Clicky

Online Bachelor Degrees

The 19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Programs 2023

Special Education consists of a career in assisting children and young adults with special needs, and is more than just a job! It’s an intense occupation that requires preparation, thought, and proper training. 

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in this field equips teachers in a particular way to handle and assess the natural challenges that arise in working with special needs children. Having these tools enables teachers to positively affect the lives of the children they work with on a daily basis.

If you have a place in your heart to teach a special needs child, you will find great satisfaction in the rewards you will receive. Special Education Teachers are truly special people!

Special Education

Page Jumps!

METHODOLOGY

Listed in random order, please see our choices for the top online schools offering excellent Bachelor’s degree programs in the field of Special Education.  There are many factors that make these programs stand out, such as:

  • Offers 100% Online learning format; providing flexibility and convenience,
  • Provides programs that teach innovative methods used in today’s Special Education classrooms,
  • Designed to instruct on assessment skills, monitoring of students, as well as, developing plan of coursework and progression for students with special needs or disabilities,
  • Taught by exceptional instructors who have classroom experience in the field of Special Education,
  • Available Financial Aid opportunities, such as Grants, Scholarships, as well as, Military Discounts,
  • Have received positive student reviews, in addition to, other academic resources,
  • Established proper accreditation needed to excel in the field of Special Education,
  • Instructs on the legal, ethical, research, and philosophical standards necessary to pursue a career in Special Education,
  • Access to Student Help Center Support 24/7, Ease of transfer credits, and an easy-to-use Learning Management System.

Also, please see our Methodology page which details the criteria we use to develop the most up-to-date rankings on the web!

Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Programs

COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Special Education

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION GENERALIST LICENSING DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing degree offered at Colorado Christian University is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad. On completion of the program, graduates will obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a teaching license that allows them to teach K-12 special education in public, international, private, and public charter schools.

Upon completing the program, graduates apply to the Colorado Department of Education for a Colorado teaching license. The degree is eligible for Colorado Licensure in both Elementary and K-12 Special Education Generalist. Out-of-state students may use their Colorado license to apply for licensure in their home state through their department of education’s teacher licensure reciprocation process.

Campus Location: Lakewood, Colorado

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Submit an online application
  • Provide the enrollment counselor with a copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID.
  • Submit proof of high school graduation or completion.

Course Sample: 

  • Secondary and Transitional Issues in Special Education
  • Intervention for Emotional/Behavioral Needs
  • Language Development and Reading Disabilities

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education Generalist Licensing program at Colorado Christian University obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching license that allows them to teach K-12 special education in public, international, private, and public charter schools.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION GENERALIST LICENSING DEGREE PROGRAM.

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Special Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. Those looking to pursue a career in education will fulfill their vocational calling in either elementary or secondary schools where they will work directly with students who are affected by mental or physical disabilities.

The degree program at Liberty focuses on education theory and best practices by examining learning disabilities and adaptation techniques to equip professionals to enter the field of special education.

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Admission application
  • Application fee
  • Unofficial college transcripts can be accepted with a completed official transcript request
  • High School Self-Certification form
  • Proof of English Proficiency

Course Sample:

  • Principles of Education
  • Learning and Behavioral Problems
  • Classroom Management for Teachers

Degree Outcomes:

“Gain marketable skills to impact children’s lives with our online special education degree.”

By pursuing the online Special Education degree at Liberty University, students will acquire the skills needed to manage their classroom and encourage or diffuse specific situations successfully.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA

Special Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The online bachelor’s degree in collaborative teacher/special education at the University of West Alabama adds versatility to a teaching career. It is a hybrid program that provides its students with certification in Collaborative Teacher/Special Education K-6/6-12.

The online format is geared toward working teachers and is taught by the leading trainers of educators in the state. Most of the degree programs can be completed online. The internship and field experience courses must be completed in an Alabama-approved school.

Campus Location: Livingstone, Alabama

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • An application must be submitted after the completion of 45-60 semester hours but no later than two semesters prior to expected enrollment in the internship
  • Completion and passing grades of all required basic curriculum courses
  • 2.75 quality-point ratio on all courses in general education, in the teaching field(s), in professional studies, and a 2.75 on overall college work
  • A passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills test
  • 3 UWA faculty interviews/recommendations designed to provide further information on the applicant’s dispositions, interests, and aptitudes, consistent with the requirements for successful teaching, must be on file.

Course Sample: 

  • Measurement and Assessment
  • Technology Portfolio
  • Educational Psychology

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates will acquire a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from one of Alabama’s oldest and most prestigious universities which will grant them opportunities for employment in special education positions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Special Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

East Carolina University offers a fully online bachelor’s degree in special education – a general curriculum is offered through Partnership East. Their degree program prepares teachers to work with children with disabilities who are pursuing a high school diploma in the general education curriculum from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Partnership East special education majors also receive licensure to teach reading in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students in the program are placed in public school classrooms to observe and practice the methods that are learned in the courses. A full-time internship in a public school classroom is required in the senior year.

Campus Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Completion of all community college coursework
  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Passing Praxis Core test scores or ACT or SAT scores
  • Admission to ECU
  • Interview with Partnership East Coordinator:

Program Options:

Partnership East offers two initial licensure options based on a non-categorical model:

  • SPED general curriculum (SPED-GC) license
    • prepares teachers to work with children with mild/moderate disabilities who are pursuing a high school diploma
  • SPED adapted curriculum (SPED-AC) license
    • prepares teachers to work with children with significant cognitive disabilities who are not pursuing a high school diploma

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates complete the program with a knowledge of areas such as:

  • NC Standard Course of Study and curriculum differentiation
  • Academic, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects of student development
  • Classroom structure and management

LEARN MORE ABOUT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Special Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION/ESOL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Program Standouts:

Nova Southeastern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education/ESOL. The program explores a variety of challenges and teaching skills needed to teach students with multiple disabilities. These skills can be explored within the general inclusive classroom or in an exceptional student education setting.

Specific knowledge in this degree will be gained about teaching English as a second language (ESOL). The degree program at Nova Southeastern also prepares students for the Florida Department of Education’s certification requirements for exceptional student education (grades K-12) and endorsement requirements for ESOL.

Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Application for admissions
  • Submit academic information
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Transfer report

Course Sample:

  • Principles of Instruction
  • Introduction to Language Development and Speech Disabilities
  • Foundations of Learning Disabilities

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education/ESOL degree program will be ready to obtain the essential state certification credential because it is state-approved. Along with the degree, graduates will also receive an endorsement in ESOL and Reading. The degree program puts graduates on the path to becoming leaders in exceptional student education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION/ESOL DEGREE PROGRAMS

NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Special Education

B.S.ED. IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION/ESOL DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

Northeastern State University offers a B.S.Ed. in Special Education – Mild/Moderate Disorders. The special education degree is aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children and the Association for Childhood Education International content areas for mild/moderate disabilities for PK-12th grade classrooms.

This certificate/degree helps students to gain knowledge in all areas of Special Education for the mild/moderate level of severity, including Autism, and also includes elementary education certification so that graduates are prepared as highly qualified special education teachers.

Campus Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements: 

  • High school GPA of 2.70 or higher
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Application and fee
  • Specific high school units

Course Sample: 

  • Content Literacy K-8
  • Foundations, Future Trends, and Current Issues in Special Education
  • Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities

Degree Outcomes:

The Bachelor’s in Special Education at Northeastern State University gives students the knowledge to take into their career of working with children with special needs ranging from mild to moderate in level of severity. These skills include planning, evaluating, and successfully implementing practices.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY’S B.S.ED. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION/ESOL DEGREE PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN

B.A. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

Program Standouts:

The University of South Carolina Aiken offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree completely online. The degree program is designed to prepare its students to be successful as teachers of special needs children in grades K-12. The curriculum provides a foundation upon which the teaching styles and abilities of the graduates are built.

Specific dispositions focused upon are responsible citizenship, respect for diversity, and cross-cultural understanding. Currently certified South Carolina Teachers can add-on certification in Special Education by taking the appropriate coursework offered in the program.

Campus Location: Aiken, South Carolina

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements: 

  • Application and application fee
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • For admission into the Professional Program (first semester) 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • For entry into an Internship (student teaching) 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Course Sample:

  • Assessment of Reading in Elementary Education
  • Methods and Materials for Teaching People with Learning Disabilities
  • Behavior Intervention and Management

Degree Outcomes:

An education degree from USC Aiken prepares its graduates to become successful, dynamic educators who can plan, instruct, manage, communicate, and grow professionally.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN’S B.A. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA

Special Education

B.S. IN EDUCATION WITH A MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TEACHING DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education at the University of West Georgia offers two tracks: General Curriculum and Adapted Curriculum. Candidates who successfully complete this program and other requirements of the state certification agency will be eligible for Georgia Level 4 certification.

Teachers with this certification are qualified to teach students with disabilities in grades P-12 who receive instruction using the general education or adapted curriculum, as well as students in special education preschool (ages 3-5 years).

Campus Location: Carrollton, Georgia

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application and fee
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended.
  • Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations
  • For more information visit the UWG website

Course Sample:

  • Mild Disabilities: Methods for Instruction
  • Collaboration in School Settings
  • Integrating Technology into the Curriculum

Degree Outcomes:

The B.S.Ed. program at the University of West Georgia prepares candidates to acquire the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions for establishing an effective practice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA’S B.S. IN EDUCATION WITH A MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TEACHING DEGREE PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Special Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The University of Georgia’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education offers both certification and degree completion pathways. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who require the flexibility of online program delivery to achieve their career goals and have the desire to fulfill the vital role of Special Educator in their individual communities. University of Georgia online bachelor programs are ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. 

Campus Location: Athens, Georgia

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements: 

  • Completion of GACE Program Admission Assessment either by test or exemption
  • Completion of GACE Educator Ethics Entry Assessment
  • Minimum overall and cumulative 2.8 GPA
  • Completion of 60 transferable college credit hours
  • Completion of all Core Areas I – VI
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended

Course Sample:

  • Contemporary Issues
  • Behavior Management
  • Assistive and Learning Technologies

Degree Outcomes:

The two-year degree completion or certification program in Special Education at the University of Georgia endows teacher candidates with the necessary skills to evaluate, structure, and oversee the progress of persons with high-incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS COLLEGE

Special Education

B.S. IN EDUCATION ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Program Standouts:

Saint Mary of the Woods College offers two related online bachelor’s degrees in special education. The first is a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis on Preschool-Grade 3/Mild Intervention. The second bachelor’s degree program emphasizes K – Grade 6/Mild Intervention.

The degrees are designed for those who enjoy working with young children and are interested in offering high-quality educational experiences to young children. By blending the developmental courses with the special education courses, candidates have the opportunity to become dually licensed in preschool to grade 3 and in early childhood special education.

Campus Location: Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana    

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604  

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Transcripts and Test Scores
  • FAFSA

Course Sample:

  • Music, Movement, and the Arts
  • Philosophical and Ethical Foundations of Education
  • Education in a Global Society

Degree Outcomes:

The learning outcomes for Preschool-Grade 3/Mild Intervention and K – Grade 6/Mild Intervention bachelor’s degrees from Saint Mary of the Woods College are aligned with the 2013 InTASC standards and cover the following domains: learner and learning, content knowledge, instructional practice, and professional responsibility.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS COLLEGE’S B.S. IN EDUCATION ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Special Education

 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

Stephen F. Austin State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in special education and EC-12 special education teacher certification. It is designed for individuals who are interested in special education and would like to complete their degree online.

The program at Stephen F. Austin is modeled after the successful EC-6 online completer program developed by the Department of Elementary Education at SFASU in 2005. This program received the prestigious Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2008.

Campus Location: Nacogdoches, Texas

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Application and fee
  • Official transcripts

Course Sample:

  • Functional Living Skills for People with Disabilities
  • Practicum in Special Education
  • Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities

Degree Outcomes:

Courses provided in the degree program at Stephen F. Austin State University provide the foundational knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed in areas of technology, special education, and educational and behavioral psychology.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

mayville state university

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Special Education from Mayville State can be completed entirely online and is designed for currently licensed teachers. With this program, students also have the option of earning a double major in early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education.

The degree is offered online with synchronous, online classes and gives students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree while remaining near home, work, and family.

Campus Location: Mayville, North Dakota

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Transcripts
  • ACT/SAT scores
  • Essays/personal statements submitted by the applicant
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Application and fee
  • Immunization form

Course Sample:

  • Instructional Practice
  • Home, School, Community Relations
  • Remedial Reading

Degree Outcomes:

Mayville State’s Reflective Experiential Teacher Model reflects professional, state, and institutional standards, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be effective, highly qualified teachers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE

touro university

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

Touro University Worldwide offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Special Education. The degree is unique in so far as it gives students the skills to apply psychological principles to special education.

The concentration allows students to apply psychological concepts to theories and models to assist academically at-risk students and students with learning disabilities. The Special Education concentration is self-paced.

Campus Location: Los Alamitos, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission; 985 Atlantic Ave, Alameda, California 94501

Admission Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate
  • Successfully complete the GED
  • Be a transfer student in good academic standing

Course Sample:

  • Education Psychology
  • Theories of Reading
  • Issues in Learning Disabilities

Degree Outcomes:

The Special Education concentration at Touro University Worldwide combines problem-solving skills necessary for graduates to work in school or counseling settings or to pursue graduate-level courses in educational psychology and special education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE’S BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

old dominion

ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: TEACHER PREPARATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

Old Dominion University offers an online bachelor’s degree program in Special Education (Interdisciplinary Studies: Teacher Preparation). However, the program is only available online in Virginia and Washington State.

Classes can be attended online on a regular schedule and students can access course materials online from any location. The program requires a practicum or internship. Upon graduation from the program, individuals will be eligible for Virginia Licensure and will be highly qualified in elementary education.

Campus Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, Georgia 30033

Admission Requirements:

  • Copy of transcripts
  • Application and fee
  • Discussion of individual application requirements with a counselor

Course Sample:

  • Reading and Writing in Content Areas
  • Oral Communication
  • Language Acquisition and Reading for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Special Education from Old Dominion University will be prepared for:

  • Teaching: Primary, Elementary, and Secondary
  • With additional training, experience, and/or education: School Administration

LEARN MORE ABOUT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: TEACHER PREPARATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

university of Maine

BACHELOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The Special Education Teaching Certification and bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine give students special education certification. Students also earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies while taking special education courses which include 15 hours of student teaching at a school district near the student’s home.

Campus Location: Orono, Maine

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Application and fee
  • A passing score on the Praxis I and Praxis II tests
  • Transcripts

Course Focuses: 

  • Instructional strategies
  • Communication and management skills
  • Best practices
  • Teaching learning theories
  • Technology uses

Degree Outcomes:

Successful completion of the UMM/UMA Special Education Certification program will qualify students to submit applications to the Maine Department of Education for their two-year initial certification as well as gain the opportunities afforded by acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Special Education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE’S BACHELOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

ball state university

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Ball State University has a built-in minor in early childhood special education. The program is designed for people who have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. It is intended to meet the needs of childcare professionals who are already working full-time. The courses at Ball State are taught by early childhood faculty within Ball State’s nationally recognized Teachers College.

Ball State University has a history as a teacher training institution that reaches back to 1918. The school has been offering online courses and degrees since the 1990s. Also, Ball State’s Teachers College offers one of the largest arrays of online educator preparation programs of any university in the United States.

Campus Location: Muncie, Indiana

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Associate’s degree in early childhood education (including a practicum or at least 45 credits that apply toward the early childhood education degree (approved by the program coordinator) – both must be from an accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher of transferable credit
  • Application and application fee

Course Sample:

  • Early Emergent Literacy
  • Literature for Young Children
  • Culture and Language in Teaching and Learning

Degree Outcomes:

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree program at Ball State University with a minor in special education prepares its graduates for a wide variety of settings and assignments including:

  • Pre-K or preschool teacher
  • Head Start program specialist
  • Early childhood curriculum specialist or administrator
  • Home-based service provider

LEARN MORE ABOUT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Grand Canyon University

DUAL ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

The Bachelor of Science at Grand Canyon University is a dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Students focus on supporting students with diverse learning needs. Core courses review pedagogy and classroom management and the special education focus strengthens the students’ understanding of adapting learning for students with disabilities.

The degree is regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education-approved. The dual degree program is available online in evening cohorts or on the traditional campus in Phoenix.

Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Submit the form to start the college admission process
  • Submit transcript
  • Visit the main campus
  • Work with admission counselors

Course Sample:

  • Foundational Literary Skills and Phonics
  • Researched-Based Methods and Strategies for Teaching Mathematics
  • Collaborations and Communications in Special Education

Degree Outcomes:

In the bachelor’s of Special Education at Grand Canyon University, graduates will gain the skills to examine cross-categorical teaching concepts and review theories and research from 21st-century classroom practice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S DUAL ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY

fontbonne

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE

Program Standouts:

Fontbonne University offers a Special Education Major – Paraprofessional Pathways program which leads to certification as well as a bachelor’s degree. Students in this program will earn their Bachelor of Science in Special Education, along with a certification in K-12 mild/moderate cross-categorical.

Individuals employed as paraprofessionals or teacher’s assistants in a special education school setting are prepared to embark on the path set out in this degree program. Students may continue working while completing their degree and certification. Faculty members at Fontbonne are educational practitioners with significant experience in their field.

Campus Location: Saint Louis, Missouri

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Application and fee
  • Copy of transcripts

Course Sample:

  • Methods of Teaching Literacy
  • Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities
  • Introduction to Learner Diversities

Degree Outcomes:

Fontbonne University’s special education major has a 96% undergrad career outcome rate as well as free career services and free education career guides.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY’S SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT

university of wisconsin

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts:

University of Wisconsin Stout’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education program prepares teachers to educate students about learning, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Some of the program highlights are:

  • Personal faculty support and advisement
  • Early and varied field placements
  • Cross-categorical licensure
  • Instruct kindergarten through adolescence, including ages 5 through 21

Campus Location: Menomonie, Wisconsin

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604

Admission Requirements:

  • UW system application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Course Sample:

  • General Psychology
  • Foundations of Education
  • Inclusion of Students with Special Needs

Degree Outcomes:

Because of the multiple-category versatility of this program along with providing qualifications to teach ages 5 through 21, this degree program gives graduates maximum employment potential.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Special Education Teachers do?

There are many students that have learning disabilities; therefore specially trained personnel are required to meet their needs. These special students can have a wide array of disabilities, such as emotional and cognitive impairments, sight or hearing issues, intellectual disabilities, and physical restraints. 

Special Education Teachers tailor educational curricula to fit the disability; therefore, special needs children learn basic life skills, academics, and more depending on the severity of the disability.  

Is there a job demand for Special Education Teachers?

The field of Special Education is highly rewarding in that it gives hope and assistance to those who are often overlooked. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Special Education Teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031 with preschool special education at a 4% growth rate, as well.

How much do Special Education Teachers get paid?

The BLS states that Special Education Teachers typically earn an annual wage of $61,820, as of May 2021. With experience, the upper 10% earned $100,040 or more annually. 

Special Education Teachers who concentrate on preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-aged students, earn between $62,120-$62,420 per year. Those who specialized in middle school earned $61,820 annually. 

Local public school systems paid slightly more than private schools… by about $11,800 per year, as of May 2021.

How long will it take to earn an online Bachelor of Special Education degree?

An online Bachelor of Special Education degree program will last the typical four years to complete, earning a minimum of 120 credits. Online distance learning degree programs in this field are great for those working professionals who want to expand into the field of Special Education. 

What will I learn in an online Bachelor of Special Education degree program?

Some special education programs will require you to finish general teaching coursework before moving on to a specialization, such as needed for special education. 

Common coursework includes the following: 

  • Introduction to Special Education
  • Inclusive Instruction
  • Methods of Teaching Literacy
  • Student Diagnostic Assessment
  • Classroom Behavior Management
  • Early Language Development
  • Teaching Exceptional Learners
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Communication with Parents and Caregivers
  • And, much more!

Will I need to complete a student teaching requirement to get my degree in Special Education?

Yes, most likely your bachelor’s degree program will require fieldwork to complete your degree. Typically, the opportunity can be coordinated with a local community school in your area if you are earning your degree through an online program. Through an internship, you will gain valuable experience under the supervision of an accomplished educator in the field of special education.  

Will I need licensure and certifications to teach Special Education?

As with all teaching positions, yes licensure will be required per your state’s mandate; however, you may also be required to earn additional licensing or certifications for teaching within the special education system. 

For Additional Information: