Online master's in special education
Are you considering a career in special education? An online master's in special education can place you on the right path. Find out what you can expect to learn and discover potential job opportunities for graduates.
Explore masters in education programs
Why earn a master of special education online?
Develop teaching skills for diverse classrooms
Learn what it takes to manage a classroom of diverse learners and create an equitable learning environment.
Complete coursework flexibly
Work through lessons and assignments around your work or personal schedule.
Tailor your degree to your goals
Choose from licensure and non-licensure pathways based on what you'd like to do with your degree.
Explore related education programs and courses
What jobs can you get with a master's in special education?
Similar to a , an online master's in special education program can prepare you for classroom teaching roles, like elementary school teacher or special education teacher. For these positions, you'll need to have a state-issued teaching license. Some special education master's programs have a licensure pathway for non-teaching professionals.
This degree can also lead to education jobs outside the classroom, like instructional coordinator or education consultant. Having previous teaching experience in addition to a master's degree can make you more competitive for these roles.
Discover salary expectations
| Job | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| High school teacher | $65,220 |
| Instructional coordinator | $74,620 |
| Kindergarten or elementary school teacher | $63,670 |
| Middle school teacher | $64,290 |
| Special education teacher | $65,910 |
What can you learn in an online master's in special education program?
An online master's in special education program explores crucial issues in special education, like resource assistance, parent-school connections, and critical skills for special education teachers. You'll study behavioral interventions, classroom management strategies, and assessment methods for diverse learners.
These programs often come with specialized tracks for non-licensure, initial teaching licensure, or special education licensure. Licensure pathways usually require an in-person student teaching component and include 40-50 credits. Non-licensure pathways often have lower credit requirements of around 30-36.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average annual tuition and fees for online master's in education programs was $7,911 in 2020.
Understand admissions requirements
The following admissions requirements are common for online special education master's degree programs:
- Online graduate application
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Résumé including teaching credentials, if applicable
- At least one professional letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Some programs may also require or an admissions interview with a faculty member.
Explore courses
Special education master's programs include core courses and electives. Core courses provide foundational classroom and behavioral management strategies. Electives fulfill credit requirements while letting you explore topics of interest in special education.
These core courses and electives are typical for a master's program in special education:
- Special education law: Explore the legal environment of special education, such as Individualized Education Plan creation and maintenance, parent-school communications, and student rights.
- Behavioral interventions: Discover various behavioral intervention strategies for special education classrooms, with a focus on proactive approaches for students with varying abilities.
- Responsive programming technology: Understand how to use various technologies to enhance student learning and engagement. This course typically covers popular technologies like SMART Boards and assistive technology.
- Advanced human development: This elective explores the stages of social, cognitive, and physical development across the human lifespan. You can use this knowledge to identify varied needs in your classroom and appropriate teaching strategies to address them.
- Transition education: Learn how to help students transition into a new classroom, a different grade level, or their post-graduation lives. This course highlights must-have steps for transition planning, strategies for family communication, and transition education law.
Take the next step in your career
Explore master's in education programs and online courses through edX to advance your teaching career.