The cheapest online Special Education master’s degree programs offer an affordable and flexible path to advance your teaching career. Earning an accelerated online Master’s in Special Education is a goal for many educators and professionals in the field.
As the science and education fields understand more about special education and developmental disabilities, the fields that affect special education are developing new tools and techniques to ensure that graduate students get the help and inspiration they need to keep moving forward. It’s a great thing to see happen, but it does require that more professionals earn a graduate degree.
It’s a feat in and of its own to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education and obtain a teaching license. However, many professionals in special education want to move forward and set their sights on earning a graduate degree that is flexible, affordable, fast, and generally can be taken entirely online. This should come as no surprise; special education teachers can’t take two years off from working in order to get a degree, so their program has to be accommodating to their schedule. That’s exactly what all of the special education degrees on this ranking do.
Methodology
The research conducted to complete these special education degrees was done by utilizing the National Center for Education Statistics and the College Navigator Database, both of which are free and available for public use. The initial pool of 150 schools was identified by doing a quick search for A affordable online master’s degree in special education.
From there, schools were compared to each other based on several factors such as tuition rates and special education degrees plan timelines. The final 15 schools, which are listed below, were chosen based on their in-state graduate tuition rates.
15. The University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Online MEd in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6
Tuition: $14,586
The University of West Alabama is the home of a one year Master’s in Special Education online degree that holds full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and prepares graduate students to sit for the advanced teaching licensure exam in the state of Alabama. It is also possible for professionals who hold a master’s degree to just earn the graduate certificate in this field.
These special education degrees is offered online through the school’s learning management system and utilizes asynchronous and synchronous courses that run for eight weeks at a time. A student who takes two courses every term will be able to graduate from this program within one year.
Graduate students will be expected to complete 34 credit hours of coursework, a technology portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Characteristics and Strategies for Special Needs Students, Counseling Multicultural Populations, and Teaching the Severely and Profoundly Disabled.
14. Greenville University
Greenville, Illinois
MA in Special Education Online
Tuition: $14,447
Online Students at Greenville University will be provided with the chance to complete an accelerated online master’s degree in special education that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Online Students who graduate with these special education degrees and take the clinical practicum will be eligible to sit for the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement as administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.
These special education degrees are offered 100 percent online and students will complete their courses within the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously. With courses being offered in eight-week sessions, online students can opt to take just two courses every term and complete their degree in less than 18 months.
This is a comprehensive program that requires students searching for advanced licensure to take on a clinical practicum; this is an optional course within the program so that professionals not in need of an Illinois license do not have to set time aside for the clinical. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Characteristics of Students with Disabilities, Diagnostic Assessment for Special Education, and Special Education Methods and Materials.
13. Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Online Master of Education in Special Education
Tuition: $14,127
Stephen F. Austin State University is home to an exceptional affordable online Master’s degree in Special Education that can be completed in just two years. This degree was built specifically for Texas educators; out-of-state students may be considered for the program but will not be eligible for certification.
The certification available from this degree is the Educational Diagnostician certification. This is a wholly online course of study and students will complete all of their course requirements through the school’s virtual portal.
This program does require practicums which take place in a student’s community under the supervision of a preceptor. This degree also requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, a portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Intelligence Testing, The Educational Diagnostician, and Early Childhood Special Education.
12. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
MS in Education in Special Education Online
Tuition: $13,883
Students at Purdue University can spend 20 months at the school and earn an affordable accelerated online master’s in special education. This program has four tracks: Master’s Only, Master’s with Initial Special Education Licensure, Master’s with Additional Special Educational Licensure, and Master’s with Additional Special Education Licensure — Intense Intervention Only.
This program offers licensure opportunities only to Indiana teachers and educators. Students will take their asynchronous and synchronous courses with online education through the school’s learning management system; courses are held in 11-week blocks.
Students will find that the degree requirements change for each track, but the most common requirements include a minimum of 31 credit hours, a practicum for licensure tracks, student teaching for initial licensure, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Online Learning, Advanced Assistive Technology, and Collaboration and Transition.
11. Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
MS in Special Education Online
Tuition: $13,309
Minot State University confers an interesting two-year accelerated online Master’s in Special Education degree that is aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children and its professional standards. This program leads to advanced special education teaching licensure in the state of North Dakota.
This degree has four program emphasis areas: Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Specific Learning Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, and Special Education Strategist. This is a 100 percent online program with no campus residency requirements.
All courses for this degree plan are conferred online as either asynchronous or synchronous sessions that last for 16 weeks. This program requires a practicum and a clinical practice in their community under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Psychoeducational Aspects of Exceptional Children, Law and Policy in Special Education, and Research Design and Methodology.
10. Minnesota State University at Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Online Master of Science in Special Education
Tuition: $13,090
Professionals enrolled at Minnesota State University at Moorhead are in for a great two-year accelerated online master’s in special education. This program offers five different licensure options for educators who meet the Selection and Retention into Teacher Education requirements.
These include Developmental Disabilities, Emotional Behavior Disorders, Early Childhood Special Education, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Physical and Health Disabilities. The licensure options are accompanied by emphasis areas that are offered inside this 100 percent online, no-residency program. This degree requires students to complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are held asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week sessions.
Each licensure option requires either directed elective options or two practicums. Other requirements for this degree include a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, the Intervention Research Project, an oral defense of the project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Research and Applications in Behavior Analysis, Advanced Assessment in Special Education: Birth Through Age 21, and Perspectives and Policies in Special Education.
9. The University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education — Learning and Behavior Disorders
Tuition: $12,285
The University of the Cumberlands offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that provides students with a graduate degree that can be completed in two years. This degree has a specialization in Learning and Behavior Disorders. Graduating with this degree will lead to licensure in the state of Kentucky.
Students will engage in their coursework through the use of the school’s learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and last for 16 weeks each. Students who take on three courses every term and complete a summer term will graduate within two years.
It is important to note that this degree requires three practicums; these will take place in a student’s community under the supervision of a preceptor. Students will also complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework, the practicums, a professional experience, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Collaborative Curriculum and Transition Planning, Diversity in a Multicultural Society, and Classroom Behavior Management for Special Student Populations.
8. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Specialization in Teacher Leader
Tuition: $11,970
The accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that can be earned from Campbellsville University is a course of study that can be completed in two years through online study. The degree does not provide a pathway to licensure in this state.
This program was built specifically to meet the needs of working educators. All courses for this program can be found online through the school’s virtual portal and are 16 weeks long. Sessions are asynchronous to accommodate working adults. Students will split their time between academic research and real-world case studies.
This degree requires an Action Research Practicum, a culminating experience that blends both the research skills students have learned with the academic concepts and theories they have been taught. Other requirements for graduation include 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Effective Management Skills for Today’s Educators, Supervision of Instruction, and Empowerment for Teacher Leadership.
7. The University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Online Master of Education in Special Education, Concentration in Autism Intervention
Tuition: $11,812
The University of North Texas provides students with a one-year online Master’s in a Special Education program with a concentration in Autism Intervention. This degree holds accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
It is possible for an educator to earn licensure through this program; students are encouraged to speak with a graduate admissions advisor about licensure requirements. All coursework for this degree can be completed through the school’s learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously and synchronously.
This degree can be completed in one year when students take four courses during the summer and two courses during the fall and spring terms. Students will be required to complete 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, a teacher portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Autism Across the Life Span, Special Education Program and Practices, and Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
6. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Education for Special Education, Concentration in Instructional Specialist K-12
Tuition: $11,025
Students at Arkansas State University are offered the chance to complete a 16-month accelerated online Master’s in Special Education. This degree adheres to the professional recommendations made by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
This degree is offered 100 percent online and will lead to special education licensure in the state of Arkansas. Students will complete their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered in seven-week sessions and are delivered in either the asynchronous or synchronous delivery format.
Students will be expected to take on a field experience within their community under the supervision of a preceptor. Other requirements for this degree will include a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, the Special Education Lab Experiences, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Educational Procedures for Individuals with Moderate to Profound Disabilities, Collaboration for Special Education Service Delivery, and Educational Diagnosis and Assessment in Special Education.
5. The University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Online Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Special Education
Tuition: $10,548
The University of Nebraska at Kearney delivers an accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that can be completed in two years. This program is currently only open to students who have an initial teacher’s license and a bachelor’s degree in the field.
This degree can offer advanced licensure for students seeking teaching certification for K-6 or 7-12 Special Education; students are encouraged to speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about how to become eligible for licensure in the state of Nebraska. This is a 100 percent online program of study that has no campus residency requirements. Students will attend their asynchronous or synchronous courses through the school’s learning management system; courses run in sessions that last 16 weeks.
This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a capstone project, a teacher portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Augmentative Alternative Communication, Teaching Social Skills to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Transitional Issues for Individuals with Disabilities.
4. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online Master of Science in High Incidence Special Education
Tuition: $10,106
The accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that is offered at Fort Hays State University was designed for professionals who need a flexible program that can be completed in 18 months. This degree leads to an additional endorsement for Special Education for professionals who already hold an initial teaching license.
This degree is offered only online and there are no residency requirements. Students instead will complete their degree requirements online through the school’s virtual portal, where courses are held asynchronously or synchronously in sessions that last 16 weeks.
This degree was built to be taken in sequential order to ensure a greater depth of understanding of all of the concepts and theories. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive teacher portfolio review. Sample courses include Legal and Professional Issues in Special Education, Methods and Materials for Exceptional Students, and Characteristics of Early Childhood Special Education.
3. Lamar University
Lamar, Texas
Online Master of Education in Special Education
Tuition: $9,900
Lamar University is home to an 18-month accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that will prepare educators to become leaders in special education. This degree is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements.
This particular degree focuses on research and assessment as part of the educational requirements set forth by the Council on Exceptional Children. This degree may lead to additional licensure; it is up to the student to check with the admissions office to learn more about the requirements for licensure.
Additionally, this degree is offered exclusively through the school’s online learning management system and consists of asynchronous and synchronous courses that are delivered in sessions that last 5 weeks. It requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a teacher portfolio review, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Instructional Process with Exceptional Children, Psychoeducational Evaluation of Exceptional Learners, and Modification of Curriculum and Instructions for the Atypical Learner.
2. The University of Texas at Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Online Master of Arts in Special Education
Tuition: $9,722
The 12-month online Master’s in Special Education degree from the University of Texas at the Permian Basin is one of the quickest degrees in this field that is accredited by both the Council on Exceptional Children and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students may choose to specialize in the Autism Track, which is also available online. This school’s curriculum is 100 percent online and has no residency requirements.
Students will engage in their coursework through the school’s learning management system, where courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in an eight-week format. Students will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a teacher portfolio, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences, and Methods for Teaching Exceptional Learners.
1. Morningside College
Sioux City, Iowa
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Concentration in Special Education
Tuition: $9,540
Morningside College confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Special Education that is currently nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. This is a 100 percent online course of study that has no residency requirements and can be completed in just two years. This program also offers endorsements in a variety of areas, including Behavior Disorders/Learning Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities; these are only open to Iowa educators with an initial teaching licensure.
This degree is conferred through the school’s online learning management system and includes asynchronous and synchronous courses that are taught in 16-week sessions. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Student Diversity and Educational Practice, Learning in Educational Settings, and Educational Research.
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in Special Education Degree?
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Special Education Teacher
- Educational Diagnostician
- Resource Teacher
- Certified Behavior Analyst
- Special Education Tester
- Intervention Specialist
- Special Education Director
- Adjunct Professor
- Learning Behavior Analyst
- Special Education Coordinator
- Special Education Course Developer
- Adaptive Special Education Teacher
- Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
- Special Education Advocate
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
Special education professionals can expect a median salary of $62,000. The salary range is from $42,000 to $102,000. This range includes a variety of positions that require separate certifications, licenses, and endorsements that are beyond the scope of graduate education. Students may also need to earn a second master’s in a specialty in order to find work at the higher end of the spectrum.
In general, professionals in this field will earn about $62,000 when in the educational and school setting. They will also work on the school term schedule, meaning they will have the summers off and breaks during the school year; they may also be eligible for healthcare and other benefits. This cannot be said for private sector jobs and students should consider the balance between their salary and the benefits they can enjoy from various positions.
What are the Various Disciplines of Special Education?
Special education is the educational sub-discipline that focuses on the development of special education students; it may also include advocacy for those students in a variety of different settings. It is a specialized field that requires professionals that understand the relationship between education, development, developmental disabilities, medicine, healthcare, psychology, and sociology.
Special education does not just take place in elementary schools, however. Professionals in this field will find specializations in terms of curriculum and instruction, behavior analysis, special education policy, education legislation, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. Because special education is an issue in the educational field, it is important for professionals in this field to understand the politics, both in the community and around the nation, of this issue.
Professionals who work in special education are compassionate educators, advocates, lawyers, doctors, instructors, and professors who understand that learning should not be limited to those who do not have developmental disabilities. While a bachelor’s degree in the field is a great step forward into special education, it is never the last step. Students interested in this industry should seriously consider earning an accelerated online Master’s in Special Education so that they can become the leaders they know are needed.
Related:
TOP 25 MOST AFFORDABLE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ONLINE PROGRAMS
30 PROS AND CONS FOR GETTING A FAST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE
ARE ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS EASIER TO GET INTO?
5 TYPES OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZED BY THE IRS
89 RACIAL EQUITY RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITIES
