Best Online Bachelor's in Special Education
Updated September 21, 2023
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Many of the best online special education programs ready you for in-demand teaching positions, letting you complete your degree on your own time and with no on-campus requirements.
Online Bachelor's in Special Education Overview
The United States faces a critical shortage of special education teachers. According to a 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, 45% of schools nationwide with teaching vacancies reported a need for special education professionals. Earning an online special education degree can be an accessible, flexible way to earn the credentials necessary for work in this field.
Courses in these programs teach you about federal special education laws, behavior management, inclusive classroom planning, curriculum design for students with special needs, and assessments for diverse learners.
With a special education degree, you can work in preschool, elementary, middle, or high schools. Your degree also may offer specializations in subfields like math special education, deaf and hearing impairment, or assistive technology.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Special Education Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Georgia, a public, four-year college, enables study across 29 online programs. The college offers two fully online bachelor's degrees to undergraduate students. The bachelor of science in education in special education is an attractive option for learners seeking to advance in the special education field. The special education program is a flexible option for working professionals and busy degree-seekers.
Throughout the program, participants attend industry-relevant lectures while completing special education-specific coursework. Enrollees also complete general education requirements, gaining a well-rounded education during their studies. Students can explore electives, minors, and degree consultations with their academic advisor to individualize their degree.
After earning their degree, alumni benefit from greater access to employment opportunities and higher earning potential. Graduates who have completed their degree gain, on average, a median salary of $45,200 after six years. Though degree costs vary, undergraduate students pay an average of $15,961 per year in tuition and fees. Prospective applicants can contact the special education program to learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities.
The University of Georgia at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 5,389
Total Online Programs: 29
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Admission Rate: 45%
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals looking for competitive online learning opportunities should consider the University of West Florida's online bachelor's programs. The public school offers 10 online bachelor's degrees from its main campus in Pensacola. Of these, the bachelor of arts in exceptional student education stands out as a competitive option for degree-seekers interested in the special education field.
The online special education degree prioritizes flexibility. Students complete industry-specific classes, with the option to add electives and modify their coursework. Enrollees can choose electives, minors, and other modifications to individualize their studies.
Typically, undergraduate learners pay $16,004 in tuition. Enrollees can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid through the college. The school reports that degree-seekers are awarded an average of $8,789 in financial aid.
The University of West Florida at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,296
Total Online Programs: 26
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 31%
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
The University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin-Stout supports 3,907 distance learners across 13 fully online programs. The special education program is one of two online bachelor's degrees available through the college. Students looking to advance in the field will find the school's bachelor of science in special education an attractive option. The program allows for full- or part-time study, making it a flexible choice for working professionals and busy degree-seekers.
Enrollees complete both foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the field. These classes incorporate general and advanced knowledge applicable to special education. Learners can customize their studies by working with their academic advisor to choose electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree enables alumni to access higher-paying jobs and more employment opportunities. The institution reports a median salary of $41,000 for graduates six years after completing their studies. Students preparing to apply for the program should consider that the average price after aid for tuition and fees is $14,767. Those interested in learning more about admission requirements, application materials, and financial aid opportunities should directly contact the department.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 3,907
Total Online Programs: 13
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Admission Rate: 91%
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible online study should consider East Carolina University. The college boasts 18 fully online bachelor's programs. The bachelor of science in special education is a wise choice for learners hoping to advance in the special education field.
The program prepares degree-seekers for the demands of the special education field. In consultation with their academic advisor, enrollees can modify their course load to suit their needs. Program participants can also choose electives and pursue interdisciplinary study to fit career their goals.
Typically, undergraduates pay $20,729 in tuition. Learners at the accredited institution can pursue funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, to support their studies. Degree-seekers typically receive a financial aid award package amounting to $7,941, on average.
East Carolina University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 13,890
Total Online Programs: 69
Online Bachelor's Programs: 18
Admission Rate: 79%
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College supports 347 distance learners across 33 fully online programs. Of its virtual degree options, 25 offer an undergraduate-level education. From its main campus in Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, the school administers an online bachelor of science in education in P-12 mild intervention special education. The special education program accommodates flexible study, so students can learn at their own pace.
During the special education program, participants complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the special education field. Enrollees can customize their degree through electives, minors, and concentrations. This individualization ensures that the program meets each student's unique interests and career goals.
The benefits of a bachelor's degree are varied, from increased job opportunities to higher earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $28,300 six years after completing their degree. Degree-seekers interested in learning more about admission requirements, application materials, and financial aid opportunities should directly contact the special education department.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 347
Total Online Programs: 33
Online Bachelor's Programs: 25
Admission Rate: 67%
#6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Learners seeking competitive online study in special education should consider Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. degree-seekers interested in distance learning will find the school's 30 fully online bachelor's programs an attractive option for study. The bachelor of arts in special education and elementary education supports flexible, rigorous study.
The rigorous curriculum enables flexible study through an adaptable curriculum. The program curriculum equips enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge. Electives, minors, and other modifications can benefit participants and help them meet career goals.
At present, undergraduates pay $6,380 in tuition. Special education students can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities while enrolled. Prospective applicants should contact the financial aid office for more details on financing their education.
Western Governors University at a Glance:
Total Online Programs: 65
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Chaminade University of Honolulu supports 1,201 distance learners across 21 fully online programs. The special education program is one of 10 online bachelor's degrees available through the college. Students looking for an individualized education relevant to the special education field can enroll in the online bachelor of science in special education.
Throughout their coursework, enrollees gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced classes. Participants complete classes relevant to the special education field, as well as general education requirements. Learners can customize their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The college boasts a median salary of $31,800 for alumni six years after completing their studies. Prospective students interested in learning more about admission requirements, application materials, and financial aid opportunities should directly contact the special education department.
Chaminade University of Honolulu at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,201
Total Online Programs: 21
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 95%
#8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Methodist University, a private four-year college, enables study across 30 online programs. Undergraduate degree-seekers can choose from 21 online bachelor's degree options. The bachelor of science in education in special education: mild-moderate disabilities K-12 prioritizes flexibility, making it an attractive option for working professionals and busy students. The flexible program helps learners complete a college degree.
Enrollees complete industry-relevant classes throughout their studies, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the special education field. This curriculum, which consists of foundational and advanced coursework, equips participants with the relevant skills needed to succeed in the special education field. In consultation with their academic advisor, learners can customize their studies through electives, minors, and concentration areas.
Graduates greatly benefit from their education, gaining access to more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The college boasts a median salary of $35,000 for alumni six years after completing their studies. Prospective applicants can meet with the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid.
Central Methodist University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 2,181
Total Online Programs: 30
Online Bachelor's Programs: 21
Admission Rate: 100%
#9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Chadron State College
Chadron, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Chadron State College provides flexible study opportunities to distance learners across 15 virtual programs. Undergraduates can choose from eight remote bachelor degree options. Students seeking advanced online study in special education can enroll in the school's online bachelor of science in education. Participants in the special education program can complete classes at their own pace, with the option for part-time study.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing special education-specific coursework. The program curriculum prepares participants for the demands of the special education field. Enrollees can customize their degree through electives, minors, and concentrations.
Graduates easily grow their earning potential with a bachelor's degree. According to the college, alumni earn a median salary of $35,700 six years after completing their degree. Typically, undergraduates pay $14,203 in tuition and fees each year. Students can meet with the special education department directly to inquire about admission requirements, application materials, and more.
Chadron State College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,809
Total Online Programs: 15
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
#10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners looking to earn a flexible college degree should consider Liberty University. Undergraduates from across the globe can connect with the school through one of its 30 fully online bachelor's programs. The bachelor of education in special education is an attractive option for individuals seeking to advance in the special education field. The special education program is a flexible option for working professionals and busy students.
All enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies, amounting to 120 course credits. Participants complete general education and advanced coursework, gaining broad and specific skills. In consultation with their academic advisor, learners can customize their studies through electives, minors, and concentration areas.
A bachelor's degree enables graduates to access higher-paying jobs and more employment opportunities. The school reports a median salary of $35,800 for alumni six years after completing a bachelor's degree. Applicants hoping to gain admission to the special education program should connect with the department to discuss admission requirements and application materials.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
Online Bachelor's in Special Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Special Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Choosing an Online Special Education Degree Program
Choose your online degree in special education carefully. Every program differs in cost, transfer policies, and curricular requirements. Make sure prospective online special education degrees fit your financial, education, and career goals. Consider the following factors:
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Program Cost: Though online students can save on commuting and relocation costs, they must still pay for expenses like tuition and books. Typically, in-state public institutions offer the most affordable tuition rates, though some online programs offer reduced tuition for distance education enrollees. -
Transfer Policies: For learners who have completed coursework at other institutions, research prospective schools' transfer policies to find out whether they will accept previous classes. If schools accept these transfer credits, it can shorten the degree completion timeline. -
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Investigate each institution's student-to-faculty ratio. Lower ratios often correlate to increased opportunities for individual attention from instructors. -
Practicum Requirements: Special education degrees, even those offered online, require students to complete student-teaching to gain real-world classroom experience. Investigate potential programs' stipulations about this component, as some may require students to partner with schools near the institution's physical location, while others help learners coordinate an experience in the learner's vicinity. -
Age Range: Some programs prepare students to teach special needs children up to fourth grade. Others produce graduates equipped to teach high school students. Choose a program that qualifies you for work with the age groups you want to teach.
Accreditation for Online Special Education Degrees
Institutional accreditation is a process whereby schools voluntarily submit to an evaluation from an accrediting agency. These organizations assess whether institutions meet standards of academic excellence, including student outcomes and faculty credentials.
Special education programs can also hold programmatic accreditation, which evaluates how well a degree's coursework prepares graduates for field-specific careers. Online special education programs may receive programmatic accreditation from organizations like the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accrediting agencies that grant accreditation to schools and programs. To find a list of accredited schools or accreditors, visit ED's website or CHEA's website.
Special Education Concentrations
Online schools for special education may offer curricular specializations in areas like early childhood, autism, gifted and talented, applied behavior analysis, and visual impairment. We explore some of these concentrations below.
Sensory Impairment
This specialization prepares students to work with individuals who live with sensory impairment. The curriculum teaches students about nontraditional learning structures. It also explores ethical responsibilities of teaching sensory-impaired students.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Earning a concentration in sensory impairment prepares graduates to work as teachers supporting students with visual, hearing, and other sensory impairments.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Classes offered in an autism spectrum disorder concentration explore teaching approaches, therapies, and techniques for students with autism. Classes in this specialization explore topics such as ethics, functional analysis, and social skills development and autism.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Students who want to work as autism behavioral specialists or special education teachers helping individuals with autism can benefit from this concentration.
Early Childhood Studies
A concentration in early childhood studies prepares students to teach young children with special needs. The curriculum focuses on multicultural issues, children's literature, and psychosocial disorders of childhood.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Students who want to pursue a special education career working with children in preschool or elementary school can benefit from this concentration.
Assistive Technology
Special education teachers use assistive technology such as reading software, text-to-speech technology, sip-and-puff systems, and assistive listening systems. This specialization trains students to incorporate these technologies into the classroom.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
In addition to special education teacher jobs, this concentration can help prepare learners for careers as assistive technology specialists.
Gifted Education
Classes in a gifted education concentration consider lesson plans and learning environments that challenge and foster positive learning outcomes for gifted students.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Learners pursuing this concentration can work in gifted classrooms or as curriculum development professionals.
Courses in an Online Bachelor's in Special Education Program
Earning a special education degree online helps prepare future educators to help children learn and succeed. Core courses provide skills necessary to mentor and guide children with disabilities. Most bachelor's in special education programs include classes that explore how to assess learners with special needs. Enrollees in these programs also learn about teaching practices for children with learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Students pursuing an online degree in special education typically complete a student teaching practicum. This practicum provides hands-on teaching experience observing and working with students. The number of required practicum hours varies by state and program.
We explore common courses in special education bachelor's online programs below:
Survey to Special Education: This course gives students an overview of the field of special education. Learners explore special needs students' educational patterns and examine various teaching approaches.
Counseling Techniques: This class explores how to apply counseling techniques and philosophies to communicating with students and their families. Coursework explores approaches to evaluating, diagnosing, and working with students.
Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education: This class covers ethical and legal frameworks for teachers in special education classrooms. Topics include education-related legal cases and their ramifications for teaching practices. Students may also explore the Council for Exceptional Children's ethics and standards code.
Assessment in Special Education: Special education teachers assess students to determine the appropriate learning environment and education plan for each student according to their needs. This class covers the process of evaluating learners as well as strategies like positive behavior intervention and multi-tiered support systems to help address students' needs.
Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation: This course teaches enrollees to create effective, safe learning environments by implementing rules and procedures. In addition to considering their own teaching philosophies, students may complete in-person observations of classrooms during this course.
Special Education Careers and Outlook
Most graduates with special education bachelor's degrees pursue teaching careers in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school. Beyond teaching, a special education degree can lead to administrative and curricular planning jobs outside the classroom.
Below, we explore several career options for workers with bachelor's degrees in special education.
| Special Education Career | 2022 Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator | $66,490 |
| High School Teacher | $62,360 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $61,620 |
| Special Education Teachers | $62,950 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,080 |
The median salary for each of these occupations exceeds the national median salary for all workers, which was $46,310 according to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Bachelor's Degrees
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in special education?
You should expect to spend at least 3-4 years earning your bachelor's degree in special education. Most programs require 120 semester credits to graduate. Students with prior coursework or test credits may be able to graduate more quickly.
Is a degree in special education worth it?
The value of a special education degree depends on your career goals. In addition to earning higher-than-average salaries, these professionals are in demand nationwide as schools face continued teacher shortages. Though special education careers can be challenging, motivated teachers may find it rewarding to develop adaptive classroom environments and curricula to fit students' needs.
What are the necessary qualifications to become a special education professional?
The educational credentials required for special education teaching jobs vary by state. All states require at least a bachelor's degree, often in special education, though some jurisdictions hire workers who majored in education with a special education minor or curricular focus. Public school employees typically need a teaching license.
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