The 10 Best Online Masters in Special Education Degree Programs (M.Ed.)

Obtaining a Master’s in Special Education not only improves the skills of the teacher, but can open doors to other job opportunities, such as becoming a university professor, training other educators or working in another state that has higher education requirements.

Master’s in Special Education programs require students to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and already have a bachelor’s degree, although not necessarily a bachelor’s degree in some type of education specialty. Many programs also require applicants to already have a special education or teaching certification from their particular state. Consider the nation’s 10 Best Online M.Ed. Special Education degree programs.

Recommended Masters in Special Education Programs

10. Grand Canyon University

Overview
This program prides itself of both classroom and real-world experience. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom in order to complete class projects. Formal classroom instruction is required in at least three of the five main disability categories, including emotional, learning, physical, intellectual or health impairment.

School Rankings
The school was ranked among the nation’s leading online special education masters programs by Fox.com, Fortune Small Business and Technology & Learning magazines, and the Online Education Database.

Tuition
Cost for their 34-credit master’s program is $495 per credit hour.

Unique Features
One course in the Master’s program is worth four credits allowing students to finish faster.

>>>Click here for your free Grand Canyon University information<<<<

9. Liberty University

Overview
Liberty’s Md.E. Special Education program is designed for adults with no previous teaching experience. Participants study educational assessment and behavioral management, as well as strategies for building a collaborative, inclusive teaching environment.

School Rankings
Liberty has consistently made the list of the nation’s Top 10 Online Universities based on the Online Education Database.

Tuition
The school charges $505 for part-time students and $465 for full-time students per credit hour.

Unique Features
Liberty offers an accelerated eight-week online master in special education for online participants. Students can complete coursework at any time, with no required log-in times.

>>>Click here for your free Liberty University information<<<<

8. University of Texas Online Consortium

Overview
The 36-hour program was specifically created for adults already working as K-12 educators. Students have the flexibility to choose from six hours of elective courses, including education leadership, bilingual education or other specialties approved by the program coordinator.

School Rankings
BestMastersinEducation.com ranks the school No. 8 on its list of Top Online Master’s Degrees in Education. In addition, UT-Austin came in No. 45 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Colleges and The Center for World University Rankings placed UT at No. 30 on its list of the World’s Top 100 Universities.

Tuition
The school charges $810 for Texas residents and $1,750 for out-of-state students per course.

Unique Features
This school system offers an array of resources from various institutions in the University of Texas education system. Thus, students have the opportunity to combine benefits offered from different campus locations, while completing all their coursework through the distance learning program.

7. Bemidji State University

Overview
Bemidji State University’s online masters in special education is structured for teachers seeking to teach special education in Minnesota.

School Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranked Bemidji in the upper tier of its America’s Best Colleges survey among master’s institutions in the Midwest. Additionally, the school’s online master’s programs in education were ranked 15th most affordable on GetEducated.com’s list of Best Online Colleges.

Tuition
Costs are $350.50 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Master’s programs are completed through discussion boards, video links, posted readings and live chats, although students are never required to be present at a certain time.

6. Capella University

Overview
Capella’s online program requires a total of 46 program credits that engage students in an interactive experience via discussion groups, video instruction, and feedback from classmates and instructors.

Tuition
Master’s programs cost $470 per credit hour.

4. Texas Tech University

Overview
Texas Tech’s program is divided into two branches, one for sensory impairment and one that focuses on low incidence. Participants can choose to narrow their studies even further into areas such as autism or educational diagnostics.

School Rankings
GetEducated.com ranks the online master’s program at No. 11 in the nation on its list of best buys, which lists colleges based on credibility and affordability.

Tuition
In-state students pay $528.45 and out-of-state students pay $879.32 per credit hour.

Unique Features
In addition to classwork, participants are required to complete 1,500 hours performing in an actual education setting.

3. Western Governor’s University

Overview
The master’s program is designed for licensed teachers who want to move into a career in special education. Participants are trained to handle mild to moderate disabilities, while improving their overall teaching skills.

School Rankings
Time magazine named WGU “The Best and Cheapest University You’ve Never Heard of.” Additionally, Thebestschools.org ranked it No. 11 on its list of The Best 25 Online Colleges.”

Tuition
Tuition is charged as a flat rate per term. All education programs are $2,890 per term.

Unique Features
WGU terms last six months and can start on the first day of any month you choose.

2. Ball State University

Overview
Ball State University claims the No. 1 spot because they have distinguished themselves in the education sector. In addition to online courses, students experience immersive learning, which allows them to work collaboratively with community organizations and schools. Ball State is one of the first schools in the nation to launch the Woodrow Wilson Fellows program, which trains educators in the fields of science, math and engineering.

School Rankings
Ball State was ranked eighth on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Up-and-Coming Colleges and Universities for 2011. Additionally, The Princeton Review named it one of the Best Universities in the Midwest for eight years straight. Lastly, its education programs were ranked 17th on a national list compiled by Leadership Excellence magazine.

Tuition
Ball State charges $299 for Indiana residents and $506 for out-of-state students per credit hour.

Unique Features
Depending on the area of specialty, students can be placed on an accelerated track, completing their master’s degree in less than 18 months.

1. Walden University

Overview
Walden focuses on experienced educators who want to make a positive social change through research in neuroscience, scientific interventions and assessment techniques.

School Rankings
Collegeprowler.com gave Walden an “A” grade in the areas of Academic Flexibility, Tuition and Financial Aid, and Online Course Availability.

Tuition
Students pay $510 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Walden’s program only requires 30 credit hours, which can be completed in 20 to 24 months.

>>>Click here for your free Walden University information<<<<