Special Education Degrees
Individuals who want to have a positive impact in the lives of children who need special assistance in their academic development may want to consider a degree in special education. Special Education Teachers provide specialized attention to students who have a disability that prevents them from succeeding in a classroom without extra support. Degree programs in special education train future teachers to work with these special students.
Special Education degree holders are currently in high demand as school departments struggle to find qualified educators to support their special needs students. The need for special educators is expected to continue growing over the next decade.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – An associate's degree in special education will prepare students to be a classroom aide for special needs students. Note that some states require a bachelor's degree for these positions.
- Bachelor's Degree – Those with a bachelor's degree in special education will typically become special needs teachers in public and private schools.
- Master's Degree – A masters degree in special education is required in some states to become a licensed special needs educator. This degree may also prepare students to become supervisors or administrators.
- Doctoral Degree – Doctoral programs will prepare students to take on administrative roles or to become a college level instructor of special needs education.
Schools
Special education degree programs are offered by numerous universities and colleges including online colleges. Some schools offer part-time programs which allows students to earn their degree while continuing to work or raise a family.
Coursework
The following is a list of the types of classes a special education degree program would include in addition to core courses:
- Behavior Management
- Educating Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
- Characteristics of Learning Disabilities
- Assessing Students with Disabilities
- IEP and Transition Planning
- Reading Development for Special Populations
- Psychoeducational Assessment
Interests and Aptitudes
Special Education Teachers must have a desire to help students who have learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, autism, health impairments and/or developmental disabilities. They must be very patient, organized and able to motivate students. Since each special needs student has individual strengths and weaknesses, special needs educators must be creative in how they work with each student.
Career Options
The majority of graduates of special education degree programs will work as Special Education Teachers in a public or private schools, working with students who have mild to moderate disabilities. A small number of graduates will work with severely disabled students, focusing on life skills and basic education. Those who earn advanced degrees may work in administration or as a college level instructor.
Related Majors
- Elementary School Education
- Middle School Education
- Secondary School Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
How To Evaluate Special Education Degree Programs
The following factors should be considered when choosing a special education degree program:- Licensing Requirements – Each state has its own requirements for Special Education Teacher licensing. Students need to verify the program under consideration meets the requirements in the state where they plan to work.
- Accreditation – Any program under consideration should be accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting agencies as well as by either the Teacher Education Accreditation Council or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- Convenience - A primary concern for those who are working or raising a family is the ease with which they can take courses. A program's course schedule, location and availability of online classes may be the most important factors for some students.
- Tuition and Financial Aid - Comparing the tuition and fees for each program and talking with the financial aid offices to find out what financial aid is likely to be offered, is a valuable step to take.
Resources
National Association of Special Education Teachers
Council for Exceptional Children: Professional Development
Teacher Education Accreditation Council
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
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