We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Special Education degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
The Bachelor of Science in Special Education in Mild to Moderate Disabilities program qualifies teacher candidates to support students with high-incidence disabilities in various settings. Through rigorous instruction in evidence-based, high-impact strategies and diverse field placement experiences, the program aims to enhance the learning styles of students. Faculty and teacher candidates work together to create coaching and mentorship opportunities to develop each teacher candidates' teaching skills and abilities. Courses are designed to match learner's needs with research-based practice and practical field-based application each semester. The program includes three semesters of field-based practicum experiences before a student teaching semester with intensive coaching. Teachers with this degree emphasize supporting students with Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional-Behavioral Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Attention Deficit Disorders. Instructional delivery may occur across the continuum of services: inclusionary setting, co-teaching environments, self-contained classrooms, etc.
["Providing high-impact instruction for students with diverse needs", "Conducting educational assessments", "Developing educational plans", "Creating behavior intervention plans", "Consulting with general education teachers", "Coordinating educational meetings", "Managing educational records"]
The University of West Florida’s fully online exceptional student and elementary education bachelor’s degree program is a fully accredited program that prepares teachers to set high learning expectations for their students and address individual learning needs. This program is designed for future teachers who want to fulfill a critical shortage by making a difference in the lives of all students, including those with exceptionalities. Students will take courses taught by experienced, full-time faculty. Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible for a Professional Florida Educator’s Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (K–12) as well as Elementary Education (K–6) with endorsements in both Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages. The program includes two 100-hour field experiences in K–12 classrooms under the supervision of an experienced teacher prior to their student teaching capstone experience. During the semester-long student teaching experience, students gradually assume full teaching responsibilities in a general or special education classroom with the guidance and support of an experienced teacher.
null
The online bachelor’s degree program in Special Education at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is designed for paraprofessionals seeking special education teacher licensure or individuals considering a career change into special education. The program offers a pathway to finish a bachelor’s degree and pursue initial teacher licensure. It requires 30 prior credits to start, regardless of the field, and emphasizes Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA) for hands-on classroom experience. Students focus on lesson planning, behavior management, and individualized instruction in real classroom settings. Simulated assessments enhance training for those new to education. The program also offers a credit transfer policy to maximize previously earned credits.
["Lesson planning", "Behavior management", "Individualized instruction"]
Pacific Oaks’ online B.A. Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education bachelor’s degree program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and teaching methodology needed to create and implement optimal learning environments for children. Principles taught include strategies for facilitating and nurturing each child’s cognitive development, using diversity and inclusion to tailor learning experiences to the cultural needs of all children. The program requires three units of fieldwork including observation in an early childhood setting, and 600 hours of supervised practicum experience. Graduates are qualified to teach both general education students in a variety of subjects as well as students with mild or moderate disabilities in grades K-12. The program also provides coursework, fieldwork, and practicum experience required for various child development permits in the State of California and prepares graduates to teach in a variety of preschool settings.
null
The Special Education, Educational Foundations, and Policy Major focuses on exposing students to educational and foundational policies for individuals with special needs. Students will learn about the specific cognitive, language, and social/emotional developmental needs for individuals with disabilities from ages 5-22. Students will also learn about general and early educational practices and curricula. Students will select cognates within the major that will provide strategic planning for advanced degrees in areas that serve individuals with special education, policy advocacy, law, business, health services, mental health and public administration. This degree provides the foundational training that will lead you to a career for working with individuals with disabilities. In addition, topics will cover individual educational plans, needs of individuals in consideration of environmental restrictions, personal safety, behavior, inclusion and collaboration with parents and other education personnel, planning for culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and making future goals.
null
Gain specialized pedagogical knowledge and earn your teaching license with our 100% online Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education K-12 program. The practices you learn in this CAEP-accredited special education program will aid you in accommodating the needs of a range of students with different learning needs. This affordable and convenient online program imparts effective strategies for supporting the families of special education students, as well as evidence-based practices for delivering culturally appropriate learning opportunities for exceptional learners. Developed for working adults, this flexible program allows you to transfer up to 90 credit hours, so you can speed up your time to completion. In addition to providing a fuller understanding of the characteristics and needs of special learners, this program will help you develop methods for collaboration between families and schools. The B.S. in Education – Special Education K-12 at A-State is distinguished from other regional special education programs by its affordable tuition rate and the opportunity to earn your degree online.
["Understanding the needs and characteristics of exceptional learners", "Developing effective learning experiences for a range of exceptional learners", "Utilizing strategies for collaboration between families and schools in developing and delivering culturally appropriate learning opportunities for students with special needs", "Applying evidence-based practices in special education"]
The special education degree programs at WGU will ensure you're ready to impact students, classrooms, and your community. You'll be prepared to teach students with a range of disabilities (from mild to moderate) and learning needs. You'll do your coursework online but have student teaching opportunities that give you classroom experience. When you earn your teaching degree online from WGU, you become a credentialed expert, ready to help students. WGU’s special education programs provide you with the content knowledge and teaching skills necessary to become a special education instructor for students in grades K-12. The curriculum is designed to be both timely and practical, helping you excel in your teaching career. This program includes courses that introduce key concepts early and build upon them as you progress, supporting your growth as an educator. You’ll delve into critical topics like the Science of Learning, the Science of Reading, and the latest in education technology. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to practice your skills in low-risk environments through virtual simulations and video-based self-reflections before advancing to in-person classroom experiences.The curriculum integrates research-based concepts from the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading. From the beginning, you’ll experience clinical practice opportunities that start with embedded virtual simulations and progress into in-person classroom experiences. These hands-on experiences, coupled with advanced coursework, ensure that you are well-prepared to make a difference in today’s diverse classrooms. You’ll complete your coursework online, with practical, in-classroom experiences, including early clinical, advanced clinical, and a student teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to meet teacher certification requirements in your state, enabling you to teach special education.
["Lesson Planning", "Ethics", "Behavioral Support Strategies", "Educational Psychology & Development", "Classroom Management"]
The Bachelor of Science in special education program prepares students for Virginia teacher licensure with endorsement in either general or adapted curriculum. The general curriculum option prepares you to teach children with mild disabilities (K-12), while the adapted curriculum option prepares you to teach children with moderate to severe or multiple disabilities (K-12). The program includes extensive fieldwork and a teacher candidate internship, providing opportunities to apply knowledge of teaching under supervision in the school setting. The program requires 120 total credit hours and at least 30 credit hours must be completed with ODU. The online program includes a student teaching internship, which requires a clearance background check.
null
The online BS in Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist degree program from Southwest Minnesota State University delivers the skills you need to manage K–12 special education classrooms and attain the credentials you need to pursue licensure in Minnesota. Designed to include relevant online coursework and fieldwork, the program delivers the knowledge needed to pursue special education academic and behavioral strategist licensure in Minnesota. With a curriculum encompassing 25 courses and 69–70 major credit hours, students gain a comprehensive understanding of curriculum design, positive behavior support, and autism spectrum disorders. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with financial services, military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships. Earning this degree allows you to join a supportive community of diverse students and expert industry leaders and gain expert skills and academic credentials for pursuing Minnesota licensure by graduation.
["Confidently pursue special education academic and behavioral strategist licensure in Minnesota", "Effectively teach K\u201312 special education for MN students with mild to moderate disabilities", "Apply strong management skills inside the special education classroom"]
The online bachelor’s degree in collaborative teacher/special education provides you with certification in Collaborative Teacher/Special Education to teach grades K-6 and/or K-6/K-12, giving you added versatility in your teaching career. When you successfully complete the program, you will be certified by the Alabama State Department of Education to teach in an elementary, middle or high school in Alabama, or in any state with which Alabama has a reciprocity agreement. Note that you cannot teach high school core subjects unless you have a major in the core area. Most of your degree can be completed online. Your internship and field experience courses must be completed in an Alabama-approved school. Build your knowledge and skills in a flexible online environment from one of Alabama’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
null
Drexel University's online bachelor’s degree in special education prepares you to support diverse learners to develop social, emotional, academic, and life skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Through a mix of online courses and in-person practicum experiences, you will learn the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities in Pre-K to 12th grade. As a student in Drexel’s online BS in Special Education, you will learn the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) core competencies to become a special education teacher and will be prepared to apply for Pennsylvania’s special education certification. Through Interstate Reciprocity Agreements, you can become certified to teach in 48 states or U.S. territories.
null
Liberty University's online Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education degree is designed to prepare students to help special needs students learn and grow, with the goal of earning a teacher’s license after graduation. The program offers hands-on training in the student's own community while studying learning disabilities, essential education theory, and adaptation techniques. Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The B.Ed. in Special Education program is one of the online programs preparing students for teaching licensure in the country and was the first one approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). By earning this degree, students complete the content competencies, student teaching, and practicum requirements for special education licensure in the state of Virginia. The curriculum focuses on the practical application of essential learning theories and explores philosophical, legal, and sociological principles of special education, equipping students to work effectively with children who have special needs. The program includes a practicum and internship in a local school to gain hands-on classroom experience.
["Current, research-based education theories and best practices for working with children who have special needs", "Philosophical, legal, and sociological principles of special education", "Classroom management techniques", "Application of learning theories to real-world situations"]
The Online Bachelor’s in Special Education (SpecEd4U) is designed for professionals currently working with students as para-educators, special education assistants, and/or supporting individuals with disabilities. The program prepares students to plan and administer special education curricula while facilitating a safe and effective classroom. The curriculum is fully online and offered in 8-week and 3-week course sequences, allowing students to work in their current school district and partner with UW-Whitewater for on-the-job field experiences and student teaching. This program provides an avenue for districts to support their educational assistants in seeking special education licensure. Students will have an opportunity to practice and implement the knowledge and skills obtained from their classes to positively impact the children and support their cooperating teachers.
null
The University of Georgia's Mary Frances Early College of Education offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education program designed for Georgia residents seeking their teaching certification in Special Education General Curriculum (P-12). This two-year program prepares students to teach in special education settings, meeting the needs of students with high-incidence disabilities such as learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. A new cohort of students is admitted once per academic year for a fall semester matriculation. The program also has an optional Double Dawgs Pathway, allowing eligible students to earn an accelerated Master’s in Special Education General Curriculum online. UGA’s online Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education program is ranked #13 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s programs.
null
Drexel’s flexible online BS in Special Education program combines comprehensive coursework with meaningful field experiences to prepare students to teach children with disabilities in Pre-K – 12th grade class settings. Students in the BS in Special Education degree program attend classes in an online, part-time environment. Students will learn the core competencies for teaching special education as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Upon successful completion of the coursework, students may apply to PDE for special education teaching certification. Students who wish to teach in a different state may transfer their Pennsylvania to other states through Interstate Reciprocity Agreements.
null
This dual degree in elementary and special education at Dakota State University prepares you to be both an elementary classroom teacher and a special education teacher. The program equips you with the confidence, tools, and skills necessary to educate students of every ability, helping all learners in your care within a regular education classroom or special education setting. Special needs educators develop detailed plans, track student progress, understand how disabilities affect students, and employ strategies to manage behavior and gain social skills. The coursework is offered 100% online or on-campus, providing flexibility for both traditional students and working professionals. DSU's Director of Field Services will arrange your in-school student teaching requirements.
["Develop individualized education plans", "Track student progress", "Understand the impact of disabilities on cognitive, social, and emotional function", "Employ strategies to manage student behavior", "Integrate technology into the classroom"]
UW-Stout’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education program prepares future teachers for a cross-categorical license to teach elementary, middle, and high school students with disabilities in the areas of learning, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. This Special Education online, degree completion program is designed for working adults. As a special educator, your mission is to both advocate for your students and their families while providing an appropriate level education for each student’s ability. To succeed, you’ll need to know how to assess the characteristics of the learners you serve, design effective teaching strategies, and develop the right attitude to practice within established standards. You’ll work with general education teachers to develop lesson plans, materials, tests and access student learning and adapt curriculum to be appropriate for each student, teaching specific learning strategies and study skills. The special education teacher responsibilities also include assessment, developing individual education and transition plans and working with families and other support services.
["Assess the characteristics of learners with disabilities", "Design effective teaching strategies for special education", "Develop individual education and transition plans", "Adapt curriculum for students with disabilities", "Collaborate with general education teachers"]
The Special Education (BA) program at Mary Baldwin University prepares educators to work with exceptional students in a person-centered approach. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to support students who require specialized instruction and services. The program focuses on meeting each student where they are and supporting them on their educational journey. With flexible online coursework, practicum, and in-person classroom teaching, students gain both the pedagogical foundation and hands-on experience needed to create inclusive classrooms. Graduates will be prepared to complete the required assessments for licensure in Virginia. The program emphasizes the importance of collaboration, leadership, and integrating theory and practice to effectively educate exceptional students.
["Identify the needs of exceptional students", "Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)", "Classroom and behavior management", "Culturally Responsive Teaching", "IEP Development & Implementation"]
This online bachelor's program in Exceptional Student Education, with a focus on Learning and Language, prepares students to support individuals with disabilities in various settings outside of traditional schools. It addresses the growing demand for qualified professionals in special education by providing students with the knowledge and skills to work with nonprofits and non-traditional education agencies that serve students with disabilities. The curriculum covers language development, communication disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), child and adolescent development, and ethical and legal concerns. The program includes a practicum where students gain real-world experience by working with a student in their community, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge. Graduates may also align specialization courses to meet state requirements and apply for teacher certification.
["Work with students with speech and language development disorders in developing strong communication skills.", "Build a stronger, more interactive classroom where students of all abilities thrive.", "Manage behavior and expectations within a classroom environment."]
Mayville State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree program prepares teacher candidates for entry to special education professional practice with the knowledge and skills to practice safely, ethically, and effectively with a multicategorical population of students with special needs. Special education candidates must master appropriate core academic subject matter as well as be prepared for the complex challenges of teaching individuals with exceptional learning needs. The program seeks to prepare students to apply specialized pedagogical knowledge subject matter content, master appropriate core academic subject matter content, demonstrate instructional strategies and assessments that are developmentally appropriate for diverse learners, observe, document, and analyze characteristics, behaviors, and learning environments of populations with special needs, demonstrate professional dispositions and ethical practice through collaborative interactions, and apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication, multi-media, and using current technology skills in specialized settings. The program is available completely online and classes are scheduled for summer, fall, or spring terms. This unique online program allows licensed teachers to pursue Special Education licensure at the bachelor’s degree level. This program supports a traditional 4-year degree, transfer students, and the possibility of receiving a bachelor’s degree in as little as 2.5 years using the Fast-track option, which incorporates 8-week and 16-week courses.
["Apply specialized pedagogical knowledge subject matter content.", "Master appropriate core academic subject matter content.", "Demonstrate instructional strategies and assessments that are developmentally appropriate for diverse learners.", "Observe, document, and analyze characteristics, behaviors, and learning environments of populations with special needs.", "Demonstrate professional dispositions and ethical practice through collaborative interactions.", "Apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication, multi-media, and using current technology skills in specialized settings."]
The University of Wyoming's elementary and special education program provides the skills and expertise required to meet the needs of all students in your future classroom. This program prepares you to become a licensed elementary teacher (K-6) and gain an additional endorsement to teach special education from K-12. This dual certification makes graduates highly desirable candidates for school administrators. The program exposes students to evidence-based teaching methods, classroom practices, and positive behavioral supports. Additionally, students gain an understanding of legal requirements under special education law and best practices in providing services to students with disabilities. The program is offered on the Laramie campus, at UW at Casper, and online.
["Evidence-based teaching methods", "Classroom management practices", "Positive behavioral supports", "Understanding of special education law", "Best practices in providing services to students with disabilities"]
The Online Special Education program at the University of Southern Maine prepares students for special education roles in K-8 or 7-12 public and private settings. It is designed for first-year college students, those with associate degrees or prior college coursework, and paraprofessionals such as education technicians. The coursework aligns with research-based best practices, including foundations in systematic and explicit instruction, and High Leverage Practices through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Students gain practical experience through early and frequent K-12 practice, starting in their first year, and completing a year-long internship. Current educators can complete fieldwork through employment serving students with disabilities as Registered Apprentices in their school district. Graduates are qualified for initial certification through the Maine DOE for K-8 or 7-12 special education.
["Develop the skillset to support students with disabilities across all school settings.", "Knowledge of research-based best practices, including foundations in systematic and explicit instruction", "Understanding of High Leverage Practices through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)."]
UW-Stout's 100% online Bachelor of Science in Special Education program prepares future teachers for a cross-categorical license to teach elementary, middle, and high school students with disabilities in the areas of learning, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. This online, degree completion program is designed for working adults. The curriculum emphasizes assessment, development of individual education and transition plans, and working with families and other support services. Students will learn to develop lesson plans, adapt curriculum, and teach specific learning strategies. The program ensures maximum employability in school districts by providing cross-categorical versatility combined with qualification to teach ages 5 through 21. Graduates will be ready to provide instruction, assessment, and curriculum development for children with disabilities and their families.
["Assessment of student characteristics", "Design of effective teaching strategies", "Development of individual education and transition plans", "Curriculum adaptation", "Behavioral intervention in schools", "Classroom management", "Vocational evaluation", "School, family and community collaboration"]
Millersville University’s PK-12 Special Education online degree completion program is designed for individuals with at least 30 transferable college credits. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to support students with varying strengths and a range of needs, from limited to significant, in grades PreK to 12. All MU education programs begin with a Foundations Block which explores the structure and function of contemporary public schools and recent and historical themes in the psychology of teaching and learning. Special Education courses focus on pedagogy for students with disabilities from early intervention to transition from high school. The capstone experience involves student teaching at the elementary and secondary levels, which helps direct career aspirations after graduation. Graduates receive their Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) and are eligible for Pennsylvania teaching certification in Special Education, Grades PK-12. Note: Students outside of PA should check with their state’s Department of Education on licensure requirements before entering this program and students are required to be working at least 8 hours a week in a School District or Intermediate Unit in order to use their workplace as their field placement.
["Knowledge and skills to support students with varying strengths and a range of needs.", "Pedagogy for students with disabilities from early intervention to transition from high school."]
Eastern University's undergraduate BS in Special Education prepares excellent teachers and educational practitioners who can serve in a variety of school settings. Students are trained to communicate effectively, think critically, embrace cultural and linguistic diversity, utilize technology appropriately, practice inclusive interventions, learn independently and collaboratively, and serve competently in their field. This program is designed for students who are interested in obtaining the Certification in Special Education (PK-12).
["Communicate effectively", "Think critically", "Embrace cultural and linguistic diversity", "Utilize technology appropriately", "Practice inclusive interventions", "Learn independently and collaboratively"]
The online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree at Wilson College will equip you with trauma-informed classroom strategies and growth-mindset pedagogies, enabling you to create more inclusive classrooms that empower students to overcome any obstacles. The program is almost entirely online, with asynchronous courses offering flexible completion. Students gain real classroom experience through student-teaching assignments in Pennsylvania schools. Upon graduation, you'll become a knowledgeable special education educator prepared to provide essential support to students, enabling them to thrive. The program covers key topics like child cognitive development, educational psychology, early intervention, foundations of autism, and parental collaboration. Completing the degree provides the certification needed to become a licensed special education teacher in Pennsylvania, with required in-person student-teaching practicums.
["Child cognitive development", "Educational psychology", "Early intervention for children with disabilities", "Foundations of autism", "Parental collaboration and communication", "Classroom management"]
Campbellsville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education – Learning Behavior Disorders (P–12) provides the skills, knowledge, and initial certification you need to teach primary through 12th-grade students with learning and behavior disorders in Kentucky. The curriculum combines general education content with a comprehensive study of special education theory and methods. Students learn to design lesson plans for diverse learners, create classroom experiences for various abilities, and work with elementary students with various learning disabilities and behaviors. The program includes 16 weeks of student teaching, with personalized placement assistance. Graduates are prepared for Praxis® exams and have the initial licensure required to teach special education from primary through 12th grade. A dual certification option in elementary education is available.
["Design lesson plans for diverse learners", "Create classroom experiences for various abilities", "Work with elementary students with various learning disabilities and behaviors"]
This teacher preparation program combines college coursework related to the content of Exceptional Student Education, the pedagogy of teaching and practical, school-based experiences to prepare you for professional certification to teach in an Exceptional Student Education classroom, grades K-12. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education (grades K-12) and will be endorsed in both Reading and ESOL. Students also take most of their classes with elementary education majors and are prepared to teach general curriculum.
null
This online licensure program combines a passion for literacy and inclusive education, preparing students to support K-12 learners with diverse needs. It develops their reading, writing, and communication skills through evidence-based strategies and individualized approaches. Individuals who complete this educator preparation program will be eligible for the New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in General Special Education (K-12). The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing and qualifies individuals to provide special education services to children in public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The program includes mentorship from skilled professionals, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to build teaching capacity over time.
null
The University of Maine at Farmington's Special Education program prepares students to teach individuals with disabilities at elementary and secondary levels. This online Bachelor of Science program offers hands-on experience in local schools, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to support the success of students with disabilities in inclusive school and community settings. Students will learn to teach literacy and math, support students in content areas, conduct assessments, design individualized instruction, implement behavioral interventions, collaborate with diverse educational professionals and parents, and more. The program emphasizes real-world learning, providing numerous opportunities to apply theories and techniques in practice. Graduates will be eligible for Special Education teacher certification in Maine, making them highly sought after across the country. The program includes a First Year Experience, Practicum, Student Teaching (a 16-week immersive experience), and a Portfolio Presentation.
["Teaching literacy and math", "Supporting students in content areas", "Conducting assessments", "Designing individualized instruction", "Implementing behavioral interventions", "Collaborating with diverse educational professionals and parents"]
Find answers to common questions about Online Special Education degrees, career paths, and more.
Explore FAQsDiscover helpful tools, guides, and materials to enhance your Online Special Education education.
View ResourcesExplore potential career paths, job outlooks, and opportunities in Online Special Education.
Explore CareersFind the best Online Special Education degree programs and training options in your state