Special Education Degrees Online

Special education entails using individualized and systematically monitored teaching procedures, adapted materials and techniques and other interventions designed to provide additional services and support to help learners with special needs achieve their particular educational goals. The nature of this field will require specially trained educators to help these students learn and the ability to identify their special needs whether physical, social or educational.

Requirements to Become Online Special Education Teacher

To become a special education teacher, students must complete a degree program in special education along a with a teacher education certificate.

Online Bachelor Degrees in Special Education

A Bachelor degree program in special education typically takes four years to complete and will require a high school diploma or GED. The program provides teaching in general education that includes online courses in foundations of teaching, interdisciplinary studies, effective teaching practices for special education and instructional teaching. Students will undergo supervised practice teaching (in a special school for students with disabilities) and completion of a professional portfolio. Students who successfully complete the program will have acquired the effective teaching skills needed to teach learners with mild to moderate disabilities. The program leads to licensure in special education.

Master's Degree in Special Education

The Master of education degree in special education caters specifically to special education teachers with teacher certification who wish to advance their studies in the field of special education. Participants of the Masters in special education degree program will acquire specialized training and in-depth instructional courses from experienced professionals within their respected fields. These courses will cover areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities. Participants must have access to a class of children with special needs so they may be able to complete all programmed assignments given during the course.


Employment Outlook for Special Education Teachers

Special educators can obtain employment in public and private school systems, counseling centers, mental facilities, military, private learning centers and places of safety. The type of job offers received will depend on your level of qualification and area of specialization.

Schools that offer Special Education Degrees Online

University of Phoenix
Capella University
Ellis University Online
Western Governors University
Walden University Online

Salary Range for Special Education Teachers

The salary for special education teachers varies widely depending on the level of training and experience, area of specialization and source of employment. Special education teachers working in a preschool, kindergarten or elementary schools can earn up to $45,000 per year. Those teaching in private institutions or corporations can earn over $60,000 per year, PhD holders within the field can earn up $100,000 per year.