Online Graduate Programs in Special Education
Graduate Program Programs in Special Education are designed to boost students' skills in the field and move them ahead in their careers. Starting with foundational courses in Education, most programs then move into a specialization in Special Education.
For teachers interested in the welfare and education of disabled children.
Good teachers are always in demand, especially teachers with the proper training and sensitivity to children and adults with disabilities. As such, despite the lower enrollment in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, the need for teachers with training in special education will continue over the next decade.
To request more information on specific degree requirements, tuition costs, and financial aid, please select one of the schools listed below.
Students in Graduate Program programs can expect to graduate and move into Special Education careers within 1 to 4 years.
If you are interested in earning a Graduate Program in Special Education, find the Graduate Program that best fits you..
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Special Education programs
University of Phoenix
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M.A. in Education/Special Education
The Master of Arts in Education/ Special Education degree program prepares candidates for teacher licensure in the field of special education. Through coursework, student teaching and educational research, students develop the pedagogical skills and knowledge needed to become effective special education educators. Each student/applicant is responsible for checking with his or her state Department of Education and/or school district to determine specific credentialing requirements. Prospective candidates should hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
Ashford University
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MA/Education - Special Education (Non Licensure)
Open up education to all students by earning your Master of Arts in Education online with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University. Focus your education degree with the Special Education specialization that will support the needs of exceptional students in school programs. The Special Education specialization allows you to respond to students' diverse abilities and styles as you provide equitable learning. You will learn classroom management, as well as how to identify disabilities and special abilities. If you are committed to a career involving education, then the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
Walden University

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Emotional Behavioral Disorders
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
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Ph.D. in Education - Special Education - KAM-Based
The Ph.D. in Education online degree program produces leaders who can address the nation's most pressing educational challenges. Each online degree specialization is designed to meet both your professional interests and the needs of your school district, college or university. This graduate degree is ideal if you are already a teacher, and your career goals include becoming a superintendent, faculty member at a university or community college, teacher or administrator. The program offers you three ways to learn—a course-based format, a KAM-based format, or a mixed-model format—depending on the specialization you choose.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
li>Adult Education Leadership
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Technology
- Global and Comparative Education
- Higher Education
- K–12 Educational Leadership
- Leadership, Policy, and Change
- Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
- Self-Designed
- Special Education
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education - Learning Disabilties
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers state-approved Special Education Endorsement Programs with an optional M.S. in Education with a specialization in Special Education. For licensed teachers who want to transition into a special education classroom or bring these skills to their current teaching area, our practical, accelerated programs combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on field experiences. In 8 to 16 months (depending on program choice and individual progress), you can enhance your skills and increase your professional opportunities by fulfilling the requirements needed to teach K-12 students with special needs.
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
The M.S. in Education online degree program is designed to enhance your skills, help improve your students' achievement and increase your earning potential. As an online degree program, it allows busy teachers to learn on their own time. And Walden University's learning model encourages you to apply new strategies in your classroom.
Grand Canyon University

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M.Ed. in Special Education (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers.This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students' various learning needs.Participants are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University should they wish to change to the Eligible version of the program prior to the posting of their degree.
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M.Ed. in Special Education (With IR and Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers. This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, and who seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. The classroom setting must have at least 3 of the 5 following disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, mental retardation, physical impairment, and/or health impairment.Participants must complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program with a certified special education teacher.Graduates of the program are prepared to be effective special needs teachers who can implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning needs.
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M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)
Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation). Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers with greater expertise and skills.This next-level degree program is designed for any individual interested in advanced studies in special education who is currently certified to teach special education.Courses in this regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. The curriculum provides current best practice strategies for teaching special needs students, along with a broad range of relevant topics, including special education program development, inclusion and collaborative practices, and assistive technology. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences. Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.Graduates of the program will be prepared to effectively work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning requirements of students with special needs.
Northcentral University

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CAGS-Ed./Special Education
The Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Special Education program focuses on the need for educational reform using the most current research to prepare present and future educators with the skills to foster reform in this field. The need for professionals to become advocates for gifted and talented populations that can impact student's learning potentials will greatly enhance these individual's learning experience, helping them to achieve their highest potential. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
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Ed.D./Special Education
The Doctor of Education in Special Education program prepares graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. Courses will cover a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development. The curriculum will prepare graduates to work in a variety of educational settings that enhance the learning process for exceptional individuals. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
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M.Ed./Special Education
The Master's of Education/Special Education program prepares graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. Courses will cover a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development. The curriculum will prepare graduates to work in a variety of educational settings that enhance the learning process for exceptional individuals. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
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Ph.D.Ed/Special Education
A Ph.D. in Education/Special Education program prepares graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. Courses will cover a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development.Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Campus-based Schools with Special Education programs

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Chandler Learning Center - Chandler, AZ
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Colorado Campus - Lone Tree, CO
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Colorado Springs Downtown, CO
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Hawaii Campus - Honolulu, HI
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Henderson Learning Center - Henderson, NV
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Kapolei Learning Center - Kapolei, HI
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Las Vegas Campus - Las Vegas, NV
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Mesa Learning Center - Mesa, AZ
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Mililani Learning Center - Mililani, HI
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New Mexico Campus - Albuquerque, NM
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North Davis Learning Center - Clearfield, UT
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Northern Nevada Campus - Reno, NV
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Northwest Learning Center - Las Vegas, NV
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Northwest Learning Center - Phoenix, AZ
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Phoenix Main Campus - Tempe, AZ
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Pleasant Grove Learning Center - Pleasant Grove, UT
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River Road Learning Center - Tucson, AZ
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San Antonio Campus - San Antonio, TX
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Santa Fe Learning Center - Santa Fe, NM
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Santa Teresa Learning Center - Santa Teresa, NM
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Southern Arizona Campus - Tucson, AZ
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Southern Colorado Campus - Colorado Springs, CO
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Southlands Learning Center - Aurora, CO
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Southwest Learning Center - Las Vegas, NV
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St. George Learning Center - St. George, UT
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Taylorsville Learning Center - Salt Lake City, UT
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Turnpike Learning Center - Westminster, CO
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Utah Campus - Salt Lake City, UT
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West Valley Learning Center - Phoenix, AZ
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Windsor Park Learning Center - Windcrest, TX