A special education degree can open up a variety of career opportunities in the education sector. Accredited colleges and universities offer a range of special education degree programs, both online and on-campus, at a variety of levels.
This article will provide an overview of the special education degrees available, as well as top-ranked and best value programs.
Financial aid resources and career opportunities will also be discussed.
Overview of Special Education Degree Programs
Special education degree programs are offered at the certificate, associates, bachelors, and advanced levels, with top-ranked programs available both on-campus and online. There are 891 colleges and universities offering special education programs, with 94 of them offering a certificate, 67 offering an associates degree, 483 offering a bachelors degree, and 598 offering a masters or advanced degree.
In order to teach in public K-12 schools, a special education certification is typically required, but prospective teachers with a bachelors degree in another subject can pursue a masters degree or postgraduate certificate in special education. Special education degree specializations include applied behavior analysis (ABA), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), deaf and hard of hearing (DHH), dyslexia, and early childhood/PreK-12 special education.
Top-ranked special education degree programs include Vanderbilt University (#1; on campus), University of Kansas (#2; on campus or online), University of Oregon (#3; on campus), University of Virginia (#4; on campus or online), and University of Florida (#5; on campus or online).
Best value schools with on-campus special education programs include Arizona State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington, Vanderbilt University, and University of Georgia.
Special Education Degrees and Certification
What special education certification is needed to teach in public K-12 schools?
In order to teach in a public K-12 school, a special education certification or endorsement is required. This certification is usually obtained by pursuing a bachelors degree in special education, although many universities offer a masters or postgraduate certificate in special education.
Special education programs also offer specializations such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), and Dyslexia. There are many top-ranked special education degree programs available in both campus and online formats, such as Vanderbilt University, University of Kansas, University of Oregon, University of Virginia, and University of Florida.
Additionally, some of the best value schools with on-campus programs are Arizona State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington, Vanderbilt University, and University of Georgia.
Special Education Degree Specializations
Subsequently, special education degree programs offer specializations such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), and Dyslexia. ABA focuses on the science of learning and behavior, ASD is a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, communication, and behavior, DHH is designed to help students with hearing loss communicate, and Dyslexia is a reading disorder affecting written language. These specializations help students gain the knowledge and skills to teach children and adults with special needs.
Furthermore, they offer a range of courses such as special education theory, research, and practice, as well as assessments and interventions. With the completion of a special education degree, students will be prepared to enter the field and make a positive impact on the lives of those with special needs.
Top-Ranked Special Education Degree Programs
Notably, some of the highest-ranked special education degree programs include Vanderbilt University, University of Kansas, University of Oregon, University of Virginia, and University of Florida.
Vanderbilt University is the highest-ranked program, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education.
The University of Kansas is ranked second and offers both on-campus and online degrees in special education.
The University of Oregon is third and offers an on-campus program.
Fourth-ranked University of Virginia offers both on-campus and online programs.
Fifth-ranked University of Florida offers both on-campus and online programs as well.
All of these programs offer specialized learning in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Dyslexia, and Early Childhood/PreK-12 Special Education.
Best Value Schools With On-Campus Special Education Programs
Besides the top-ranked programs, there are also some best value schools which offer on-campus special education programs. These include Arizona State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington, Vanderbilt University, and University of Georgia.
At Arizona State University, students can pursue a Master of Education (MEd) in special education and dual certification in K-12 special education and elementary education.
The University of California-Berkeley offers a Joint PhD program in Special Education.
The University of Washington offers a Master of Education in secondary special education.
Vanderbilt University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education.
Finally, the University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (General Curriculum) which can be completed both on-campus and online.
All of these programs provide students with the opportunity to specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Dyslexia, and Early Childhood/PreK-12 Special Education.
Online Special Education Degree Programs
Moreover, many accredited schools offer special education degrees online for those who wish to pursue a career in the field. Degrees range from certificates to doctoral programs, and many schools even offer dual certification programs.
For instance, Arizona State University offers a Master of Education (MEd) in special education and dual certification in K-12 special education and elementary education. The University of California-Berkeley offers a Joint PhD program in Special Education. The University of Washington offers a Master of Education in secondary special education. Vanderbilt University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education, and the University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (General Curriculum) that can be completed on-campus or online.
Online special education degree programs offer students the flexibility to pursue their academic and professional goals without having to relocate.
Financial Aid Resources for Special Education Degrees
A key resource for students looking to pursue a special education degree is financial aid, which can help reduce the financial burden of tuition and other associated costs. To access financial aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Common types of financial aid include:
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Grants:
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Federal Pell Grants
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs)
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Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
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Loans:
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Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
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Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
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Federal PLUS Loans
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Scholarships:
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Private and Corporate Scholarships
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State Scholarships
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College and University Scholarships
Researching and taking advantage of available financial aid opportunities can help make a special education degree more accessible and affordable.
Career Opportunities for Special Education Degree Holders
Holding a special education degree prepares individuals for a variety of rewarding career opportunities. Graduates who possess a special education degree have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths.
Special education teachers are in high demand and can work in K-12 settings, pre-schools, or even in private practice.
Special education administrators are also in demand, managing daily operations, leading teams of teachers, and ensuring compliance with special education laws.
Other special education graduates can pursue careers in behavior analysis, consulting, curriculum development, and research. There are also many opportunities in the non-profit sector, providing support services or advocacy for students with disabilities.
No matter the path chosen, special education graduates are in a strong position to make a positive impact within their communities.
Conclusion
Special education degree programs offer a variety of degree levels and specializations to meet the diverse needs of students. Accredited online and campus special education degrees are available from top-ranked universities and best value schools.
Financial aid resources are available to help make special education degree programs more accessible. With these degree programs, graduates have the potential to pursue a wide range of rewarding career paths.
