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Online Degrees in Special Education

Both children and adults who have special needs like developmental and learning disabilities, often require additional help in order to participate fully in society. This help is often provided by special education professionals.

Special education classroom teachers in all 50 U.S. states are required to have a bachelor's degree in order to qualify for a teaching license. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some states require special education teachers to have a master's degree in special education. The BLS advises that bachelor's degrees leading to special education teacher licensure may take more than four years.

Earning degrees in special education online

Online degrees in special education are available at the bachelor's and master's degree level. Because teacher licensing is regulated by state, students in online degree programs should check with their local department of education to make sure their program meets state guidelines.

For teachers who are already licensed, a special education certificate program may provide the coursework needed for an endorsement; much like teacher licensure programs, some certificate programs--even those offered through online schools--require practicum hours that must be completed in a special education classroom.

At the master's and doctoral degree level, an educator may specialize in special education administration, early childhood special education, special education leadership, adaptive technology in the classroom and other topics affecting students with disabilities. Educators and other professionals may specialize in a particular disability, such as autism, communicative disorders and learning disabilities.

Most special education degree programs offer information and current research about many disabilities, special education law and classroom strategies. Through these programs, teachers and other educators learn how to customize an educational experience for the student's maximum benefit.

Other educators who support students with disabilities have associate, bachelor's, master's and even doctorate degrees in special education and other disciplines. The two-year associate degree in special education is typically for paraeducators, also known as classroom aides.

Special education careers

The National Education Association notes that special education enrollment is 30 percent higher than it was 10 years ago. Because of this growing number, the BLS projects 20 percent more special education teacher jobs between 2008 and 2018. The Council for Exceptional Children, a professional organization that advocates for educational success of individuals with gifts, talents and disabilities, notes there is a great variety of special education careers available in addition to the typical elementary or high school classroom teacher:

Adapted physical education teacher
Early childhood special educator
Paraeducators
Professor of special education
School counselor
Special education technology specialist
Special education administrator
Speech language pathologist

What do all these professionals have in common? They believe that education and life skills are possible for every single student regardless of those students' abilities. Professionals who work with students with disabilities tend to be rewarded by working through challenges to help these special students achieve.

Special education at a glance

Key skills: Patience, flexibility, acceptance of differences in others
Common careers: Paraeducator, special education teacher, special education technology specialist, special education administrator
Salary: $24,880-$81,870, according to the BLS
Employment locations: schools, school districts, adult care facilities, government, policymaking and advocacy organizations

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