2020 Best Master's in Special Education Online Programs
The 24 schools on this list are the best value options for obtaining an online master's program in special education based on alumni salaries and low tuition rates. The George Washington University is ranked #1, offering an MA in Education and Human Development in Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners for $14,875 per year. Graduates of the school reported a median salary of $91,400. At #2, Purdue University has a median reported salary of $89,200 for alumni and an annual tuition rate of $11,200 for its MS in Education in Special Education.
Alumni salaries were provided by PayScale. View our methodology for more details or learn more about Guide to Online Schools.
2020 Online Colleges Offering Special Education Degrees - Ranking Details
Online Master's in Special Education Overview
As part of a master's degree curriculum, students will take classes in subjects such as adaptive instruction and assessment, instruction for special education students, social, legal, and ethical issues in special education, and applied behavior analysis. An internship or student teaching is also required, unless one is enrolled in a program that does not lead to licensure.
Upon completing a master's degree, graduates will be qualified to work as licensed special education teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. They might also find employment as a special education consultant or in supervisory roles within a school setting. Admission requirements for a master's degree program will vary based on the institution, but most require that applicants have earned a bachelor's degree. Although it is beneficial to have an undergraduate degree in a related field, admission to a graduate degree program is not dependent on this factor. Other admission requirements may include a resume, personal statement, GRE test scores, and letters of recommendation. Some of the more competitive programs may require applicants to go through an interview process as well.