OVERVIEW
Become a Licensed Special Education Teacher
听
The special education degree programs at 91探花 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探花, you become a credentialed expert, ready to help students.
Our special education curriculum integrates research-based concepts from the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading. From the beginning, you鈥檒l 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 today鈥檚 diverse classrooms.
You鈥檒l 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, you鈥檒l be ready to meet teacher certification requirements in your state, enabling you to teach special education.
Two Programs to Choose From
- Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure): This version of our special education program is for individuals who are seeking an elementary education teaching license and a special education teaching licensure for grades K-12.
- Special Education (Mild to Moderate): This version of our special education program is for individuals who are looking to obtain licensure as a special education teacher for grades K-12.
Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) 鈥 B.A.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K鈥12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure鈥攅lementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
- Tuition:听$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 K鈥12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the听B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate)听online teaching degree.听
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听student teaching.听
Special Education (Mild to Moderate) 鈥 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 K鈥12 special education.
- Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
- Tuition:听$3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
听If your state requires鈥攐r if you're interested in鈥攄ual licensure in both elementary education and K鈥12 special education, consider the听B.A. Special Education (K鈥12) 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 term鈥攔ather than per credit鈥攈elps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!听
COURSES
Special & Elementary Education Courses
A highly relevant elementary and special ed curriculum developed by education experts.
At 91探花, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical鈥攁ll to help you show that you know your stuff.
91探花鈥檚 special education programs provide 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. You鈥檒l delve into critical topics like the Science of Learning, the Science of Reading, and the latest in education technology. Additionally, you鈥檒l 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. You鈥檒l also engage in augmented reality experiences to practice your skills before entering the classroom. Coupled with preclinical experiences, these courses ensure you鈥檙e ready to make an impact on day one.
Program Structure
As a mostly online program, you鈥檒l complete coursework independently, guided by 91探花 faculty and supported by your Program Mentor. Some courses may be waived through transfer credits. You鈥檒l 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
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.
91探花 vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
听
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
听
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探花?
You Aren't On Your Own
91探花 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探花.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose 91探花 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探花 can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at 91探花, 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,
搁别肠辞驳苍颈锄别诲鈩
One important measure of a degree鈥檚 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探花 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 credit鈥攁nd empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly鈥91探花 helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
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探花 graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most 91探花 students qualify for financial aid, and 91探花 is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.听
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
听
*91探花 undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the听Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life鈥攁nd All the Demands on Your Time
At 91探花, we understand that you鈥檝e got professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That鈥檚 why we offer a flexible approach to higher education. You鈥檒l 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探花 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.鈥
鈥擪risty 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 K鈥12 classrooms, self-contained classrooms, or resource rooms. You may also serve as a teacher of record (K鈥8) 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 state鈥檚 corresponding license).听
Return on Your Investment
Many 91探花 graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:听2024 Harris Poll听of 1,655 91探花 graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of 91探花 graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one 91探花 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.
鈥擴.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
91探花 Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country
Graduates of 91探花's School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
- Inclusive K鈥12 classrooms
- Middle/junior high schools
- High schools
- Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the 91探花 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 bachelor鈥檚, post-baccalaureate, or master鈥檚 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 student鈥檚 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探花 program.
91探花鈥檚 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探花 Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
If you鈥檝e 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探花 degree. You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or asociate degree transcripts.
91探花鈥檚 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探花.
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探花 will conduct听 a transcript evaluation. Your experience may waive some of your requirements.
Compare Special Education Bachelor's Programs
Ready to Start?