91勛圖厙

Skip to content Skip to Chat

Bachelor's Programs

Special Education

OVERVIEW

Become a Licensed Special Education Teacher


The special education degree programs at 91勛圖厙 will ensure you're ready to impact students, classrooms, and your community. You'll be prepared to teach students with a range of disabilities (from mild to moderate) and learning needs. You'll do your coursework online but have student teaching opportunities that give you classroom experience. When you earn your teaching degree online from 91勛圖厙, you become a credentialed expert, ready to help students.

Our curriculum integrates research-based concepts from the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading. From the beginning, youll experience clinical practice opportunities that start with embedded virtual simulations and progress into in-person classroom experiences. These hands-on experiences, coupled with advanced coursework, ensure that you are well-prepared to make a difference in todays diverse classrooms.

Youll complete your coursework online, with practical, in-classroom experiences, including early clinical, advanced clinical, and a student teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor. Upon graduation, youll be ready to meet teacher certification requirements in your state, enabling you to teach special education.

Two Programs to Choose From

Education
COMPARE

Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensureelementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.

  • Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
  • Tuition:泭$3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 45 total courses in this program (46 for Washington residents).

(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the泭B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate)泭online teaching degree.泭

Concepts included in this program:

  • Elementary Reading Methods
  • Elementary Mathematics Methods
  • Elementary Social Studies Methods
  • Elementary Science Methods
  • Language Arts Instruction and Intervention

This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time泭student teaching.泭

Education
COMPARE

Special Education (Mild to Moderate) B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K12 special education.

  • Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
  • Tuition:泭$3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 38 total courses in this program.

泭If your state requiresor if you're interested indual licensure in both elementary education and K12 special education, consider the泭B.A. Special Education (K12) program.

Concepts included in this program:

  • Lesson Planning
  • Ethics
  • Behavioral Support Strategies
  • Educational Psychology & Development
  • Classroom Management

This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,825

Tuition charged per termrather than per credithelps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!泭

Ready to Start Your 91勛圖厙 Journey?

Next Start Date: {{startdate}}

Start Dates the 1st of Every Month

Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?

If you aren't sure which program is right for you,泭or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.

COURSES

Special & Elementary Education Courses

A highly relevant elementary and special ed curriculum developed by education experts.

At 91勛圖厙, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practicalall to help you show that you know your stuff.

91勛圖厙s special education programs provides you with the content knowledge and teaching skills necessary to become a special education instructor for students in grades K-12. The curriculum is designed to be both timely and practical, helping you excel in your teaching career.

This program includes courses that introduce key concepts early and build upon them as you progress, supporting your growth as an educator. Youll delve into critical topics like the Science of Learning, the Science of Reading, and the latest in education technology. Additionally, youll have opportunities to practice your skills in low-risk environments through virtual simulations and video-based self-reflections before advancing to in-person classroom experiences.

Eight Professional Core Courses

These foundational courses prepare you to handle unique educational situations and enhance your effectiveness as a teacher. Topics include social and emotional learning, technology integration, and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Youll also engage in augmented reality experiences to practice your skills before entering the classroom. Coupled with preclinical experiences, these courses ensure youre ready to make an impact on day one.

Program Structure

As a mostly online program, youll complete coursework independently, guided by 91勛圖厙 faculty and supported by your Program Mentor. Some courses may be waived through transfer credits. Youll progress through your courses at your own pace, completing as many as possible each term at no additional cost. This flexible structure allows you to tailor your education to your schedule and career goals.

Special Education Courses Taken in Either Program

Courses Fulfilled By Your Associate Degree

This is an unofficial estimate of your transfer credit. You may recieve more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.

Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.

Special Education
Professional Core

91勛圖厙 vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Why 91勛圖厙?

You Aren't On Your Own

91勛圖厙 has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at 91勛圖厙.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose 91勛圖厙 for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, 91勛圖厙 can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at 91勛圖厙, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 19,000 students graduated from the School of Education in 2024 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected,
賊梗釵棗眶紳勳堝梗餃

One important measure of a degrees value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. 91勛圖厙 is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

Affordable Special Education Degree Programs

By charging per six-month term rather than per creditand empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly91勛圖厙 helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
$
0
.
5
1
1
.
5
2
2
.
5
3
3
.
5
4
YEARS

A College Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of 91勛圖厙 graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most 91勛圖厙 students qualify for financial aid, and 91勛圖厙 is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.泭

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*91勛圖厙 undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the泭Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Lifeand All the Demands on Your Time

At 91勛圖厙, we understand that youve got professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. Thats why we offer a flexible approach to higher education. Youll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Expect to be challenged, to work hard, and to put in the hours needed. But 91勛圖厙 enables you to complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.

"My journey through Western Governors University was successful because of the well-educated and knowledgeable course instructors, as well as my program mentor. I loved having the independence and ability to work when I wanted without having to sit in-seat at a university. The cost is the biggest attraction to Western Governors University. It is incredibly inexpensive, which makes it possible for me, as an adult, to work full time while attending college.

Kristy Gammon
B.A. Elementary Education & Special Education

CAREER OUTLOOK

A Special Education Bachelor's Degree Opens Doors to Your Own Classroom and Beyond

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment of special education teachers in the United States to grow by more than 14,000 from 2019 to 2029. Once you have completed your special education program, you'll be ready to fill this needed role in your school district. With your new skills, knowledge, and in-classroom experience, you will be set up for a rewarding teaching career.

Graduates of this respected special education teacher degree program work in a variety of school settings, including inclusionary K12 classrooms, self-contained classrooms, or resource rooms. You may also serve as a teacher of record (K8) and teach all basic subjects in an elementary school classroom. No matter what you choose to do with this degree program, you're sure to make an impact on education. (Grade level eligibility will depend on your states corresponding license).泭

Return on Your Investment

Many 91勛圖厙 graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:泭2024 Harris Poll泭of 1,655 91勛圖厙 graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of 91勛圖厙 graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one 91勛圖厙 degree since 2017.

4%

The number of teaching positions for all special education teachers in the United States is expected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

91勛圖厙 Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of 91勛圖厙's School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusive K12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the 91勛圖厙 School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Special Education Dual Licensure and Mild-to-Moderate Bachelor's Program Requirements

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelors, post-baccalaureate, or masters program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Student Teaching. (Registering and paying for the test is the students responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your 91勛圖厙 program.

91勛圖厙s teacher licensure programs also include Student Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Student Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

An can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an 91勛圖厙 Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

If youve taken courses, have earned certifications, or received a degree from a community college or another university, you're likely already well on your way to a 91勛圖厙 degree. You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or asociate degree transcripts.

91勛圖厙s curriculum structure is competency-based, allowing you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to your education. Students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree usually qualify for upper-division standing at 91勛圖厙.

Depending on your degree program, you may qualify for additional requirement waivers. If you have completed some college coursework but have not earned a degree, 91勛圖厙 will conduct泭 a transcript evaluation. Your experience may waive some of your requirements.

Compare Special Education Bachelor's Programs

Average Time to Completion
Tuition Per 6 Months
Average Salary Increase
Career Opportunities

Average salary increase two years post-graduation, provided by Equifax.

Average time for graduate completion calculated internally by 91勛圖厙.

Ready to Start?