Ed. - Gifted Education
• M.Ed. - Gifted Education (TC)
• MED Program Specialist: Gifted Specialist

Western Governors University

• B. A. in Special Education
• M. S. in Special Education

Grand Canyon University

• BS in Elementary / Special Education (Dual Major)
• M. Ed. Special Ed (Eligible for IR / Credential)
• M. Ed. Special Ed (Not Eligible for IR / Non - Credential)
• M. Ed. Special Ed for Certified Special Educators

Search for an Online Degree in Special Education

Locate Special Education Programs in your area

Special Education Training

A degree program in special education covers special education courses in:

• Developing different curricula to suit individual needs
• Strategic management of disruptive behavior
• Inclusion of technology in classroom learning
• Handling students with various disabilities

Students also take courses in teaching and curriculum development. In addition special education programs focus on courses in disciplinary action, counseling, behavioral management, and classroom management. Some online special education classes you might take would include:

• Educational Psychology
• Learning and Behavior Disabilities
• Technology in Special Education
• Assistive Technologies
• Legal Issues in Special Education
• Child Growth and Development
• Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children with Disabilities

Some special education degree programs require specialization for example in gifted education, deaf education, or working with visually impaired students. Other programs might just offer generalized special education degrees. The last year of the is spent student teaching in a classroom supervised by a certified special education teacher, i.e. the practicum or internship experience.

In order to work in public education, all US States and DC require special education teachers to be licensed, which means that one must take a a licensing exam upon completion of degree requirements.

Special Education Careers

A special education career is one that is most rewarding and fulfilling, but it requires teachers to be intrinsically motivated. Special education teachers adapt and accommodate the general education curriculum to meet the individual unique learning needs of each student. These can include mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, hearing or visual impairment, and autism, speech and language impairments, behavioral disabilities, and physical needs.

A special education masters online degree takes about two years to complete, and is a preferred certification for many special education teaching positions. It is also ideal for teachers who have a bachelor's degree in another field but want to teach special ed students.

Some special education master degree courses might include developing IEPs (Individualized Education programs, management of emotional and disruptive behavior, use of inclusive technology and assistive technology, inclusive education, and inclusive assessment. Other general education classes might include educational psychology, legal issues in special education, child and adolescent development, and instructional strategies for students with disabilities.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The number of special education teachers is expected to increase by 17% from 2008 to 2018, which is according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Median annual wages for special education teacher in 2008 in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools was $50,020. The range was $40,480 and $63,500 with the lowest 10% earning below $33,770, and the highest 10% earning over $78,980.

For those in middle school special education the income was $50,810 with the middle 50% earning between $41,720 and $63,480. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,180, and the highest 10% earned more than $78,200. The median annual income for special education teachers in secondary schools was $51,340. The middle 50% made between $41,810 and $65,680 and the lowest 10% earned less than $35,150, and the highest 10% earned over than $82,000.

Special education affords motivated, caring individuals the opportunity to have a positive, transformative impact upon the lives of young students with special needs. Special education teachers are required to be licensed. This is offered with a bachelors or masters online special education degree.

Online special education degree programs and masters degree in education program