The 25 Best Online Master's in Special Education Degree Programs

UF is one of 12 institutions within the State University System of Florida. UF offers an online master of education in special education that students can complete in two years.

The 36-credit program includes 12 core credits, covering topics like designing instruction for inclusive classrooms, teaching learning strategies, and collaborative practices in inclusive schools. Learners use the remaining 24 credits to pursue a specialization. Specialization options include autism, disabilities in society, dyslexia, and early childhood studies.

The disabilities in society concentration examines topics like disability policy and legislation, while the dyslexia specialization includes classes in language and the brain and assessment and intervention. Students can also pursue a general track that emphasizes math strategies for struggling students, differentiated instruction, and intervention for language and learning disabilities.

Applicants must submit transcripts from previous college coursework, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and GRE scores.

Chartered in 1885, UArizona provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to nearly 46,000 students annually through 21 academic schools and colleges.

UArizona's 36-credit, online master of arts in special education takes full-time students 18-24 months to complete. Thirty credits of core coursework cover topics like behavior principles and disability assessment and intervention, special services in schools, and cultural and linguistic diversity in exceptional learners.

Learners also study language development for exceptional children, research methods in education, and consultation and collaboration for special needs students. Learners then choose a six-credit specialization in challenging behavior, sensory impairments, autism spectrum disorder, or gifted students.

Learners culminate the degree with an in-depth study, special project, or formal report. Individuals who wish to pursue teacher certification must complete additional education coursework.

Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree and experience with and access to persons with disabilities. They must also submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts from previous college coursework.

Home to 13 academic schools and colleges, Purdue began as an agricultural and mechanical arts college in 1862. Its online master of science in education with a concentration in special education prepares learners to plan and administer special education curricula in a safe, effective classroom. The curriculum aligns with edTPA standards.

Purdue's program includes six concentrations, all targeted at various levels of licensure. Regardless of concentration, all students take courses in educational research, applied behavior analysis, and intervention strategies and research. Students also explore social, legal, and ethical issues in special education while building identification, evaluation, and assessment skills applicable to working with exceptional individuals.

Additional required classes include advanced assistive technology, collaboration and transition, and characteristics of children with mild disabilities.

Applicants must submit transcripts from a regionally accredited bachelor's degree, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Established in 1839, Mizzou hosts more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually through over 300 degree and certificate programs. Its online master of arts in special education with an emphasis in general special education includes 33 credits and explores cross-categorical disabilities and behavior management techniques.

This 27-credit program includes core courses in applied statistics, research with exceptional children, and special education categorization. Learners study applied behavior analysis while developing collaboration and consultation competencies for working in special education settings. Students also complete a master's thesis as part of the degree.

Students can tailor the degree to their interests through electives like language development of exceptional students, literacy in special education, vocational education for the disabled and disadvantaged, and teaching mathematics in special education. Learners culminate the degree with a comprehensive exam.

Applicants must submit transcripts from previous college coursework, a personal data sheet, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Additional application materials include GRE scores and two letters of recommendation.

Mizzou participates in the Missouri Partnership for Educational Renewal, providing first-, second-, and third-year teachers with opportunities for reduced tuition.

Established in 1866, KU serves more than 28,000 students through over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs annually. KU's online master's in education in special education offers specializations in autism spectrum disorders, secondary education and transition, and high-incidence disabilities.

The autism spectrum disorders specialization comprises 36 credits and explores assessment for exceptional children and youth, methods of learning, and teaching language and communication skills to learners with autism and developmental disabilities. Students culminate the degree with a practicum and a special project.

The online master's degree in special education in secondary education and transition requires 33 credits. Classes examine topics like transition education and services, assessment for transition planning, and career development for youth. Learners complete the degree with a final project.

The high-incidence disabilities program requires 30 credits and covers learning strategy and content mastery for struggling learners and strategies for students with significant behavioral, social, and emotional needs. In addition to coursework, students complete two practicums.

Applicants must submit transcripts from a regionally accredited bachelor's degree, a letter of introduction, a resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Founded in 1819, UC occupies 476 acres in Cincinnati, Ohio, with additional campuses in Blue Ash and Batavia, Ohio. UC provides more than 46,000 annual enrollees with a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Full-time students can complete UC's 30-credit, online master of education in special education in one year. Core classes cover topics like foundations, trends, and issues in special education leadership and education research. Students can focus the curriculum on autism spectrum disorders, exploring applied behavior analysis and advanced assistive technology, or they can specialize in behavioral disorders, learning how to promote positive behaviors and teach students with behavior disorders.

Additional areas of concentration include transition to work and an individualized advanced studies curriculum. The transition to work specialization includes classes in assessment and planning for learning environments and advanced assistive technology.

During the final year of the program, all learners complete a master's project seminar, which includes evidence-based research, critical self-reflection, and an extensive literature review.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application materials include a statement of academic and professional goals, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

Initially a branch of the University of Virginia, Mason became an independent institution in 1972. Mason serves over 22,000 students through over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs every year.

The online master's degree in special education at Mason requires 30-33 credits of core and specialization coursework. Learners explore topics like fundamentals of special education, computer applications for special populations, special education research, and universal design for learning.

Students can earn a certificate in autism spectrum disorders or applied behavior analysis as part of the curriculum. The 15-credit autism spectrum disorders emphasis prepares students to work with individuals with autism. Students pursuing the applied behavior analysis certificate take 18 credits of additional coursework, which qualifies them to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a resume, two professional references, and a statement of purpose.

The flagship institution in the Indiana University System, IU offers more than 550 academic programs through 16 degree-granting colleges and schools. IU's online master of science in education in special education includes 36 credits of major, emphasis area, and capstone coursework.

Core classes cover the assessment and remediation skills needed to work with individuals with mild disabilities while exploring classroom management, behavior support, and collaboration and service delivery. Throughout the program, learners take part in ongoing field experience activities, working closely with mentors. Working teachers may use their current classrooms as practicum sites.

Students choose from 12-credit specializations in autism spectrum disorders, behavior disorders, early childhood education, and instructional strategies. All learners culminate the degree with a capstone research project or thesis.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement for consideration.

Founded in 1831, UA enrolls more than 38,000 students annually through over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. The online master of arts in special education enhances the competencies of practicing teachers, preparing learners to serve students with exceptionalities.

The 36-credit program includes coursework in diagnosis and assessment of exceptional children and youth, advanced behavior management for special educators, and teacher consultant models in special education. Learners also explore creative problem-solving, computer-based instructional technologies, and research methods in secondary education.

During a practicum, students demonstrate teaching abilities while working with students with severe, profound, or multiple disabilities in special and general education classrooms.

Applicants need active teaching credentials and an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application materials include three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores.

Established in 1927, UH offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate programs. The online master of education in special populations requires 30-42 credits of coursework. Core classes include education and learning science, introduction to educational and psychological measurement, and working with individuals with disabilities.

The program offers four concentrations: special education, educational diagnostics, gifted and talented learners, and special education leadership. Each specialization leads to a corresponding certificate. The gifted and talented concentration focuses on behavioral and instructional interventions, problems in educating gifted and talented students, and creative problem-solving.

The special education concentration emphasizes technology in special education, behavioral and instructional interventions, collaborative consultation and coaching, and research-based instruction.

The special education leadership specialization explores law and policy for school leaders, leadership and equity, and principalship. Learners studying educational diagnostics complete coursework in assessment of learning disabilities, data-based individualization, and evidence-based decisions.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, a resume, and GRE scores. Candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA receive a GRE waiver.

NC State was established as an agricultural school in 1887 and is now a key institution within North Carolina's Research Triangle. NC State hosts 35,000 students through more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs every year.

NC State offers two graduate degrees in special education. The online master of education in special education -- designed for individuals with valid teaching credentials -- integrates 30 credits of core and specialization coursework, while the online master of arts in teaching in special education includes 33 credits and prepares students for initial teaching licensure in North Carolina.

The online master of education degree includes 18 credits of required coursework in resource room teaching, applied behavior analysis, and educational diagnosis and prescription. Two seminars in special education accompany a required internship.

Master of arts in teaching students complete core classes on topics like exploring diversity in the classroom and community, inquiry and professional development, and organization and behavioral management in inclusive classrooms. They also complete two internship requirements.

Applicants to both programs must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit transcripts.

Initially a Methodist college for men, Auburn opened its doors in 1859. After transitioning to a state-owned agricultural and mechanical institution in 1872, Auburn expanded to house 13 academic colleges and schools, through which nearly 30,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate programs annually.

Learners can earn a master's in collaborative teacher special education from Auburn. This special education program prepares degree-seekers to work with elementary and secondary students with disabilities. Students can choose from two tracks: traditional and alternative.

The traditional program is designed for practicing teachers and comprises 33 credits of courses like assessment, teaching methods, and behavior management in special education. Students also choose from specializations in leadership or learning strategies.

The alternative track is designed for individuals without a valid teaching license. It examines topics like teaching methods in special education, rehabilitation assistive technology, curriculum development for individuals with disabilities, and collaboration in education, accompanied by a clinical residency.

All applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants to the traditional program must submit a copy of valid teaching credentials.

Based in Oxford, Ohio, MU also hosts learners on additional campuses throughout the state and online. Founded in 1809, MU offers nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 17,000 enrollees each year.

The hybrid special education master's degree at MU integrates on-campus weekend sessions with asynchronous online content. Learners can complete one of three degree tracks: initial teaching certification, additional certification, or no certification.

The master of education in special education with initial teaching certification includes 49 credits of coursework. Core classes cover behavioral interventions, teaching methods for students with mild or moderate disabilities, and literacy and assistive technology. The curriculum also includes a clinical literacy seminar and a field experience requirement.

Licensed teachers can complete the 37-credit additional certification in special education in 18 months. Core classes cover teaching methods, consultation, and collaboration. Students also complete a clinical literacy seminar and a field experience requirement. Individuals who seek a master's degree in special education without credentialing complete 30 credits of core and research coursework.

Each option prepares students to design and implement special education services for K-12 students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Chartered in 1869, UNL is the oldest and largest institution within the University of Nebraska System. UNL occupies three campuses in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering academic programs to nearly 26,000 students annually.

UNL offers online special education master of arts and master of education in early childhood education degrees. Both programs prepare learners to work with young children -- up to age five -- who have special needs. The degrees emphasize family, community, and educational interventions and services.

The core curricula for both degrees include courses in educational research, assessment techniques for diverse learners, behavior management, and reading and writing disabilities. Elective classes allow students to explore topics such as infants with disabilities, preschool children with disabilities in the classroom, and specialized instruction for students with severe and multiple disabilities.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also submit transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

WSU provides nearly 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to over 20,000 students worldwide every year. WSU's online master of education in special education enhances the knowledge and skills of practicing educators.

The 37-credit program includes classes in teaching students with disabilities, education for exceptional children, and professional skills in special education. The program also emphasizes research methods and the social foundations of education, with classes spanning special education in early childhood through secondary education transitions.

Directed-study options include a special project and a thesis. Non-thesis students carry out a personal inquiry project in conjunction with a faculty member and produce a literature review related to an educational question or concept. Thesis students explore researchable hypotheses through defined methodologies, relaying the results in a written format.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree and one year of professional teaching experience, substitute teaching experience, or experience working with adults with disabilities in agency services or employment services settings.

Drexel, named for its benefactor Anthony J. Drexel, opened its doors in 1891. Established as an institute of art, science, and industry, Drexel continues to provide academic programs that embrace innovation and excellence today. Home to 15 colleges and schools, Drexel enrolls more than 24,000 students annually.

The online master of science in special education at Drexel trains learners to improve educational outcomes for exceptional students. The 45-credit degree includes coursework in emotional and behavioral support for individuals with disabilities, teaching individuals with high- and low-incidence disabilities, and integrating technology for learning and achievement.

Learners can choose to add a concentration in special education leadership; autism spectrum disorder; collaborative special education law and process; multisensory reading instruction; or social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.

Candidates need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application materials include two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and transcripts from all previous college coursework.

UMaine, the flagship institution of the University of Maine System, began offering educational programs in 1865. Today, UMaine operates 16 cooperative extension offices and five research field stations throughout the state.

UMaine's online master of education in special education emphasizes evidence-based strategies for working with children aged five and younger with special needs. The program allows degree-seekers to concentrate their studies in high-incidence disabilities, low-incidence disabilities, early intervention, or dual high- and low-incidence disabilities. The dual concentration includes 45 credits of coursework, while the others comprise 36 credits.

The high-incidence disabilities program explores core topics like behavior management and intervention, assessment and intervention in special education, and program planning and curriculum access. The low-incidence disabilities master's degree includes comparable core requirements with an added focus on autism spectrum disorders and working with students with severe disabilities.

The dual high- and low-incidence special education master's degree teaches learners how to work with students with mild, moderate, and severe learning, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The early intervention degree trains individuals in assessment and program planning. All of the degree tracks include graduate projects and practicums.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit transcripts, a personal essay, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Established in 1871, U of A offers its nearly 28,000 annual enrollees a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from over 200 academic programs, including a 36-credit, online master of education in special education.

Required classes include teaching literacy skills to students with disabilities, inclusive practices for diverse populations, and professional and family partnerships. The online master's degree in special education also includes research classes in measurement and experimental design, statistics in education, and curriculum development and instructional planning. In addition to coursework, students complete a practicum.

Degree-seekers without a current teaching license can take additional courses to apply for initial licensure in special education, while those with teaching credentials can earn a special education endorsement. Students can also complete endorsements in dyslexia therapy, educational examination, and educational resource room supervision. U of A also offers a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders.

To apply, learners need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Additional application materials include three letters of reference and Praxis scores.

Established as a teaching college in 1910, KSU hosts nearly 29,000 students through more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs every year. The fully online special education master's degree includes classes in research applications in special education, legal and policy foundations of special education, and issues in special education.

Students can tailor the degree to their interests through multidisciplinary electives on topics like ethics in professional practice, consulting in the helping professions, statistics in educational services, and program evaluation. Learners also choose from thesis and non-thesis tracks.

Non-thesis students take 18 credits of general special education classes, building concentrations that meet their professional goals. Potential classes include early intervention in natural environments, advanced interventions for addressing severe behavior, curriculum and instruction in early childhood service, and mental aspects of lifespan disabilities. Individuals pursuing the thesis track take courses in research in educational services, research methods, and thesis research.

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit GRE scores, a goal or personal statement, and up to five letters of recommendation.

Founded in 1867, WVU houses 14 academic schools and colleges and enrolls nearly 27,000 students annually. The school's online master of arts in special education includes certification options like special education grades K-6 or 5-adult. Learners can also pursue the program without a certification component.

Required coursework for all students includes legal and educational foundations of special education, academic interventions for special needs, classroom and behavior management, and technology applications for special needs. Students culminate the degree with a practicum or project. Students seeking teaching licensure also complete an advanced student teaching requirement in multicategorical special education.

Students can tailor the 36-credit program to their interests through electives on topics like autism spectrum disorder characteristics and interventions, transition planning and programs for students with disabilities, and differentiating instruction for English language learners with disabilities.

Full-time students can graduate in 18 months. Applicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit scores from the Praxis core, GRE, or MAT examinations.

The flagship institution within the University of North Texas System, UNT was founded in 1890. UNT offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to over 38,000 students each year.

UNT's online master of education in special education with a concentration in autism intervention includes 33 credits of coursework. Students learn to work with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and social work settings.

The special education core includes nine credits of classes on topics like collaboration with parents, paraeducators, and professionals; classroom and behavior management strategies for professional learners; special education law; and special education programs and practices. Learners also study behavioral interventions, educational programming, and assessment techniques related to autism spectrum disorder.

The program takes 12-15 months to complete. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and GRE scores.

Established in 1886, UW offers nearly 300 academic programs through 10 schools and colleges. This includes its online master of arts in special education, which covers 33-41 credits of coursework.

Designed for practicing teachers, the program includes core classes in teaching students with mild, moderate, severe, and low-incidence disabilities; academic instruction in general education for students with disabilities; and assessment, collaboration, and transition planning. The program builds research skills while introducing learners to special education law and assistive technology.

Degree-seekers participate in two practica during the program. Students culminate the degree with a thesis, topic paper, case study, or product development project. The product development opportunity incorporates the entire research and development cycle, a field test, and final product revision. Potential products include instructional materials, curriculum units, instructional games, and software programs.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit transcripts from previous college coursework, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a current resume for consideration.