Best Online Masters in Special Education 2025-26

Imagine earning a masters in special education without ever stepping into a traditional classroom and landing your dream career faster than you thought possible. In 2025-26, the world of online education is exploding with programs that promise flexibility, affordability, and unmatched quality. However, which ones fulfill their commitments? Which programs offer the best faculty, accreditation, and real-world opportunities to set you apart in the field of special education? Don’t enroll blindly your future depends on choosing wisely. We’ve uncovered the best online master’s programs in special education for 2025-26, and the results might surprise you.

Every program that we have located provides a certain amount of flexibility in its online format. With the help of these options, you can finish your advanced degree program while still working in the classroom. In many instances, your academic work will be supported by your current work. Our collection of online masters special education programs each provides something slightly different. Many offer a range of specializations that will assist you in delving further into an area you are passionate about and increase your marketability as an applicant.

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Best Online Masters in Special Education Programs for 2025–26

1. Texas A&M University

• MEd or MS in Special Education

Masters in special education are available in Texas A&M University’s Department of Education, Human Development, and Education Psychology. This program was created for people who already have a lot of education, as well as those who work in related disciplines like behavior and disabilities. Although it is not necessary to be certified to teach to be admitted, students with clinical and classroom experience are given preference.

Students having a wealth of expertise working with a variety of student demographics with impairments are also of interest to them. Completing the program demands a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students from all across the nation are eligible to apply for this program’s numerous financial aid alternatives. The program application is given a lot of weight by the statement of purpose.

2. Purdue University-Main Campus

• MSE in Special Education

The Masters in Special Education program at Purdue University is fully online. The goal of this curriculum is to provide students with a solid foundation and a heightened understanding of working with students who have special needs. The range of learning concentrations this program offers is one of its distinctive features. These concentrations are: first mild only licensure, initial mild and intense licensure, additional mild and intense licensure, additional and intense only licensure, and non-licensure (master’s only).

Planning, teaching, and assessment are the three activities that form the basis of the curriculum. Prospective students must videotape themselves teaching as part of the application process. An emphasis on intense interventions is provided by the program. Examining the traits of severe disabilities, teaching strategies for children with complex needs, and the physical and medical care of individuals with various disabilities are all included in this. Students interested in earning an Indiana State license are the target audience for this program.

3. University of Florida

• MEd in Several Special Education tracks

At the University of Florida, a Masters in Special Education is provided. There are six distinct track options for this 36-credit online master’s program in special education. General, autism focus, impairments in society, dyslexia, and early childhood education are among the available track possibilities. At the end of their program, students pursuing a specialized degree will be required to complete an oral exam and a project.

Creating instruction for inclusive classrooms, teaching learning strategies, families and transition for children with disabilities, and collaborative practice and inclusive schools are a few of the core curriculum courses. Students might choose to delve into policy and the social ramifications of disability in schooling through this curriculum. Students from outside the state of Florida can enroll in the program, and it is still reasonably priced for them. Financial help programs may be available to students.

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4. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

• MAT in Special Education

Students can enroll in North Carolina State University’s master’s program in special education. This curriculum, which is mostly provided online, focuses on working in today’s diverse and technologically advanced classrooms. This program is intended especially for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a special education-related discipline but do not currently hold a state teaching license. Students must finish the program with a minimum of 33 credit hours.

In addition to other application documents, the GRE and a statement of purpose are necessary for admission. Applicants must have completed their prior coursework with a 3.0 or better grade. Depending on their choices, students can choose to complete the program full-time or part-time. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted this program full accreditation.

5. George Mason University

• MEd in Special Education

The Master of Special Education program at George Mason University is fully online. This is offered by the College of Education and Human Development. In order to address the complex learning styles and demands of students with disabilities, this course of study was created to give them a foundation in knowledge. Thirty credit hours make up the whole course of study. The two tracks offered to students are autism spectrum disorder and applied behavioral analysis.

Although it is advantageous, prospective students are not obliged to apply with a prior degree in education. The online coursework is delivered both synchronously and asynchronously. Computer applications for special populations, universal design for learning, special education research, and an introduction to special education are among the foundational courses. The program’s capstone will give students the chance to conduct research and apply important learning techniques to a challenging problem.

6. Michigan State University

• MA in Learning Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder

Through its College of Education, Michigan State University provides a number of online Masters in Special Education programs. Both a master’s degree in the arts with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders and a master’s degree in special education-learning impairments are offered. This cutting-edge program has several characteristics, such as opportunities for individualized education and subjects that are pertinent and deeply engaging for pupils.

The curriculum pertains to autism education for those who are currently employed in K–12 classroom settings. A large portion of the course of study is driven by research-based practice about classroom management and discipline-best practices. Although the curriculum can be finished in two years, it will take longer if students decide to enroll part-time. Students who are accepted into the program will be paired with an advisor.

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7. Texas Tech University

• MEd in Special Education

Through its College of Education, Texas Tech University provides an online Masters in Special Education degree. The entire course of study consists of 36 credit hours. Students who are currently employed as educators are the target audience for this program. Those who graduate from this program will be thoroughly prepared to work in a variety of settings that cater to the requirements of children and adults with special needs.

This covers private schools as well as secondary and tertiary education. Visual impairment, autism, orientation and mobility, applied behavior analysis (online and hybrid), deaf blindness, general special education, education diagnostician, and deaf/hard of hearing are among the specialist areas offered by the program. Students who take part in the program have access to a support staff that they can contact at any time of day or night.

8. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

• MEd in Applied Behavioral Analysis

The University of Washington offers a Masters in Special Education program in Special Educationwith an emphasis on Applied Behavioral Analysis. This online program offers synchronous classes that meet in the evenings, making it a perfect fit for students who work full time or even part time while completing their coursework. This course of study is designed to support students in applying cutting-edge behavior methodology in the classroom.

Students will have ample opportunities to work in collaboration with one another through their synchronous and comprehensive classes. The foundations of ethical methods to behavioral analysis will be taught to the students. Complex group work is made possible by the cohort model used in this curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an unsupervised practicum. The program restarts each fall. They offer a limited number of scholarships each year that prospective students can apply for.

9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Studies Option

With the option to study autism, UMass Lowell Online provides an online Masters in Special Education in Curriculum & Instruction. This program consists of ten classes, or thirty credit hours. This online master’s degree in special education has no requirements for on-campus attendance. This program offers several degree paths, including a Master of Education in Vision Studies (based on Orientation and Mobility), a Master of Education in Vision Studies (Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments), and a Master of Education in Vision Studies (Vision Rehabilitation Therapy).

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has granted this program full accreditation. Depending on the student’s situation and the application process, there are a number of financial aid alternatives. Additionally, the program provides students with several practical possibilities.

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10. University of Houston

• MEd in Special Populations

A Master in Special Education program is available at the University of Houston. The university’s unique College of Education offers the program. This online course is a more advanced option for people who have a lot of classroom experience, especially those who have worked with special education students in the past. The University of Houston will remove the GRE requirement for prospective students who have completed coursework with a grade of 2.8 or higher.

Special education leadership, gifted and talented online, special education (totally online), special education certification emphasis, and educational diagnostician are the four tracks available. If students are working full-time, the curriculum should take them one to two years to successfully finish. Every curriculum track focuses on advanced skill development and best practices while dealing with individuals who have a range of disabilities.

11. Saint Joseph’s University

• MSE in Special Education

A Masters in Special Education program is available from Saint Joseph’s University, and it is offered online. The program’s guiding idea is to equip teachers with the necessary abilities to help each student reach their full potential. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to earn a Pennsylvania special education certification. From a research-based perspective, the program is designed to react to teaching interventions.

The curriculum integrates the theoretical foundations and advanced practical abilities of dealing with adults and children with exceptional needs. Faculty members who specialize in their respective fields teach all of the classes. The duration of the full course of study is 36 credit hours. The foundations and contemporary concerns in special education, diagnostic and progress monitoring, theory and instructional practices: students with low-incidence disabilities, and others are among the classes that make up the core courses, which provide a well-rounded basis.

12. University of Missouri

• MA in Special Education

A Masters in Special Education degree is offered fully online by the University of Missouri. The entire course of study consists of 33 credit hours. Both the Teacher Education Accreditation Council and the Higher Learning Commission have granted the program full accreditation. 38 new students are admitted to the program each year. They can maintain small class sizes and a low teacher-to-student ratio because of the modest number of new students.

Teachers, interventionists, special education specialists, paraeducators, school psychologists, and school administrators are among the professionals who benefit from the degree. Strategies for at-risk and disabled kids, assessment and evaluation, behavioral management, cross-categorical problems, and language development for exceptional students are a few of the topics covered in the training. This curriculum involves a lot of study and collaboration. The cohort concept makes it simple for students to engage in group projects and conversations.

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13. The University of Alabama

• MA in Special Education

The University of Alabama offers an online Masters in Special Education program. There are 36 credit hours in the overall course of study. The curriculum is intended to serve as a cooperative K–6 or 6–12 certification. One of the two alternatives will be chosen by each student. Those holding a teaching credential and a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline are specifically catered to by the curriculum.

Graduates of the program will have no trouble obtaining a Class A Certification in Alabama. This program has a practicum requirement. The goal of this course’s online learning environment was to facilitate as much collaboration as possible. The majority of students who enroll in the program have access to financial aid options. The master’s seminar in special education, computer-based instruction, and the diagnosis and evaluation of exceptional children and youth are a few of the mandatory courses.

14. George Washington University

• Master’s in Special Education

George Washington University offers a Masters in Special Education degree online. This program is offered by the Graduate School of Education and Human Development. This curriculum was created to provide a means of acquiring best practices for dealing with students from a variety of cultural and language backgrounds. It is expected that prospective students already possess a teaching credential and are using it in the classroom. Modern research and technological innovation are incorporated into this degree program.

The entire program is 33 credit hours long, and if students attend classes full-time, they can finish it in 1.75 years. Instruction in second languages, teaching reading and writing in a second language, an introduction to quantitative research, and teaching students with disabilities who are culturally and linguistically diverse are a few of the courses offered. Program graduates can pursue a variety of careers, such as those in policy research, compliance coordination, and diversity coordination.

15. University of North Dakota

• MEd in Special Education

The University of North Dakota offers an online masters in special education program. The goal of this program is to prepare the greatest teachers to help children with behavioral issues and a range of learning styles both within and outside of the classroom. The entire course of study consists of at least 32 credit hours. In as little as one and a half years, students can finish the program.

Autism spectrum disorder (which can also be earned as a diploma), early childhood special education, visual impairment, special education strategist, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, and intellectual problems are among the eight specializations available. The cost of tuition is lower for students enrolled in the online program than for those enrolled in on-campus courses. This program offers a variety of abilities, such as curriculum development, lesson planning, autism therapy, event organizing, and strategy planning.

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16. Florida International University

• MS in Special Education: Autism

An autism endorsement is available through Florida International University’s online master’s program in special education. This program is offered by the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. This program requires 36 credits in total. Preparing the best personnel to work with the most vulnerable children is the program’s main objective. The autism endorsement that the program generates must be used by programs in the state of Florida.

The fact that this program is accelerated and lasts for 12 months is one of its true benefits. The program will begin in both the fall and the summer. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or university is one of the program’s prerequisites. Applicants must have completed their prior curriculum with a 3.0 or above. Additionally, they need to possess a credential that is recognized for superior student education.

17. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

• MED Special Education

A Masters in Special Education degree program is available online through the University of Cincinnati. This curriculum can be finished in a year because it is accelerated. This program’s main focus is K–12 education, including studying the principles of occupational development, rehabilitation, community-based care and management, disability management, school, and customized consultancy services. Additionally, students will have a thorough understanding of ecologically based service delivery.

Applied behavioral analysis, autistic spectrum disorders, autism and developmental disorders, encouraging positive behaviors, and a variety of possibilities for hands-on experience are among the mandatory courses. Thirty credit hours are a minimum requirement. In addition to working in settings including hospitals, schools, and organizations that assist kids with disabilities, many graduates of this degree decide to pursue careers as intervention specialists. To finish the program, each student must take part in an extensive research project. To finish the program, students must receive satisfactory grades.

18. University of South Florida

• MA in Exceptional Student Education

An exceptional student education master’s degree is available from the University of South Florida. It is provided by the USF College of Education. There are many thorough online Masters in Special Education programs available, including this one. Several specializations are available in this completely recognized curriculum, such as learning difficulties, behavioral problems, intellectual disabilities, and exceptional student education. Although it does not immediately grant teaching certification, this opportunity offers the development of complicated abilities.

The program is linked to numerous scholarship options. Working with families: a pluralistic approach, transitional programming for exceptional students in adolescence and young adulthood, advanced psychoeducational assessment of exceptional individuals, and consultation and collaboration in special education classrooms are a few of the main courses. Three specialized courses are available to students: advanced theories and practices in behavioral disorders, advanced theories and practices in specific learning disabilities, and advanced theories and practices in intellectual disabilities.

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19. Ball State University

• MA in Special Education

A Masters in Special Education is available online from Ball State University. Graduates of this program will have a wide range of new skills that they can use in a variety of professional pathways that are focused on helping people and children with special needs and disabilities. The course sequence has been authorized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). To finish the program, students must complete at least 30 credit hours.

The program offers numerous graduate-level certificates, such as the following: applied behavior analysis certificate, autism support, disabilities for post-secondary settings with an emphasis on autism, emotional and behavioral issues certificate, and certificate in multi-tier support of supports/response to intervention. Ball State provides its students with a variety of financial aid alternatives. The same demanding learning environment as traditional on-campus classes is provided by the online curriculum.

20. Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

• MS in Special Education

A Masters in Special Education program is available fully online through Indiana Wesleyan University. The entire course of study can be finished in 25 to 26 months and consists of 33 credit hours. Students can still work within the cohort paradigm using the online format. Students have many opportunities to connect and encourage one another as a result. All of the lecturers in the program are subject-matter experts.

The theological Christ-like foundation of Indiana Wesleyan is one distinctive feature. They incorporate Christian principles into every course they take. The program is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has received full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities has relations with them. Additionally, they offer a range of online off-campus library services.

21. Albany State University

• MA Special Education

A Masters in Special Education is available from Albany State University online. Through this specific program, students will get a T-5 certification in either special education adapted curriculum or special education general curriculum. Potential students should be employed in the teaching profession and hold a T-3 special education certification. Students must fulfill additional requirements for admission, and a counselor is available to walk them through the process.

The nature of learners and behavioral issues, school programs and issues, teaching, research, and nine credit hours of electives are some of the courses that are necessary. Additionally, students will be able to participate in reading, ESOL, and gifted endorsement programs. For students who are interested in the program, there are numerous financial help options. The entire course of study consists of 36 credit hours. Numerous examples of possible post-graduation employment choices are available on the program website.

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22. Georgia College & State University

• MA Special Education

A Masters in Special Education program is online and is offered by Georgia College and State University. This program was created specifically for students who already hold a Georgia teaching certification. The following requirements must be met by prospective students: authentic transcripts from a regionally accredited school, a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and immunization documents, as well as a T4 certification verification. A fresh cohort starts in June.

There are some in-person requirements for this degree, even though the majority of the curriculum is done online. A lot of cooperation and group projects are made possible by this learning approach. The cohort approach leverages frequent opportunities for mutual support. Students have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities through the program. Students have access to a wide range of online resources, such as library services and other services like advising.

23. Old Dominion University

• MS in Education in Special Education

A master’s in special education from Old Dominion University leads to Virginia state licensing. In order to receive an endorsement, students who enroll in this program can select the concentration that most interests them. Special education: adapted curriculum K-12 (severe disabilities), special education: regular curriculum K-12 (moderate disabilities), and early childhood education are among the alternatives.

Additionally, students have the option to obtain an endorsement for a customized curriculum. Many students can receive tuition assistance through the Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Special Education Adapted Curriculum. Students must finish between thirty and forty-five credit hours. Students can study from anywhere in the world and often complete their schoolwork at any time of day or night because of the online approach. Numerous financial aid options are available for students to apply for.

24. Mississippi College

• MEd in Special Education

A Masters in Special Education degree is offered online by Mississippi College. Thirty credit hours are needed to finish this course of study. You can finish this accelerated program in as little as ten months. The complete program is designed for teachers who are currently employed in classrooms and wish to add mild to moderate special education certification to their current license.

The program is faith-based because everything of the knowledge that Mississippi College imparts has a genuine Christian basis. After completing the program, students will be able to design lesson plans that cater to a range of student needs. Additionally, they will be able to show that they have attained a degree of proficiency in meeting the requirements for exceptional children. In keeping with its rapid pace, the entire program is taught in seven-week terms.

25. Webster University

• MA in Special Education

The master’s degree in special education offered by Webster University is fully online. This specific course of study was created for teachers who are currently employed in the industry. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and abilities to apply legitimate and trustworthy evaluation techniques that reduce bias. To make the program better, collaborate with all relevant parties, including individuals with disabilities and their families.

Additionally, students will acquire excellent leadership abilities in a variety of areas, such as making difficult choices. Assessment of reading disabilities, including dyslexia, functional behavioral assessment and intervention, advocacy for individuals with disabilities, legal issues in special education, and identification and evaluation of children and adults with emotional and behavioral disabilities are some of the courses that students will take. It is possible for students to participate in a practicum. The program focuses on mild to moderate impairments and/or dyslexia.

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What Career Paths Can I Pursue with a Masters in Special Education?

Earning a masters in special education will help you advance into a leadership position in the profession, in addition to giving you access to a more in-depth and sophisticated teaching practice. An advanced degree is required for many high-level positions in the education sector. Director jobs are among these instances. A master’s degree in special education permits a person to serve as a director of education in a variety of educational settings, including those that specifically serve students with disabilities.

Graduates can also teach at the community college level and contribute to curriculum development. Early intervention specialists, educational audiologists, adaptive special education instructors, and speech and language pathologists are among the high-paying positions in special education. Because master’s degree positions in special education vary widely, it’s a good idea to enroll in a program that focuses on a field that interests you.

Beyond the Classroom: Alternative Careers with a Masters in Special Education

Here are several career paths you can pursue with a Masters in Special Education besides teaching:

• Educational Consultant: Advise schools or districts on special education programs and strategies.
• Instructional Coordinator: Develop special education curricula and train teachers.
• Behavior Analyst: Work with individuals or organizations to design behavior intervention plans.
• Advocate: Support families navigating special education services and rights.
• Program Director: Lead nonprofit or community programs serving people with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology Specialist: Help design and implement tech solutions for students with special needs.
• Policy Analyst: Influence special education policy at the local, state, or national levels.

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How Much Can I Earn with Masters in Special Education?

The pay for a master’s degree-holding special education teacher might vary greatly. However, the current payscale study indicates that the average salary that an individual can earn in this scenario is $58,000. Remember that this is only an average; it can go much higher and then lower. Advanced leadership positions can be held by those with master’s degrees. Although they can earn up to $150,000 and sometimes more, directors typically earn $73,000 a year. Naturally, this varies depending on where you live because living expenses have a significant impact on pay.

Working for a school system, or perhaps most institutions, offers benefits beyond the pay. Among the many perks that surpass the pay of masters in special education are complete 403(B) plans, dental insurance, medical insurance, and, in many situations, a health savings plan. Like regular teachers, special education teachers can take summer breaks and divide their pay to work in classrooms for the entire year. A lot of teachers find this to be a real advantage, and if they wish to boost their prospective yearly income, they can take on additional summer jobs.

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In conclusion, choosing the right online Masters in Special Education program can define your future in one of education’s most rewarding fields. In 2025-26, top programs offer flexible learning, respected faculty, and pathways to advanced roles beyond the classroom. Whether you dream of becoming an instructional leader, policy advocate, or specialist supporting students with unique needs, the right degree will open doors and transform lives. Don’t wait, explore programs, compare features, and prepare your application early to secure a spot. Your journey toward making a lasting difference in special education starts with the decisions you make today.