Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs 2024
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A master’s in special education program prepares you to support students with special needs. A master’s degree can also unlock advanced career options that may not be available to bachelor’s degree graduates, including administration, curriculum development, government, and leadership roles in special needs residential facilities.
A master’s degree in special education usually takes two years to earn, although certain online programs offer accelerated paths that allow you to graduate in less time.
Read on to learn about the cheapest online special education master’s degrees.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,927
- Out-of-state$38,757
- In-State$17,004
- Out-of-state$30,477
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled53,083
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,718
- Out-of-state$28,520
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled50,884
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,012
- Out-of-state$37,685
- In-State$10,033
- Out-of-state$31,932
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled47,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled55,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$28,276
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$28,301
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled36,700
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,966
- Out-of-state$41,778
- In-State$20,202
- Out-of-state$39,696
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled50,023
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Oakland University
- Rochester Hills, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,135
- Out-of-state$24,735
- In-State$19,323
- Out-of-state$24,648
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled17,170
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,856
- Out-of-state$26,096
- In-State$8,713
- Out-of-state$17,857
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled46,700
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lincoln, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,770
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$6,138
- Out-of-state$17,928
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled23,805
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
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What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Special Education Program?
An online master’s in special education program usually takes around two years to complete. You may be required to take additional classes if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field of study.
Programs typically offer concentrations in areas including elementary or secondary education, gifted, or special education technology. Some programs require students to get hands-on experience through a practicum or internship.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, make sure you fulfill all teaching license requirements, including mandatory student teaching hours, before you graduate.
Common courses in master’s in special education programs include:
- Designing Elementary Instruction for Learners With Disabilities
- Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education
- Assessment in School Settings
- Promoting Positive Behavior
- Special Education Practices: Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines
- Math Instruction for Students With Disabilities
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Special Education Degree?
The 1990 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act guarantees a quality education for individuals with special needs. The job outlook for special educators is primarily influenced by school enrollments and requirements for special education services.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects little change in employment for special education teachers between 2023 and 2033, it also projects there will be 35,900 openings for these professionals each year, on average, during that time period.
According to the BLS, special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $65,910 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $106,290.
Special education teachers can work with students from preschool through high school. However, graduates with an online master’s in special education don’t necessarily need to work in school settings. Nontraditional career paths include working for a nonprofit or a local, state, or federal education department.
| Job | Median Salary (May 2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $60,560 | -13% |
| Career and Technical Education Teachers | $63,580 | 0% |
| Special Education Teachers | $65,910 | 0% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $74,620 | 2% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $84,380 | 8% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $102,610 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Special Education Programs
An online master’s in special education is worth it for graduates who want to pursue a career helping students with special needs. Earning a master’s degree online gives you the flexibility to level up your education without putting your life on hold.
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