Online Special Education Degrees

Why consider online special education degrees? Distance learning special education programs offer opportunities for student who wish to enroll in flexible programs Many people today want to work with children who have mental or physical disabilities. Every student deserves to be cared for, regardless of their mental status or intellect level.

To be a special education teacher one needs to have both the innate interest and desire to work with students. People with a good deal of patience and understand would find a good career in a special education degree. They will train to work with students with special physical, mental, and emotional needs. Special needs range from physical, mental, behavioral, or psychological. Special education is always important because all humans need to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their intelligence and capability level. People with a strong constitution and unlimited determination do well in the field of special education. Without people who are willing to work with the intellectually or physically challenged, some of these people would fall by the wayside, uncared for. This cannot be accepted in our modern times.

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Selected Online Special Education Degrees

University of Phoenix

• Master of Arts in Education/Special Education

Capella University

• MS - Special Education Teaching
• PhD - Special Education Leadership

Walden University

• M.S.Ed - Special Education (non-licensure)
• Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Special Education
• Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Special Education

Jones International University

• M.Ed. in Adult Education
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration: Principal and Administrator Licensure
• M.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
• M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration
• M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology
• M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology: Teacher Licensure
• M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
• M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
• MEd in e-learning Technology & Design
• MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Grand Canyon University

• BS in Elementary/Special Education (Dual Major)
• M.Ed. Special Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
• M.Ed. Special Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
• M.Ed. Special Ed for Certified Special Educators

Kaplan University

• MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
• MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
• MS in Education - Instructional Technology (K-12)
• MS in Education in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning-Higher Education
• MS in Education in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning-Organizations
• MS in Higher Education - College Administration and Leadership
• MS in Higher Education - College Teaching and Learning
• MS in Higher Education - Online College Teaching
• MS in Higher Education - Student Affairs

Western Governors University

• B.A. in Special Education
• M.S. in Special Education

Abilene Christian University - Online

• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Special Education

Northcentral University

• Master of Education - Exceptional Student Education
• Doctor of Education - Exceptional Student Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Exceptional Student Education
• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Education - Exceptional Student Education

Special Education Degree Preparation and Training

Online special education degrees can be sought through traditional physical colleges or online, as well. It is always important to have people who are willing to help those who cannot do more for themselves. Having a degree in special education affords everyone the possibility of working with people who have special needs.

Those who seek a degree in this field should expect to pursue a Bachelors or a Masters degree in the subject of education. They will take courses in areas like social work, psychology, special needs and foundations of disabilities. Depending on the degree of education desired, the student will want to educate themselves in all aspects of by taking online special education classes and related areas including sociology, psychology, technology (especially in today’s world) and social work. With a good educated understanding of people in general, those who work in special education should be able to relate to and help those who need them. Online special education courses may include:

• Educational psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Learning and behavior disabilities
• Technology in special education
• Legal issues of special education
• Child growth and development
• Strategies for teaching children with various disabilities

Licenses in teaching special education will depend on the level of disability care that is desired and the location in which the professional desires to teach. Different areas around the country offer different benefits for special education teachers. Advanced degrees will give the opportunity of higher special education needs. First time degree students usually work with children with disabilities and early intervention.

These degrees will take about as long to obtain as a degree in any education area. A Masters will further the career and can enhance an already established career. The importance of special education teachers can sometimes be overlooked. These educators care to understand the needs of the people. They understand and care about the fact that there are people who need extra help in their education and academics.

Special Education Teaching Careers

The plight of the special needs individuals challenged has come a long way in the last fifty years. Education is the key for individuals such as these. It takes a strong and confident person to work with people in need such as these. Responsibilities include:

• Developing individualized curricula
• Management of disruptive behavior
• Technology integration

In addition to working in the classroom with special needs students, there are multiple options for graduates with special education degrees including:

• Adapted physical education teacher
• Art therapist
• Early childhood special educator
• Educational audiologist
• Educational diagnostician
• Interpreter for students who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Music therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist
• Rehabilitation counselor
• School counselor
• School nurse
• School psychologist
• School social worker
• Special education administrator
• Special education resource teacher
• Special education technology specialist
• Speech language pathologist
• Therapeutic recreation specialist

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The outlook on jobs for graduates of special education degrees has remained the stable for many years and becoming a special education teacher is a noble and rewarding opportunity. This is due to the fact that special education or any educator should expect to receive a fairly standard teachers pay. The pay rate usually depends on the abilities of the provider, the education of the teacher and the location in which the education is being offered. The average salaries are generally higher, a reflection of the greater demand and higher educational standard for special education teachers. The United States Department of Labor reports mean annual wages as ranging from $51,230 to $53,020 in 2007.

Online special education degrees and education masters degree programs