Masters in Special Education

Special education is both a challenging and rewarding career choice. While you have to deal, on a daily basis, with children that have many kinds of mental, physical, and learning disabilities, as well as behavior problems in some cases, you also get the unique gift of being able to see students overcome the odds and learn both classic subjects and how to deal with the world around them. Becoming a special education teacher takes years of hard work and dedication, but the best programs will prepare you for a career in teaching that you really enjoy.

The first step to becoming a special education teacher is to learn about your state’s requirements. Special education in the United States is controlled by each state independently, and in some states you can teach with just a bachelor’s degree, while other states require a master’s degree to teach special education. Before you begin looking at programs, you should also determine the level at which you want to teach, since most colleges have different education paths for those who want to teach in elementary schools versus those who want to teach in secondary schools. Some colleges even have early childhood education courses with an emphasis in special education.

Once you learn about your state’s special education teacher requirements and choose an educational path, you can start looking at programs. Rank programs according to characteristics that are important to you, which can include class size, location, professor experience, financial aid availability, alumni networks, and more. Apply to your top three to five schools of choice, and choose a program from the schools where you’ve been accepted.

Most colleges require special education students to take a number of liberal arts classes as well as major-specific classes. You’ll have the added task of completing student teaching requirements. States and colleges have different rules about the minimum number of hours you’ll need, but essentially, you’ll teach classes under the supervision of a real special education teacher a certain number of times per week.

After you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to get a teaching certificate in order to work in your state. Some private schools, which do not receive state funding, do not require teachers to have a teaching certificate, but this is increasingly rare, and many require not only a certificate, but also a master’s degree and experience in the field. Ever state differs on the certification requirements for teaching special ed, but they typical require you to complete student teaching and to take a state-wide test or series of tests to prove that you are qualified to teach students.

From there, it is simply a matter of applying to jobs! Becoming a special education teacher does require at least four years of your time in most cases, but as a teacher in this field, you’ll often be eligible for higher starting salaries, and there are more jobs available in this field than in most others (though it does depend on your location).

Top Master of Special Education Degrees

Special education is teaching that caters to the individual differences of students with special needs, including autism, communication difficulties, developmental disorders, learning difficulties, emotional disorders, and physical disabilities. Teachers of special education programs are usually required to have a master's degree in teaching, education, or special ed. The following schools each offer online degrees in these subjects.

MS: Special Ed (K-12 Non-Lic.) MA: Sp Edu Behavioral Disorders MA: Sp Edu Learning Disabilities More Degrees...	Walden University – The Walden University Master of Science in Special Education (K-12) degree program infuses the latest in neuroscience, assessment, and intervention training to offer a students a unique learning environment. Graduates are able to successfully touch the lives of young people throughout the field of special education. Related degrees offered online by Walden include the MA in special education for behavioral disorders, MA in special education for learning disabilities, and PhD in special education
MEd: Autism Studies	University of Massuchusetts – The University of Massachusetts gives students a convenient and flexible option for obtaining a masters degrees by offering online courses for a Masters of Education in Autism Studies. This program follow industry-driven curriculum in order to help students gain the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to successfully fill high level and administrative positions in education.
MA: Teaching Special Edu w/Lic. MEd: Special Edu w/Lic.	Liberty University – At Liberty University's Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education program (M.Ed. also available), teachers are prepared to pass the following endorsements: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. The Advanced Master of Education degree likewise prepares graduates for a license in and Administration/Supervision, School Counseling, and Program Specialization.
MS: Special Education	Saint Joseph's University – Saint Joseph's University MS in Special Education program provides students an on-demand online master's program in special education designed for teachers that currently hold a Level 1 early childhood/elementary teaching certificate, are already certified in special education , or desire a master's degree in education.
MEd: Special Edu (With Cert) MEd: Special Edu (No Cert) More Degrees...	Grand Canyon University – The MED in Special Education (with certification or without certification) from Grand Canyon University provides current teachers advanced training in teaching students with special needs. The curriculum is designed around the idea that students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities in education as traditional students. GCU also offers an MED in Special Education for those who are already certified to teach special ed.
MAT: Special Edu	University of Phoenix – The University of Phoenix Master of Arts in Special Education degree prepares students for obtaining a teaching license in special education. Coursework includes foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, English language, reading and language, and collaboration and resource management. A bachelors degree is required.
MEd: Exceptional Student Edu EdD: Exceptional Student Edu PhD: Exceptional Student Edu	Northcentral University – Northcentral University offers one master's level degree in special education and two doctorate degrees in special education. Their Master of Education in exceptional student education prepares its students for teaching and working with individuals who may suffer from a variety of disabilities, whether behavioral, learning, mental, or physical. Two related doctorate programs are the Doctor of Education in exceptional student education and the PhD in Education with a concentration in exceptional student education.
MSEd: Inclusion Education	University of New England – The University of New England's MSEd in Inclusion Education degree program provides classroom teachers and school administrators with knowledge of critical theories and practices pertaining to special education inclusion. Upon completion of this program, graduates will have a thorough grasp of the latest research in the field of special education.
MS: Special Education	Western Governors University – The Western Governors University's online MS in Special Education degree program prepares students for certification in special ed. Graduates of this program will know how to effectively teach students with mild to moderate disabilities. Students of this program should already be certified teachers and have 15-20 hours per week to devote to studies.
MS: Special Education	Drexel University – Frequently cited as one of America's Best Graduate Schools, the Drexel Graduate School MS in Special Education program is designed for individuals seeking advanced study in special education research and/or obtaining a credential. Incoming students are required to hold a Pennsylvania instructional I or instruction II teaching certificate. The program is requires the completion of 49.5 credits.
MEd: Special Education	Concordia University – The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Special Education will hone necessary instructional skills needed for teaching in a special education classroom. Enrollees will learn to evaluate student learning progress, modify instructional plans accordingly and implement a curriculum special needs students.
MEd: Special Ed	University of Cincinnati – The University of Cincinnati M.Ed. in special education features a unique cohort-based curriculum that empowers students to network with other teachers who are passionate about working with students with disabilities. The comprehensive and relevant curriculum consists of 45 quarter credits. The program can be completed in as little as 2 years.
MS: Teaching - Special Ed PhD: Special Ed Leadership	Capella University – The Master of Science in Special Education Teaching degree from Capella University trains teachers advanced methodologies in working with special needs students. The program is designed in accordance with national special education standards and includes courses that provide the latest methods for teaching children with learning disabilities. For students looking for a more advanced degree, Capella also offers a PhD in special education leadership.
MEd: Mild Special Ed MEd: Differentiated Instruction	Graceland University – Graceland University offers two Master of Education programs for those interested in special education: The M.Ed. in Differentiated Instruction and the M.Ed. in Mild/Moderate Special Education. Differentiated instruction is predicated on the work and teachings of Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson and Dr. William Glasser, and teaching those with mixed needs.
MEd: Special Edu & Reading MA: Special Ed	University of Nebraska at Kearney – For students looking to advance their careers quickly and achieve life goals, University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a Masters of Education in Special Education and Reading as well as a Masters of Arts in Special Education both online and at their campus. Both degrees can completed in under two years at any computer – no special software required.