Best Online Special Education Degree Programs of 2025

A bachelor’s degree in special education prepares you for licensure as a public school teacher. You can also earn your special education endorsement and work in special ed classrooms.

You’ll complete coursework on pedagogical techniques, differentiated instruction, and diversity and inclusion during a bachelor’s in special education. Programs incorporate hands-on training during a student teaching practicum to prepare for special education careers.

The highest-paid special education teachers earn more than $106,290 per year, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Special education teachers at the K-12 level report median annual salaries ranging from $65,000-$67,000.

At the secondary level, special education teachers in California, New York, and Washington report the highest salaries, while at the elementary level, special education teachers earn the most in New York, Oregon, and California.

Generally, students interested in earning an online bachelor’s degree in special education first apply to a college or university, which generally involves submitting academic transcripts and an application fee. They may also need to meet GPA or standardized test requirements. Once accepted to the institution, bachelor’s degree-seeking students typically need to declare a major by their sophomore year.

You typically need a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license if you want to work in special education. Public schools require special education teachers to have both, but private schools may only require a bachelor’s degree and not a license or certification.