Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Programs of 2025
Online master’s in special education programs help you gain the skills to work with students with special needs. Learn more about affordable programs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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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, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,471
$13,815
84%
81%
$6,228
$16,020
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
$6,471
$13,815
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,471
$13,815
84%
81%
$6,228
$16,020
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,154
$32,294
57%
42%
$13,440
$33,432
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
$13,154
$32,294
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,154
$32,294
57%
42%
$13,440
$33,432
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$7,812
$17,550
93%
61%
$8,568
$19,224
66%
5,190
Public
Yes
$7,812
$17,550
Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$7,812
$17,550
93%
61%
$8,568
$19,224
66%
5,190
Public
Yes
University of Houston
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,713
$17,857
70%
70%
$10,856
$26,456
87%
46,676
Public
Yes
$8,713
$17,857
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,713
$17,857
70%
70%
$10,856
$26,456
87%
46,676
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$5,219
$18,937
90%
69%
$4,422
$19,582
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
$5,219
$18,937
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$5,219
$18,937
90%
69%
$4,422
$19,582
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
Wayne State College
Wayne, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$4,185
$8,370
100%
42%
$5,760
$5,760
73%
4,807
Public
Yes
$4,185
$8,370
Wayne, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$4,185
$8,370
100%
42%
$5,760
$5,760
73%
4,807
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$4,337
$18,482
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$8,436
$18,516
94%
55%
$8,146
$17,688
78%
11,522
Public
Yes
$8,436
$18,516
Whitewater, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$8,436
$18,516
94%
55%
$8,146
$17,688
78%
11,522
Public
Yes
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$18,340
97%
58%
$11,436
$27,000
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
$12,140
$18,340
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$18,340
97%
58%
$11,436
$27,000
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
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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