Best Online Doctorate in Special Education Programs
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Did you know that if you choose to pursue an online doctorate in special education, you can help serve the more than 7 million students in special education programs across the United States? While not all graduates with this degree work directly with special education students, you can apply your specialized knowledge in college classrooms and leadership roles.
This page examines online doctorate in special education program offerings. We also review admission requirements and career prospects, while spotlighting the traits of quality doctoral programs.
Best Accredited Online Doctorate in Special Education Programs
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,791
- Out-of-state$14,791
- In-State$7,935
- Out-of-state$7,935
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled93,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Chicago
- River Forest, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,660
- Out-of-state$32,660
- In-State$9,090
- Out-of-state$9,090
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled6,491
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,868
- Out-of-state$53,868
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled23,589
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Hampton University
- Hampton, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,198
- Out-of-state$26,198
- In-State$13,099
- Out-of-state$13,099
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled3,516
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
- In-State$15,552
- Out-of-state$15,552
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled10,483
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Special Education Program?
Whether you want to work in academia or in an administrative role in a public school, an online doctorate in special education equips you to with core skills in special education and disability advocacy.
Graduate school students pursuing an online doctorate in special education usually seek either a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. Those tackling the research-heavy Ph.D. in special education typically go on to work in higher education teaching and research roles. If you want to develop the leadership skills required for administrative roles, you might prefer a management-focused Ed.D.
Special education doctoral students typically complete 60-75 credits and graduate in 3-5 years. Depending on program format, you can complete online coursework either synchronously or asynchronously. Distance learning often allows the flexibility to complete course requirements while keeping up with personal and professional responsibilities.
In addition to core academic requirements, you can dedicate time to various academic concentrations. Specializations offerings may include applied behavioral analysis, early intervention, and autism.
What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Special Education Degree?
An online doctorate in education can lead to a career at a university or as a school system leader.
Public school principals earn a median annual salary of over $100,000. And top-earning administrators can earn more than $150,000 per year. Common careers for special education doctoral grads include higher education, primary and secondary education, research, and special education advocacy roles.
A doctorate in special education can open up a variety of career opportunities. Learn more about special education careers.
| Job | Median Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| School Principal (K-12) | $103,460 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $84,380 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Special Education Programs
Yes. Whether you’re pursuing a career in academia or leadership roles in public education, an online doctorate in special education can increase career options and earning potential. Online learning opportunities allow you to earn your degree while keeping up with personal and professional obligations.
Online doctoral students tackle essential special education topics while honing research skills in collaborative environments. You leverage your studies in education leadership roles and when advocating for special education policies.
Most students can complete their online doctorate in special education in 3-5 years. You hone your research and writing skills and tackle coursework on topics including low-incidence instruction, emotional and behavioral disorders, and special education history and policy.
In addition to more traditional coursework, you’ll complete a dissertation. You’ll work closely with dissertation advisors to craft original, publishable pieces of research.
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