Best Online Doctorate in Special Education Programs
Pursuing a career in special education is rewarding for many professionals, and the demand for special education teachers and researchers is growing. We’ve ranked the best online doctorate in special education programs. Compare schools and figure out where to earn your doctorate in special education.
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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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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, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,935
$7,935
50%
93%
$14,791
$14,791
81%
93,349
Private
Yes
$7,935
$7,935
Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,935
$7,935
50%
93%
$14,791
$14,791
81%
93,349
Private
Yes
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,090
$9,090
79%
87%
$32,660
$32,660
71%
6,491
Private
Yes
$9,090
$9,090
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,090
$9,090
79%
87%
$32,660
$32,660
71%
6,491
Private
Yes
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
77%
89%
$53,868
$53,868
88%
23,589
Private
Yes
$36,234
$36,234
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
77%
89%
$53,868
$53,868
88%
23,589
Private
Yes
Hampton University
Hampton, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,099
$13,099
36%
11%
$26,198
$26,198
72%
3,516
Private
Yes
$13,099
$13,099
Hampton, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,099
$13,099
36%
11%
$26,198
$26,198
72%
3,516
Private
Yes
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,552
$15,552
50%
93%
$17,220
$17,220
77%
10,483
Private
Yes
$15,552
$15,552
Virginia Beach, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,552
$15,552
50%
93%
$17,220
$17,220
77%
10,483
Private
Yes
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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