An online Bachelor of Special Education degree program prepares teachers to best learn methods and ways of working with children and people with special needs. Special education teachers are vital educators that are needed in every community throughout the country.
According to recent news, special needs children and their families are some of the people who have suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Marilyn Augustyn, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Boston Medical Center and professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, says that “for kids with developmental challenges, the challenges got exacerbated by Covid.” The article goes on to say that children aren’t getting the therapy that they require to thrive, they have had a harder time getting medications, and some miss being in the classroom.
Because of the accompanying regression in the development of special needs child, the need for educators in the field is becoming even more necessary than it has been. It is of pivotal importance that special education teachers have the training and understanding of scientific, psychological, and educational theories to be fully capable of designing and implementing effective lesson plans, learning spaces and creatively bridging the Covid gap.
QUICK LINKS
- Top Online Bachelor of Special Education Degree Programs
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
- WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
- UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
- MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
- The UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STOUT
- DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
- OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
- STEPHEN F. AUSTIN UNIVERSITY
- ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
- CHADRON STATE COLLEGE
- FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST
- TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE
- SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE
- CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
- GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
- Frequently Asked Questions
Looking ahead to a graduate program? Check this out: Best Online Schools for Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Top Online Bachelor of Special Education Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: In compiling this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in any specific order, but instead chose to highlight the Top Online Bachelor of Special Education Degree Programs, all of which have their own unique qualities and strengths. These twenty online schools provide students with everything they need to achieve a career in special education and make a difference in the lives of young people with mild to moderate disabilities based on the following:
- Focuses on extraordinary programs designed to instruct students proper teaching techniques in Special Education and Early Elementary Education,
- Leads to certifications in Special Education, depending on your state requirements,
- Prestige and notability as an online school according to reputable journalistic, academic resources, as well as, positive student reviews,
- Clinical experience and Internship opportunities,
- 100% Online Availability,
- Offers online programs crucial to working adults, for flexibility and convenience,
- Affordable distance learning programs offering Financial Aid, such as Scholarships, Grants and Military Discounts,
- Ease of Credit Transfers,
- Proper Accreditation,
- Degree programs offering innovative technology used to enhance the Special Educational needs of students.
If you would like to learn more, please see our Methodology page.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is one of the most popular and successful online schools in America that receives unending recognition for its degrees and programs. The Bachelor of Special Education puts students in contact with brilliant theories, practices, and instructors within the field, and train them to work with students with physical and mental disabilities.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school or GED transcripts as well as those from any accredited undergraduate institutions attended, and a completed High School Self-Certification form.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Learning Theory and Portfolio Development
- Instructional Practice for Math Teachers
- Survey of Trends in Special Education
Degree Outcomes:
Some career paths occupied by Liberty University graduates include tutor, homeschool teacher, paraprofessional, and private school teacher. These professionals are well-positioned to take on positions of employment in the field of special education or continue their learning in prominent graduate programs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN SPECIAL AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
This Bachelor in Special Education program is offered through another of the nation’s most impressive online schools, Western Governors University. The Bachelor in Special Education is a cross-categorical model that trains students to teach children and young adults with various disabilities (from mild to moderate).
Campus Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 37.7%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school or GED transcripts, Readiness Assessment scores, and a current résumé.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Psychoeducational Assessment Practices and IEP
- Behavioral Management and Intervention
- Instructional Models and Design, Supervision, and Culturally Responsible Teaching
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from WGU go on to become teachers in inclusionary K-12 classrooms, middle/junior high schools, high schools, and private and charter schools. This online school produces impressive graduates with impeccable skills in special education, and who can design safe and positive learning environments for individuals with many different backgrounds and needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SPECIAL AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
ONLINE B.S./B.A. SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
This online school has produced an extremely well-celebrated Bachelor in Special Education that is designed for students with a minimal background in the profession, and who are aware of the demands of a classroom built for children and young adults with special needs. The coursework builds upon their knowledge and skill while instituting a strong understanding of research and practice methods.
Campus Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Mississippi Educator Preparation Program Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 98.4%
Retention Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school (or GED) transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.65 or higher, ACT and/or SAT scores, and Basic Technology Literacy Exam scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Systematic Interventions for Challenging Behaviors
- Literacy for Students with Disabilities
- Mathematics for Students with Disabilities
Degree Outcomes:
This online school maintains a 100% pass rate for graduates on the Praxis II exam in Special Education. Graduates have the ability to work with students with mild to moderate emotional and mental disabilities and go on to become successful and professional resource teachers and inclusion facilitators.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI’S ONLINE BS DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
ONLINE B.S. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
The University of Georgia’s online Bachelor of Special Education offers a two-year degree completion program that is designed for those who have an Associate’s Degree. These students learn the necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the process of K-12 students with high incidence disabilities.
Campus Location: Athens, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 95%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing 60 transferrable credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and GACE Program Admission Assessment scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Assessment
- Contemporary Issues
- Behavior Management
Degree Outcomes:
Having completed a rigorous, yet highly rewarding, curriculum, graduates go on to fill various positions in education and intervention. UGA students gain an incredibly competent understanding of the discipline and have additionally built a solid network of peers, colleagues, and advisors to assist them throughout their careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
East Carolina University has produced a huge amount of well-received online degree programs, and the Bachelor in Special Education is no exception. The curriculum prepares teachers to work with children with disabilities who are pursuing a high school diploma in general education classrooms.
Campus Location: Greenville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 83%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing an exemplary GPA, and SAT and/or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Physical Activities for Individuals with Disabilities
- Managing Learning Environments
- Assessing Students with Disabilities
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this fine program have the ability and understanding to work with students with significant cognitive disabilities who are not pursuing a regular high school diploma, as well as those who are. The coursework covers an all-inclusive range of needs for these professionals and how to work with various afflictions simultaneously.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM, BECOME A TEACHER.
MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. ED. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
This challenging online school offers a Bachelor in Special Education that offers a unique opportunity to double major in both Education and Special Education, giving them a stronger stance and more maneuverability within their field. In-depth subject matter and course topics prepare students to work well in a demanding field.
Campus Location: Mayville, ND
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 48.1%
Retention Rate: 68%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and SAT and/or ACT scores. Applicants must complete an interview with an admissions representative.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Learning Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities Practicum
- Foundations of Special Education
Degree Outcomes:
These students are capable of pursuing positions of employment in schools and other education environments or going on to achieve a master’s level education in a related field. Either way, graduates can observe, document, and analyze the characteristics, behaviors, and learning environments of populations with special needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE B.S. ED. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
The UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STOUT
ONLINE B.S. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
The University of Wisconsin – Stout’s online Bachelor of Special Education includes personal faculty support and advisement, early and varied field placements, cross-categorical licensure, and instruction in kindergarten through adolescence (up to the age of 21).
Campus Location: Menomonie, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 87.2%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school or GED transcripts, ACT and/or SAT scores, and financial aid documentation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Educational Psychology
- Multiculturalism
- Classroom Management
Degree Outcomes:
Many students leave this online program and go on to become special education teachers and enjoy life-long and meaningful careers making a difference in the lives of many families. UW – Stout acts as a partner and support throughout any and all changes in alumni’s career and job placement.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STOUT’S ONLINE B.S. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR SPECIAL EDUCATION/ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
Dakota State University makes K-12 students a top priority by offering pre-service teachers the skills they need to educate all students, regardless of their disabilities. Through the curriculum, students become familiar with autism, behavior, cognitive, and/or learning disabilities.
Campus Location: MADISON, SD
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 84.4%
Retention Rate: 72%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher, and ACT and/or SAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Behavior Management of Exceptional Children – Some job titles occupied by Dakota State University graduates include Special Education Teacher, Elementary Teacher, K-12 Technology Teacher, and Title I Teacher. With DSU’s technical focus, individuals are prepared to teach with the latest classroom technologies available.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. DEGREE PROGRAM-(INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: TEACHER PREP)
Program Standouts:
Old Dominion University is yet another exceptional American online school that provides first-rate distance education programs. The Bachelor in Special Education produces well-trained and well-qualified teachers, and the program has been ranked as one of the finest in the nation by numerous journalistic resources.
Campus Location: Norfolk, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 85.7%
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school transcripts as well as those from any undergraduate institutions attended.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations of Special Education: Legal Aspects and Characteristics
- Instructional Design: Learner Characteristics and Assessment
- Language Acquisition and Reading for Students with Diverse Learning Needs.
Degree Outcomes:
This online coursework prepares students to take on careers in primary, elementary, and secondary schools. Graduates have additional training, experience, and education in administration, curriculum supervision, and leadership, giving them access to positions such as principal and superintendent.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM-(INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: TEACHER PREP)
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAMS-MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
This online program is another of the most celebrated in the nation for Bachelor in Special Education. A degree completion program, the coursework is interdisciplinary and utilizes innovative models based on the EC-6 online completer program developed by the Department of Elementary Education at SFASU.
Campus Location: Nacogdoches, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 65.4%
Retention Rate: 72%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, SAT and/or ACT scores and financial aid documentation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Children
- Student Teaching in Special Education
- Children with Behavioral Disorders – This program allows students to advance their previously established undergraduate education. Ranked as one of the top ten programs in the nation of its kind, graduates from this curriculum have the understanding reputation to move on into prominent positions of employment, or into advanced education programs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
ONLINE B.S. IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
In the St. Petersburg College online Bachelor of Exceptional Student Education (K-12) coursework, students learn alongside other elementary education majors, giving them an understanding of different classroom and learning models for children and young adults with mental and emotional needs.
Campus Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 33.1%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution with 60 transferrable credits representing a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and Florida General Knowledge test scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Behavior Management of Exceptional Students
- Curriculum and Instruction for Exceptional Students
- Diagnosis and Intervention in Reading for Diverse Students K-12
Degree Outcomes:
SPC graduates have a particular advantage as they enter the workforce with multiple certifications: Elementary Education K-6 and Exceptional Student Education. These professionals have the ability to teach in any environment and at every level in elementary, junior, and high school.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM-TEACH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
CHADRON STATE COLLEGE
ONLINE B.S. SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Chadron State College’s online Bachelor in Special Education is a “cross-categorical program, providing teaching endorsement programs with current information, skills, and methods regarding program planning, implementation, and assessment for learners with mild/moderate disabilities.”
Campus Location: Chadron, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts as well as those from any colleges or universities attended, and SAT and/or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Interpersonal Communication Skills for Special Educators
- Microteaching Pre/Elem/MS Special Education
- Behavior Modification and Management
Degree Outcomes:
Students exit this program with multiple endorsements in elementary education and special education, which gives them a serious advantage in the job market, as well as in working with students with various disorders. Graduates have the ability to design and implement safe and effective learning environments for all types of students.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHADRON STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. DEGREE PROGRAM-MINOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
Fort Hays State University produces some of the finest online programs in the country, and their approach to special education is unique and exciting! A Bachelor in Education with a Minor in Special Education gives students the understanding and skill to build collaborative classrooms that foster the learning of all.
Campus Location: Hays, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 88.6%
Retention Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing an exemplary GPA, and SAT and/or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Behavior Strategies and Support
- Assessment in Special Education
- Principles of Instruction in Special Education
Degree Outcomes:
Fort Hays State University graduates have gone on into a huge number of different fields: daycare administrator, educational administrator, educational resource coordinator, and much more! The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities for advancement in the field of special education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM-MINOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
ONLINE BA/BS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
The University of Florida operates incredibly successful online degrees in education that support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in society through excellence in the education of teachers and leaders, learning new skills, and the application of existing knowledge. As it boasts on its website: “UF College of Education was ranked #1… two years in a row!”
Campus Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Retention Rate: 96%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school transcripts as well as those from all colleges and universities attended.
Program Options:
- Unified Early Childhood ProTeach
- unified Elementary ProTeach—Dual Certification
Degree Outcomes:
Earning a degree in the UF College of Education means gaining an integrated bachelor’s/master’s in ProTeach, which vastly advances graduates’ standing in the field of education. In five short years, these individuals have a graduate degree and well-established networking connections.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE SPECIAL ED. BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM
FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
As Fontbonne University students, special education majors have a strong educational foundation in coursework that prepares them for certification in grades K-12 for students with mild-moderate disabilities. The program also features an add-on certification in elementary education for grades 1-6!
Campus Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 92.4%
Retention Rate: 63%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing an exemplary GPA, and SAT and/or ACT scores.
Program Options:
- Special Education – Paraprofessional Pathways
- Special Education – General Program
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on their area of concentration, graduates exit this program with various specialized skills, yet all have a solid foundation in special education that allows them to pursue any and all career paths of their choosing within the discipline. Other students go on to enter into master’s programs to further refine their already sharpened skills.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST
ONLINE BA IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
The University of Alaska Southeast offers numerous degrees in special education through which students have the opportunity to advance upon completion of this distinctive bachelor’s degree program. The curriculum prepares teachers to develop and implement culturally responsive special education services for students with disabilities.
Campus Location: Juneau, AK
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, Praxis Core/CASE exam scores, letters of recommendation, and a criminal background check.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations of Literacy and Language Development
- Assessing Students with Disabilities
- Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this particular program have achieved great success through the Praxis II exam in meeting with early development requirements for teacher certification. These teachers have developed strong skills in working with children and youth with disabilities and with diverse cultures throughout the country and the state of Alaska.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST’S ONLINE SPECIAL EDUCATION, B.A. BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM
TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE
ONLINE B.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
This Bachelor in Psychology with a Consternation in Special Education from Touro University Worldwide is quite distinctive among special education programs, giving students the skills necessary to apply psychological principles to special education and to pursue careers in applied settings.
Campus Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 33.8%
Retention Rate: 68%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school or GED transcripts as well as those from any colleges or universities attended.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Educational Psychology
- Instructional Methods for Students at Risk Academically
- Abnormal Psychology
Degree Outcomes:
This unique degree program angles the study of psychology through the lens of special education, giving graduates a sound understanding of the psychological processes within children with disabilities, as well as how to structure classrooms and curricula toward individual needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers this online Bachelor of Kindergarten-Grad 6/Mild Intervention that prepares students to teach K-6 with Mild Intervention as a dual licensure education program. The curriculum is designed by veteran educators in the field, who bring a world of knowledge to the virtual classroom.
Campus Location: St. Mary’s, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 75.8%
Retention Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school or GED transcripts, and ACT and/or SAT scores, as well as financial aid documentation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Philosophical and Ethical Foundation of Education
- Special Education Law and Procedures
- Understanding Mild Disabilities
Degree Outcomes:
Experience in this coursework enriches a variety of extracurricular and/or professional development experiences wherein student’s classroom knowledge in real school settings. Graduates have a strong command over learner and learning, content knowledge, instructional practice, and professional responsibility.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S./B.A IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
Program Standouts:
The Central Michigan University Bachelor in Early Childhood Education is designed to meet the training guidelines of the National Association of the Education of Young Children, and the major is especially appropriate for students who plan on working non-elementary settings.
Campus Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 67.8%
Retention Rate: 77%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school or GED transcripts.
Program Options:
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Best Practices in Early Childhood Settings
- Guidance for Young Children
Degree Outcomes:
This degree program prepares graduates to work in all different kinds of educational and non-educational settings. They go on to make a drastic difference in the lives of all, particularly children with special needs. The required minor further refines the coursework in an area that supports early childhood education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM-MAJOR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING.
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN ELEMENTARY & SPECIAL EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
Grand Canyon University is one of the most popular and well-known purveyors of distance education available, giving students access to state-of-the-art resources and technological benefits. This dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education gives students the knowledge, skill, and distinctiveness above many others in the discipline.
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 66.9%
Retention Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing an exemplary GPA, and SAT and/or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Child and Early Adolescent Development and Psychology
- Instructional Planning and Assessments for Elementary Teacher Candidates
- Survey of Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Degree Outcomes:
With a degree from GCU, graduates are well-positioned to continue their education in online master’s degree programs or enter into positions of employment throughout various school districts and intervention facilities for young children. Individuals who have completed the coursework can create successful lesson plans to develop and engage unique learners.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM-ELEMENTARY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Special Education” degree for?
As we all know, everyone is different and unique in their own way. Often, young children or adolescents need some extra help navigating their way through their younger years, whether it’s a physical challenge or an emotional, social, or mental disability.
Special education teachers are special themselves! They work tirelessly advocating for these exceptional students, as they are just as eager to learn and fit in as anyone else. There are many types of support needed for children who may face challenges, such as ADHD, cerebral palsy, hearing or seeing impairments, autism, down syndrome, or those who suffer from extreme anxiety issues or social skill difficulties, to name a few.
Earning an online Bachelor of Special Education degree can bring great rewards to you, as well as your students. Perhaps the most important qualifications needed for a career in special education are… patience, creativity, and a caring heart!
How do I earn an online Bachelor of Special Education degree?
You can easily earn a bachelor’s degree in special education through an online distance learning format. Your program may include instruction for children between the ages of kindergarten through the 12th grade. Most likely, you should also be prepared to work for an internship. In addition, your program should prepare you to pass a state licensing exam, according to your state’s regulations.
What will you learn? You can expect to discover the many ways that special education teachers use to help their students excel in writing, reading, science, and math. You’ll learn how to create and present a curriculum that applies to the student’s individual needs. Your program should also cover behavioral issues, as well as, proper ways to provide support for the student’s families. Other coursework will involve recognizing disability characteristics, adaptive physical education, diagnosis and assessment procedures, and early childhood development.
What can I do as a Special Education teacher?
There are many types of employers who need teachers who concentrate on children with special needs, such as the board of education in your community who hires teachers for local schools. Other facilities, such as daycares, private learning centers, or schools, as well as, mental health facilities or correctional facilities often need special education teachers or program directors. If you choose, you can specialize in mentoring children with a specific disability, such as autism or those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or other learning difficulties.
Other related careers include camp director, audiologist, speech therapist, or as a tutor, guidance counselor, or a publisher of teaching materials designed to assist those with special needs. Career choices within special education are numerous; and every job description in this field is as equally important as the next, as the quest to help these truly exceptional children is essential.
“In special education, there’s too much emphasis placed on the deficit and not enough on the strength.” – Temple Grandin, Special Advocate for the Autistic, Scientist, & Writer
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Schools Previously Included on this Index:
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
- Pennsylvania State University
- Lesley University
- University of Utah
- University of Hartford
- New York University
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- University of Oregon