Consider Your Future Goals
An online master’s in special education suits initial license seekers and practicing teachers who want to earn higher salaries and advance to administrative roles. Some programs prepare students to pursue state teaching licensure or certification, while others serve learners who hold teaching credentials already or expect to pursue careers that do not require licensure.
Pro Tip
Since most public school districts use salary schedules, a master’s degree generally leads to a guaranteed salary increase for classroom teachers.
An online master’s in special education also helps aspiring teachers who have never worked in a classroom. Many of these degrees meet requirements for initial licensure. Once employed, new master’s degree holders may automatically earn higher pay according to their district’s salary schedule.
To meet licensure requirements, you generally need to complete a certain number of fieldwork hours and pass either the Praxis® or an equivalent exam. If you don’t have teaching experience, choose a program that incorporates these fieldwork hours as an internship and/or practicum.
If you already hold a license but want to earn a master’s to increase your salary and advancement options, you may want to choose a more flexible program without a field experience component.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 programs in our guide range from $300 to $781. Full programs require 27 to 43 credits, putting total tuition between $8,100 and $32,250.
During the 2022–2023 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that graduate students at public colleges paid an average tuition of $11,554, while private school students paid $20,015. Many master’s programs take two years to complete, totaling $23,108 or $40,030. In comparison, many online master’s in special education programs are relatively affordable.
To receive federal financial assistance, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Through the FAFSA, you can access opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Nonprofit organizations and individual schools may also offer many of these aid opportunities.
