Special Ed Teaching Degrees
Schools need compassionate special education teachers. These educators need a bachelor's degree to practice. However, a master's degree in special education can help them better serve their students. Learners who pursue online master's in education degrees benefit from the flexibility of completing coursework from anywhere.
This page lists the most affordable online master's in special education degrees. Read on for costs, common courses, and benefits of online learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Special Education Degrees
Graduates can work as lead special education instructors or special education administrators. Some degree holders work as career and technical education teachers.
Degree-seekers study common physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Enrollees explore how these disabilities impact students' learning processes. Special education majors discover best practices for helping these learners meet educational milestones.
Full-time enrollees can earn a master's degree in about two years. Part-time students take longer. Learners can explore accelerated master's in special education programs to graduate sooner.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Master's in Special Education?
Online master's in special education degrees train enrollees to work with students with diverse needs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for special education teachers to grow 8% from 2020-2030. This amounts to about 38,600 new jobs annually during this time.
Students who pursue online master's in special education degrees benefit from convenience. They do not need to commute to campus and can attend the most affordable programs without relocating. Many online programs run asynchronously, allowing learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.
How Much Does a Master's in Special Education Cost?
Tuition costs vary by school and program length. According to EducationData.org, master's degrees cost an average of $30,000-$120,000. Students can save money by enrolling in a public, in-state school. Some online colleges charge distance learners flat tuition, regardless of residency.
Students pursuing an MA in special education can apply for financial aid such as scholarships and grants to help pay for their degrees. These financial aid types do not require repayment.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. However, they should plan for extra expenses, such as books and class materials. Degree-seekers can save money by renting textbooks or choosing digital versions.
Some programs charge fees for virtual classroom management software. Others charge graduation fees. Learners should also budget for certification exam fees. These fees vary by state.
How Much Do Special Education Majors Make?
Special education teachers with a master's degree earn an average of $56,000 annually, according to November 2021 PayScale data. Teachers with less than one year of experience earn an average of $42,000. Those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $61,000.
Courses in a Master's in Special Education Program
Master's in special education programs teach aspiring educators about common disabilities. Enrollees study theories that influence alternative instruction methods. Coursework covers Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to implement them.
Courses follow lecture-based formats. Online students read case studies and engage in discussion boards. Most online programs require a practicum, dissertation, or thesis.
See below for three common courses in online master's in special education programs. Keep in mind that course titles and descriptions vary by program.
Individualized Education Programs and Measurable Goals
Enrollees learn how to create IEPs. They discover how to set realistic, measurable goals. Coursework covers research that influences IEP best practices. Students read case studies about diverse learners and practice creating research-backed IEPs.
Research Methodology
This course prepares students to conduct thorough and ethical research surrounding special education. Learners choose a theory to test. This theory usually relates to a student's thesis. Students research their theories and write papers on their findings. They can submit their research to scholarly journals for publication.Thesis
For a thesis, learners select a research question or theory they want to test in the special education field. Several professors work on thesis committees to provide feedback and evaluate the thesis. Learners write a thesis containing 40-80 pages. They may present their thesis at industry conferences.
How to Become a Teacher
Teachers can take different paths to become licensed educators. They first need an undergraduate degree. Most teachers earn a bachelor of education, which requires student teaching. Educators who further their knowledge with a master's degree may increase their salary potential.
Learners can become teachers without an undergraduate degree in education. Instead, they can earn a teacher certification online. Licensure requirements vary by state.
Licensure for Teachers
Prospective teachers can review states' teacher certification requirements. All states require bachelor's degrees and certifications before taking licensure tests. Each state requires a specific licensure exam. Most states require Praxis® tests. The Educational Testing Service provides these exams.
Special education teachers must complete continuing education hours to maintain licensure. Educators who move to a new state may need to take an additional licensure test. States with similar licensure requirements often participate in reciprocity agreements. This means some teaching licenses transfer to other states.
