Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
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Do you want to study current research and practices in teaching students with disabilities? A master’s degree in special education will help you enhance your special education career, whether you want to stay in the classroom or work in an administrative or leadership role.
No matter what interests you about an online master’s in special education degree, earning one will improve your advocacy skills, inclusive teaching practices, and data literacy. Common admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation.
Read on to learn more about special education careers and scholarships, along with firsthand experiences from students who’ve pursued the degree.
Featured Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Popular Master’s in Special Education Online Programs
| School | Degree Offered | Cost per Credit | Required Credits | Months to Complete | GRE Required | Leads to Initial Teacher License | Leads to Endorsement or Other License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Potsdam | M.S.Ed. | $471 (in-state), $565 (out-of-state) | 36 | 24 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Texas A&M University | M.Ed., MS | $1,070 (in-state), $1,600 (out-of-state) | 36 | 24 | No | No | No |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | MS | $611 | 36 | 24 | No | Yes | Yes |
| West Chester University | M.Ed. | $516 (in-state), $526 (out-of-state online students) | 33 | 24 | Only for students with undergrad GPAs under 3.0 | No | No |
| Western Governors University | MA | $3,975/term | N/A | 21 | No | Yes | Yes |
SUNY Potsdam
- Public university in New York
- M.S.Ed. in special education
- 36 credits | $471-$565 per credit
SUNY Potsdam’s online master’s program in special education trains teachers to meet the learning needs of students with disabilities. You learn about specialized instructional strategies, educational diagnostic and assessment techniques, and principles of inclusive classrooms.
Multiple agencies, including the New York State Education Department, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, endorse the program’s quality.
Texas A&M University
- Public university in Texas
- M.Ed. or MS in special education
- 36 credits | $1,070-1,600 per credit
Texas A&M’s degree program in special education prepares you to work with diverse populations in clinical and educational settings. In addition to the standard curriculum, you can add a certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA). You should hold considerable work experience both with people with disabilities and linguistically and culturally diverse groups.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW)
- Public university in Wisconsin
- MS in special education
- 36 credits | $611 per credit
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s online MS in special education offers specializations in adaptive education, applied behavior analysis, and evidence-based practice. Learners seeking initial teacher certification can follow a cross-categorical emphasis track that satisfies educational requirements for licensure. All concentrations offer self-pacing and a rigorous pedagogical philosophy rooted in professional practitioner standards.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Public university in Pennsylvania
- M.Ed. in special education
- 33 credits | $516-526 per credit
WCU’s online M.Ed. in special education equips you with advanced insights into specialized pedagogies and instructional techniques for special-needs students. The program also emphasizes educator self-awareness, prompting you to improve your professional effectiveness through personal reflection.
The program offers four concentrations: autism, universal design for assistive learning technology, trauma-informed education, and a special education certification track that requires additional credits.
Western Governors University (WGU)
- Private university in Utah
- MA in teaching: special education
- Competency-based | $3,975 per term
WGU’s online master’s degree program prepares graduates to become licensed special education teachers in their state. This 26-course program emphasizes content mastery in special education and effective teaching practices. The program includes a pre-clinical experience course, supervised teaching experiences, and a professional portfolio. Courses are available anytime and from any location with internet access.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
An online master’s in special education leads to a variety of special education career paths, both inside and outside the classroom, such as administration, community services, and therapy. Special education jobs include educational diagnostician, social and community service manager, and special education teacher ranging from early education to high school.
While a bachelor’s degree allows you to work in most special education roles, earning a master’s degree will permit you to work in specialized or leadership roles, taking on more responsibility and earning more money each year.
Jobs like occupational therapist and assistive technology analyst allow you to provide direct, tailored support to students. Taking a job as a policy analyst and special education director allows you to influence policy and program development.
Careers such as literacy education teachers and postsecondary teachers provide the rewards of helping students with disabilities find academic success.
| Job | Job Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Instructional Coordinator | Works in schools to oversee curricula, develops and implements instructional material, coordinates educational content for students with disabilities. | |
| Educational Administrator | Works at all levels — from preschool to college — to oversee the administrative and academic activities of educational institutions. | $88,460 |
| Adult Basic, Literacy, and Secondary Teacher | Teaches basic skills — such as reading, speaking, writing, math, and English — to adults who haven’t completed high school but want to improve their career prospects. | |
| Career and Technical Education Teacher (junior college) | Teaches various vocational subjects like healthcare, auto repair, and culinary art. | |
| Postsecondary Teacher | Teaches a variety of academic subjects to undergraduate and graduate students while also conducting research. | $84,380 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Works with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to advocate for groups within the communities they serve by writing grant proposals, developing program budgets, analyzing surveys, and working on strategies to improve community programs. | $77,030 |
| Educational Diagnostician | Works in schools and private practices to conduct assessments that identify students who are struggling and find ways to help them overcome academic and behavioral challenges. | $67,890 |
| Assistive Technology Analyst | Assesses people with disabilities to determine the appropriate assistive technology solutions to facilitate communication, executive functioning, and daily living, working, and learning abilities. | $61,720 |
| Literacy Education Teacher | Shows children who struggle with reading and writing how to improve their literacy skills. | $62,480 |
| Special Education Director | Oversees special education programs and provides quality education and support to students with disabilities. | $82,240 |
Scholarships for Master’s in Special Education Programs
Is a Master’s in Special Education Worth It?
A master’s degree in special education requires a sacrifice of time, effort, and finances. While it can lead to increased job prospects and earning potential, that’s not always guaranteed.
Below, hear from three students who pursued this degree online and felt it was a solid investment.
“I believe it is [worth it]. There are so many areas of special education you can operate in. We have a lot of students who need services that only special education can offer. A master’s will afford you the opportunity to be employed as a valuable employee, and most people with a master’s are in desperate need in the school system.”— Antonia Gray, middle school paraprofessional
“It is absolutely worth it! It not only brings you more respect, but it opens additional job opportunities, including those with higher salaries, and sets you on a path to success within the field of special education.”— Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master’s in Special Education
The difference between a master’s in education and a master’s in special education their career paths. A master’s in education program is designed for classroom teachers in all subjects and those who want to become administrators. Some master’s in education programs have an option for you to choose a concentration in special education.
A master’s in special education is for those who specifically want to work with children with disabilities. The degree provides specialized knowledge and skills for teaching children with learning disabilities.
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