If you want to create a fulfilling and enriching classroom experience for special students, then pursuing an online Special Education degree would be a fantastic idea. Universities all over the U.S. are offering online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education.
Special Education degrees prepare program participants to develop tailored teaching methodologies and lesson plans to help disabled students learn basic life and literacy skills. To learn more about these programs, do give this article a read.
What Is Special Education?
Special Education refers to a range of social and educational services offered by educational institutions to individuals with exceptional needs, such as learning difficulties. Through tailored curriculum and specialized teaching methods, Special Education helps disabled students reach their maximum potential.
What Can You Do with an Online Special Education Degree?
After completing an online Special Education degree, you can find employment at Mental Health Facilities, Private Learning Centers, Private or State Schools, and Residential Therapeutic Camps. Read the section below to learn more about the possible career options and income prospects for Special Education graduates.
Special Education Teachers
These professionals work with students who are suffering from physical, emotional, mental, or learning disabilities. Most of these teachers work at public schools. Some of their job duties include examining students’ abilities, determining their educational needs, and adapting lesson plans to meet their learning needs.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $61,030 (Special Education Teachers) | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 3% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $67,060 (Special Education Teachers, Pre-school) | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level of Special Education Teachers – Preschool , 2019 | New York | 5,930 |
| State with the Highest Salary of Special Education Teachers – Preschool, 2019 | New York | $89,930 |
Instructional Coordinators
These professionals oversee the school’s teaching standards and curriculum. They are also involved in developing and implementing the instructional material. Instructional coordinators are mostly employed by professional schools, colleges, and elementary or secondary schools.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $66,290 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $69,180 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 20,910 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $96,640 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
These professionals help individuals suffering from emotional, developmental, mental, or physical disabilities live independently. They mostly work at youth guidance organizations, senior citizen centers, and community rehabilitation centers.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $35,950 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 10% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $40,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 15,210 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $65,540 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Online Special Education Degree?
According to U.S. News & World Report, an online Bachelor’s degree in Special Education typically takes 4 years to complete. Students have to complete around 128 credits in order to get an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education. The course content of the Bachelor’s program covers a number of topics such as Introduction to Special Education, Educational Psychology, Effective Classroom Management and Organization, Technology & Education, and Measurement and Assessment. Apart from completing the required classroom sessions, Bachelor’s students are also required to complete internships and field experience courses.
An online Master of Science (MS) in Education with an Emphasis on Special Education requires completion of around 36 credits. Students enrolled in the program get to study a range of modules such as Foundations and Current Issues in Special Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Cognitive Processes, and Design & Technologies for Differentiated Instruction.
How to Choose an Online Special Education Degree?
There are several factors that must be considered before taking admission in an online Special Education program. Some of these factors include the following:
- The program’s reputation
- The accreditation status
- The program’s curriculum
- Cost of the degree
- The Reputation of the teaching faculty
- The placement rates
Online Special Education Degree Admission Requirements
In order to get into an online Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Master of Science (MS) in Special Education, candidates have to submit a completed application form along with official transcripts, recommendation letters, an updated resume, and an application fee. Since the admission criteria for each university is different, you should get in touch with the relevant program managers to learn more about the admission requirements.