30 Most Affordable Master’s in Special Education Online in 2021

Wilson College's master's in special education online degree program is designed for teachers who are currently certified to teach in grades PK-12. The program is fully online, though minimal face-to-face courses may be required. Class sizes are generally kept at a minimum of 20 students, and entry into the program is convenient with several start dates. Some of the required courses include advanced studies in low incidence disabilities, advanced studies in high incidence disabilities, conferencing and collaboration, early intervention, educational perspectives of diverse society, and positive behavior supports. Wilson is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional college in the North and the 5th best value school in the country.

One of the most affordable special education online programs on our list is the master's in special education online degree from Texas A&M University. This graduate online program specializes in academic and behavioral interventions for a diverse range of learners. The program also adheres to a course sequence approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Upon graduation, students have the option of pursuing certification. Classes may be completed online and are taught by Texas A&M professors. In fact, the online program mirrors that of its on-campus counterpart. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Texas A&M as the 69th best national university and 43rd best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #53 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

University of North Dakota offers an online M.Ed. in special education program designed to prepare students to serve individuals with mild to moderate disabilities in and out of the classroom. The program consists of 32 credits of online courses taught asynchronously. The program takes approximately 1.5 year to complete, though students may work at their own pace. Several concentration options allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest like early childhood special education, emotional disturbance, general special education, learning disabilities, and special education strategist. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top 200 national university. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #70 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

One of the most affordable special education online programs on our list is the online master's in special education at Graceland University. This 30 credit hour online graduate program is designed to enhance the teaching strategies and knowledge of K-12 special education teachers or those who serve a student with disabilities. The program may be completed entirely online by taking courses taught by Graceland instructors. These courses include autism spectrum disorders, collaborative study of the mild and moderate disabilities, introduction to choice theory, remedial math methods, and special education methods. Graceland is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.

West Virginia University's special education online degrees include the special education online master's program. This program is delivered entirely online with live synchronous class meetings. Students take a series of courses and are required to complete field or clinical experience in his/her home community. Five specializations are also offered so that students may tailor their degree toward an area of interest. These specializations include applied behavioral analyst, early childhood education, gifted education, multi-categorical special education, and severe and multiple disabilities. To be admitted to the program, students must hold an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks WVU as the 187th best national university and 99th top public school in the country.

Purdue University's online master's in special education program takes as little as 20 months to complete. The program is offered entirely online with courses taught by Purdue's professors. Several degree pathways are available, which lead to the master's degree only or licensure in special education. Some of the required courses include advanced assistive technology, applied behavior analysis for teachers, intervention strategies and research, introduction to educational research, and social, legal, and ethical issues in special education. Purdue is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

Grand Canyon University is a proprietary institution that offers accredited online M.Ed. in special education programs designed for individuals who want to gain advanced knowledge in the field. The initial program (the Master of Education) leads to initial teacher licensure. All courses are taught by GCU instructors and can be completed entirely online. These courses include advanced methodologies of SEI, assessment and eligibility in special education – mild to moderate, foundations in special education graduate studies, instructional and transitional planning for students with mild to moderate disabilities, and survey of special education – mild to moderate disabilities. GCU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top 300 national university. Also, the graduate education programs have received recognition.

Xavier University's master's in special education online degree program is designed for professionals in fields such as education, school nursing, and social work. The program is open to current teachers with an M.Ed. or school leaders who are pursuing multiple administration degrees. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Admission to the special education program requires official test scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The test may be waived if the applicant has a 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA or is a licensed teacher. Xavier is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 5th best regional university in the Midwest and 22nd best value school.

Florida International University offers an accredited online master's in special education with autism endorsement. This 36-credit hour program starts in both fall and summer and can be completed at your own pace. All courses are delivered online and taught by experienced Florida International University professors. Courses include advanced theory and research in special education, culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional learners, foundations of educational research, instructional technology, and working with families of students with disabilities through collaborative approaches. A series of autism courses are also available. FIU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 216th best national university and 122nd top public school in the country.

Some of the most affordable special education online programs on our list are found at Mississippi College. The online master's in special education is a fast-paced and rigorous program designed to equip educators with advanced skills in special education. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in just 10 months. All courses are delivered online and include current education and psychological testing procedures, curriculum development, individualized programming for students with mild to moderate learning problems, organizational procedures for special education, and teaching students with moderate learning problems. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Mississippi College as the 32nd best regional university in the South and the 12th best value school in the country.

University of Louisville's special education online degrees include the online master's in special education. This fully online program has two concentrations that help licensed teachers and professionals develop specialized skills that may be useful in and out of the classroom. Coursework is delivered 100% online, and fieldwork must be completed in the state of Kentucky. Classes include assessment of exceptional learners, behavior analytic approach to communication, foundational concepts in intellectual and physical disabilities, research analysis in special education, and single subject research methods and designs. The institution is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Louisville as the 165th best national university and the 87th top public school in the country.

University of Arizona's online M.Ed. in special education is a master of arts program designed to prepare graduate students for roles in behavioral support, deaf and hard of hearing, and disabilities. Several concentration options are offered so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include autism spectrum disorders, challenging behavior, gifted students, and sensory impairments. All classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 124th best national university and 102nd best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #180 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

University of Hartford offers an accredited online master's in special education degree program designed to prepare students to become highly competent teaching professionals with expertise in the area of special education. Two tracks are offered to accommodate the needs of graduate students. These tracks include an advanced program – ideal for those who want to gain expertise in special ed or have initial certification in special education; and the cross endorsement program – designed for licensed teachers who hold a Connecticut teaching certificate in another area of study. The program may be completed entirely online and requires both project-based learning objectives and research in the field. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

University of Toledo offers a master's in special education online degree program designed for teachers of early childhood education (ages birth to six years of age). The program is for individuals who want to pursue professional roles in preschools or early intervention programs. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have maintained an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or better. A series of courses in curriculum foundations, psychological foundations, research foundations, and social foundations is required. Also, students have the opportunity to take an additional 18 hours of specialty courses in special education or related areas of study. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online graduate education programs rank #107 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

University of Cincinnati's special education online degrees include the master's in special education (SPED). This program is designed for special education teachers who desire to improve their skillset and knowledge as special educators in the classroom. Four concentration options are offered, including advanced studies, autism spectrum disorder, behavior disorders, and transition to work. Classes are administered online and are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Some of the courses include educational research for master's studies, foundations and trends in special education leadership, and transition strategies for individuals with disabilities. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Cincinnati the 133rd best national university and 111th best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #62 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.

George Mason University has a master's in special education online degree program that is designed to prepare students to address the complex learning styles and needs of individuals with disabilities. The degree is offered 100 percent online and consists of 30 total credits. Two supporting graduate certificate tracks are also available, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and autism spectrum disorders. The certificates require an additional 15-18 credits to complete. Core courses offered by the program include computer applications for special populations, introduction to special education, and universal design or learning. A residency or field experience is also required and may be completed near the student's geographic location. George Mason is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 140th best national university and 103rd best value school.

The online M.Ed. in special education degree program at Capella University consists of six core courses, four specialization courses, and one capstone. Students explore the most current teaching strategies and participate in field experience applicable to the special education field. Classes are delivered online and are taught by university professors. These courses include assessment and planning for students with disabilities, communication and collaboration for special education, and instruction for students with disabilities. The program and school are NCATE-accredited, and Capella has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top, though unranked, national university.

Saint Joseph's University offers an accredited online master's in special education program that takes two years to complete. The program also offers several in-demand certifications that can be completed alongside the special education master's degree. These certifications may include applied behavior analysis concentration, autism spectrum disorders endorsement, Wilson reading system certification, and special education certification. Admission requirements to the master's program include an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 2.8 GPA, and level 1 teacher certification. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the North and the 34th best value school.

One of the more affordable special education online degrees on our list is the M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a special education concentration from Southern New Hampshire University. This fully online program is open to experienced teachers who want to earn additional knowledge in the area of special ed. The program includes 12 courses, three of which focus on special education. Some of the online courses include evidence-based research for education, leadership in teaching and learning, and the educator as leader. Southern New Hampshire is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North, the 83rd best value school, and the #1 most innovative school in the country.

Pennsylvania State University offers one of the few master's in special education online degree programs with emphasis areas in academic and behavioral supports, applied behavior analysis, and autism. Students complete 32 credits of full-time study to earn the master's degree in just one calendar year, though part-time enrollment options are also available. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include introduction to research in special education, teaching learners with disabilities in inclusive settings, and a capstone seminar in special education. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Penn State as the 52nd best national university and 114th best value school in the country.