Online and Distance Learning

Many students are now looking to enrol in a special education masters online program?  What does it involve? This page is about how it can prepare you for a satisfying career, where to find suitable schools to take this program, and about the prospects after completion.

The role of a special education teacher is to create a learning environment to meet the unique needs of students who are learning disabled, developmentally challenged or gifted and talented.  A special education masters online is a popular way students to obtain the requisite knowledge and skills to qualify for positions as special education teacher. 

Why take a special education masters online?  Many students who take a masters in special education are already licensed teachers and are seeking a license in this specialization.  Because these programs are available online means that teachers can study without leaving their employment. 

If you prefer to study on-campus, check the information using the navigation links for On Campus Programs and On Campus Universities.

Selected schools with special education masters programs online

The following list shows selected masters special education online programs.  Request information from several schools and consider the admission requirements list of each to make sure you meet them.  Consider applying for several schools, each with different entry requirements, some with higher and some with lower levels of school grades.  In this way you will increase your chances of being accepted by one of them.

If you don't find the programs or schools you want in this list, please use the search form also provided here.

• University of Phoenix Online
  • Master of Arts in Education/Special Education

• Capella University
  • MS - Special Education Teaching

• Walden University
  • MS in Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
  • Teacher Preparation Program with an MA in Teaching - Special Education
    
    • Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
    • Learning Disabilities
  • Special Ed. Endorsement Programs w/opt. MS Ed degree
    • Emotional Behavioral Disorders (K-12)
    • Learning Disabilities (K-12)

• Ashford University
  • MA/Education - Special Education (non-licensure)

• Grand Canyon University
  • M.Ed. Special Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
  • M.Ed. Elementary Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
  • M.Ed. Special Ed for Certified Special Educators

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for programs or top education schools near you.

What does a special education masters online program contain?

The special needs that students might have include: learning difficulties, speech and language impairments and other communication difficulties, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disorders.  A masters special education online program provides the educational foundations, curriculum development, teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies that the special education teacher requires to help these students to learn. 

Thus, special education masters degree online programs would typically include: educational psychology; child development; adapting the curriculum; management of disruptive behavior; use of technology in the classroom; dealing disabilities; discipline; behavioral management; counseling.

Special education masters online programs are popular with graduates who already have a bachelor's degree in another field, or those who are already licensed teachers, and now wish to become special education teachers.  Graduate special education programs are also popular with special education teachers who wish to specialize in a particular aspect of special education. 

If you are seeking professional teacher status - some aspects cannot be completed online.  The college needs to ensure you gain as much practical experience as possible and that your classroom performance is assessed. This not only gives you the experience you need, it also enables you to be certain that you have chosen the right career.

What jobs does a special education masters online prepare you for?

The minimum qualification for a special education teaching job is a bachelor's degree in special education, but a masters is preferred.  In order to teach in a college of a university, you need to have a masters degree or more preferably a PhD.

As well as teaching in the government education sector, masters graduates also find employment in: training; teaching in the private sector; community services; and, in administration.  Online education programs also provide a base for further training in counseling and careers work.  Graduates also find work in development jobs and other non-profit organizations.

For more information

You can search here for online special education schools and programs

If you don't find what you want here, try using the search facility on this site with special education masters online as your search term.

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.