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A special education program prepares you to teach children with a range of learning, behavioral, or physical disabilities. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited special education programs that fit your goals.
A special education program combines core teaching skills with specialized strategies for individualized instruction. A special education bachelor degree builds the foundation most states require, while a special ed masters degree online can add advanced skills for working with specific disability categories or student populations.
A special education program prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as special education teachers. This occupation earned a median annual wage of $67,170 as of 2025, with about 584,100 people employed nationwide. Employment is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035, though about 37,100 openings are still projected each year, on average, mostly from the need to replace teachers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Demand may also be shaped by earlier identification of students with disabilities and continued federal funding requirements for special education programs.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Overall employment growth is flat, similar to general education
Requires ongoing compliance with special education law
Requires ongoing compliance with special education law
Caseloads and paperwork requirements can be significant
The typical minimum requirement for most special education teaching roles
Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field
Advancing your credential, salary, or specializing in a specific disability category
A special education bachelor degree is the typical starting point for most teaching roles, while a master’s degree in special education can help with advancement, higher pay, or specializing in a specific disability category.
Yes. Many states offer alternative certification pathways for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to move into special education teaching.
Yes, as long as it’s from an accredited institution. Employers generally focus on accreditation and licensure over whether a degree was earned online or on campus.
Graduates can pursue roles like special education coordinator, behavior specialist, or district-level special education administrator, in addition to classroom teaching.
Yes, in the sense that replacement demand remains steady, even though overall employment growth for the occupation is flat according to BLS projections.
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