Online and Distance Learning

This page provides information about special education programs online and on campus, and how they can prepare you for a most rewarding career working with students who are learning disabled, developmentally challenged, or gifted and talented.  It provides more detail about the programs and where you can take them.

Why take special education programs online?

Special education teachers work with students who have special needs such as: learning difficulties, speech and language impairments and other communication difficulties, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disorders. But as well as working with students who are learning disabled or developmentally challenged, they might also assist students who are gifted and talented, to help them acquire education and life skills.  In order to do this, they need to create a learning environment to meet the unique needs of each student. 

Special education programs online provide an excellent means to obtain the requisite knowledge and skills, and to qualify for this rewarding career.  Many students who take this specialization are already licensed teachers and are seeking a license in special education teaching.  The fact that these programs are readily available online makes them accessible without leaving 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 programs online

Online special education programs are offered at the associate degree, bachelor degree (B.Ed or BS), masters (MEd, MS or MA), specialist (EdS), and doctoral level (PhD or Ed.D). 

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
  • PhD - Special Education Leadership

• Walden University
  • MS in Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
  • PhD in Education - Special Education
  • 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
  • BS in Elementary / Special Education (Dual Major)
  • 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

What do special education programs online contain?

An online special education program provides the educational foundations, curriculum development, teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies that the special education teacher requires to help students with special needs to learn. 

Thus, special education degree 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.  Doctoral level programs in particular, present an opportunity for in-depth study of a topic of interest.

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 do special education programs 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, 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

Click here to search for schools and programs

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

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

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 a special education program.