Pursuing one of the Top 20 Cheap Master’s in Special Education Online allows teaching graduates to develop teaching skills and an understanding of students who represent diverse experiences, identities, and communities. 
It’s undeniable that some of the most important roles we can fill for today’s youth and the coming generations are that of teachers. For special education students, these roles must be filled by professionals who engage with teaching through transformative and innovative methods.
Becoming a Special Education teacher requires students to study learning disabilities, sociology, psychology, and how to accommodate individual students while helping them develop new skills. Master’s programs in Special Education take this advancement of skills very seriously and combine necessary coursework involving in-depth and specialized topics.
While the majority of Special Education graduates fulfill jobs within the conventional classroom setting, Special Education teachers also work within federal facilities to provide education to inmates. Graduates can also apply their degrees toward a Doctorate of Education to teach Special Education Teaching at the Masters-level, or find work on the administrative-level, as well.
Online graduates can continue their careers in Special Education on the internet as well. According to ZipRecruiter.com, there is a demand for virtual special education teachers in New York, California, Minnesota, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Alaska. The average salary for virtual special education teachers in the United States is reportedly $52,709 per year.
There are several online Master’s degree options for studying Special Education that provide an equivalent education to that of residential programs. With that said, however, prospective students must check application requirements of individual programs because their requirements vary. Some universities are open to those with no teaching experience, and others expect candidates to have already professional experience under their belt.
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Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
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- Cost Value (25%)
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- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the 20 Cheap Master’s in Special Education Online Degree Programs for 2020!
20. University of Memphis – Memphis, TN
Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education
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The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from the University of Memphis is designed to prepare students for initial certification for Special Education in Modified. This licensure allows students to teach children with mild disabilities or developmental delays. With this as the curriculum’s center goal, training is much like that of a traditional teaching program, but with special emphasis on behavior management, the inclusion of children with disabilities, and the role of special educators in comparison to regular educators. Students of UM can earn their MATSE online through the Global Campus, which promises flexible course schedules and classes that are specifically designed to make the best out of an online setting.
Net Price: $9,317 / $21,029
19. University of West Alabama – Livingston, AL
Master of Education in Special Education with Collaborative Teacher
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The Master of Education in Special Education with Collaborative Teacher program from the University of West Alabama is available entirely online and completable within 1-2 years, preparing students for teaching certification within the state of Alabama. The M.Ed. equips students with the knowledge and skillsets necessary to provide developmentally appropriate instruction to students in sixth through 12th grade. Graduates will often be working with students who have either cognitive, behavioral, physical, or multiple disabilities. Specific course topics include educational planning, statistics, technology, and communication skills. The curriculum is best-fitted for those who are already educators and looking for career advancement or further qualifications.
Net Price: $9,204 / $16,818
18. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
Master of Education in Special Education
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The Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Arkansas is a 36-credit degree program that takes around two years to finish. Coursework is completed entirely online, although the required practicum will take place at a designated school location. The program offers two different paths: one for those who already have teaching licenses, and for those who need one. Course topics will vary based on which category the candidate falls into. However, all students will take courses that prepare them to work with students with disabilities from kindergarten through grade 12. Specific course topics include Professional and Family Partnerships; Research Methods; Teaching Literacy Skills; Legal Aspects of Special Education; and more.
Net Price: $9,062 / $24,308
17. North Carolina State University at Raleigh – Raleigh, NC
Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education
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The Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Special Education from North Carolina State University is earned through both online and on-campus coursework, with face-to-face classes making up about 25% of course hours. The 33-credit program covers topics like Exploring Diversity in Classroom and Community; Inquiry and Professional Development; Classroom Action Research; and Organization and Behavioral Management. Earning the program will prepare students to teach in K-12 schools in the US, with an NC teaching license in Special Education. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree but not a valid NC teaching license. Scheduling is flexible, with an allowance of part or full-time enrollment.
Net Price: $9,058 / $27,406
16. University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Lincoln, NE
Master’s in Special Education
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Master of Arts and Master of Education in Special Education, both of which can be completed online with specializations in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education; Early Childhood Special Education; and Visual Impairments. Both options require written, and oral comprehensive exams and those in the MA program can complete a thesis if they wish. The Department of Special Education on-campus centers its’ curricula around educational, clinical, and research activities. All students will graduate with skills in assisting individuals with their special education needs or those who have communication disorders. While a majority of the courses are available online, speech-language pathology and audiology topics are possible only online.
Net Price: $8,978 / $24,098
15. Indiana State University – Terre Haute, IN
Master of Science in Special Education
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The Master of Science in Special Education from Indiana State University is designed for students in pursuing advanced careers in special education within private and public social services. The degree is offered entirely online and is structured around the licensures and accomplishments their students have already received. The 39-credit program usually takes 14 months if students are on a full-time pace. Course topics include Collaboration Strategies, Assistive Technology, Research in Education, School and Society, and more. Program applications are only open to U.S. students.
Net Price: $8,916 / $19,452
14. Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Master of Education in Special Education
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Texas Tech University offers an entirely online Master of Education in Special Education degree, with the only prerequisite being that applicants have a Bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to prepare professional educators with specific advanced competencies in Special Education. Multiple specialization areas are offered, including Deafblindness, Educational Diagnostician, Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, and General Special Education. Each specialization takes about 36 credits, and there are research assistantships available to students for funding. Course topics might include Problems and Trends in Special Education, Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Children, and Instructional Strategies for Teaching. All students complete a final examination, and internships are typically required.
Net Price: $8,860 / $18,652
13. Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, AR
Master of Arts in Teaching with Special Education
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Arkansas State University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education K-12 that can be earned entirely online. Considered an accelerated program, students can be prepared to start teaching just after their first semester, as few as 14 weeks! It can also take as little as one year to complete all 36 credits. Teaching certification is not required for admittance, so many enter the program with a variety of backgrounds in the field. Course topics include Effective Teaching with Diverse Populations, Educational Procedures, Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emergent Literacy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support.
Net Price: $8,478 / $14,778
12. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
Master of Education in Special Education
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The Master of Education in Special Education from the University of North Dakota trains students to support all individuals with diverse learning and behavioral needs. The M.Ed. provides a curriculum centered around advocacy and professional and academic excellence. The entire 32-credit program takes about a year and a half to complete, as students can pace themselves through part or full-time schedules. Eight specializations are offered, which include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and Visual Impairments are just some. Faculty members are interdisciplinary trained, meaning students benefit from a wide array of expertise drawn from related fields.
Net Price: $8,447 / $20,047
11. West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV
Master of Arts in Special Education
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West Virginia University’s Master of Arts in Special Education can be earned online through live synchronous class meetings, alongside required field/clinical experiences in their home community. Applicants must have a passing score on the Praxis Core exam or a teaching certificate with two years experience, or another Master’s degree in education or a related field. The 12-course program is made up of coursework in Technology Applications, Classroom/Behavioral Management, Academic Interventions, Legal/Educational Foundations, and Collaborative-Consultative Inclusion Strategies. From there, students work towards completing a culminating project at the end of their time in the program.
Net Price: $8,376 / $23,616
10. Kentucky State University – Frankfort, KY
Master of Arts in Special Education
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Kentucky State University’s online Master of Arts in Special Education is designed to ensure flexibility for students who are dedicated to children with special needs in kindergarten through 12th grade. Coursework can be completed at any time, as not all meetings are synchronous. As an accelerated program, many prospective applicants are eager to gain employment in the field immediately upon graduation. The 11-course program includes topics like Inclusion, Collaboration, and Advocacy; Prescriptive Teaching; Methods/Strategies Behavior Management; and Research in Special Education. While coursework is completed online, students must complete 200 hours of fieldwork, typically through a practicum or student teaching experience.
Net Price: $8,184 / $19,638
9. University of Idaho – Moscow, ID
Master of Education in Special Education
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The Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Idaho provides educational opportunities for certified teachers to obtain a master’s degree that is dedicated to them as skilled and knowledge special education teachers. The online program is made up of synchronous and asynchronous components, and each student benefits from the specialized design of their major with the support of a professor or advisor. Courses are divided into different overarching categories that make up the field: Philosophy and School Organization, Curriculum, Assessment, Research, and Communication are just some. All will complete a Capstone Portfolio, but no field experience is required as assumedly, students have already been working in related fields.
Net Price: $7,488 / $23,812
8. Appalachian State University – Boone, NC
Master of Arts in Special Education
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Appalachian State University’s Master of Arts in Special Education is a 36 credit program that is completed a part-time schedule only and is offered in a predominantly hybrid format. The curriculum builds skills and strategies that are specific to the education of students who have special needs. Students will focus on ways of implemented specialized teaching, creating effective and inclusive curricula, and working with other professionals in the field. Coursework is rooted in evidence-based and research-based practices. Students complete two classes per semester and with evening meeting times, except for the occasionally available online or weekend meetings. Applicants must only have a bachelor’s degree, and for those with an undergraduate degree of 3.0 or better, no GRE or MAT scores are required.
Net Price: $7,302 / $22,109
7. Florida International University – Miami, FL
Master of Science in Special Education – Autism Endorsement
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Florida International University’s Master of Science in Special Education offers an Autism Endorsement specialization. The degree is earned entirely online and is centered around the advanced training and skills necessary to fulfill the needs of children in special education. This degree specifically leads to the Florida Autism Endorsement. Coursework also places particular emphasis on classroom-based research and the necessary preparation for working with culturally and linguistically diverse learners and communities. Specific course topics include Advanced Theory and Research; Instructional Technology; Integration of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction; and Collaborative Approaches. After completing core coursework for the MS in Special Education, students go onto courses dedicated to the specialization of Autism.
Net Price: $6,556 / $18,954
6. University of South Florida – Tampa, FL
Master of Arts in Teaching in Exceptional Student Education
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The Master of Arts in Teaching in Exceptional Student Education from the University of South Florida leads to the master’s degree and teacher certification in Exceptional Student Education in the state of Florida. Students may also pursue endorsements in both ESOL and Reading upon graduation. The 50-credit hour program requires field experiences in Pre-K through 12 classrooms, as many students entire with backgrounds in other fields and little to no teaching experience. Course topics include Creating Positive Learning Environments, Implementing and Evaluating Programs, and Developing Individualized Programs. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and have passed the GRE or GKT tests.
Net Price: $6,410 / $17,324
5. Georgia Southern University – Statesboro, GA
Master of Education in Special Education
Website
The Master of Education in Special Education from Georgia Southern University is a fully online program designed for those who hold a Georgia level four Certificate or equivalent Special Education certification. The program can be earned in one to two years with a curriculum focused on the importance of developmentally appropriate practices and the value of diverse field experiences. Specific coursework includes Educational Research, Linking Literacy Assessment with Instruction, Language Development, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Students will also pick a concentration area based on the area that they’re already certified in Moderate-Severe Disabilities-Adaptive Curriculum or Mild Disabilities-General Curriculum.
Net Price: $6,356 / $17,142
4. Emporia State University – Emporia, KS
Master of Science in Special Education
Website
Emporia State University’s Master of Science in Special Education offers a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders; High Incidence; or Gifted, Talented, and Creative. Applicants to the program and for each concentration area should have both their bachelor’s degree and licensure that has enabled them to gain teaching experience or work as a paraeducator. This requirement of already being in the field allows students to complete their practicum. Each specialization within the Master of Science in Special Education is designed to prepare candidates to better support the needs of students, teachers, schools, and special education administrators in Kansas. Advanced course topics will vary based on the selected concentration, but some examples include Theories of Learning and Assistive Technology.
Net Price: $6,345 / $19,918
3. Western Governors University – Millcreek, UT
Master of Science in Special Education
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Western Governors University awards a Master of Science in Special Education K-12, open to those who are already working as skilled teachers who love helping others and now are in pursuit of expertise and credentials that’ll help them better support children with special needs. The online degree is considered a cross-categorical program, meaning that students will take courses spanning a variety of disabilities and topics within the greater field. Students complete coursework and a capstone project, as well as 240 hours of in-class supervised teaching. Scheduling is flexible with a majority of students taking between nine and 26 months to earn the degree.
Net Price: $6,070
2. University of Texas of the Permian Basin – Odessa, TX
Master of Arts in Special Education
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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers a Master of Arts in Special Education that can be earned entirely online and in as little as 12 months. The 36 credit program is made up of eight-week long courses covering topics like Educational Psychology, Research Design, Behavior Management and Social Skills, and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Electives will allow even further specialized knowledge within the field, in whatever topic best suits the ambitions of the student. The curriculum is dedicated to equipping candidates with skills necessary to enrich the lives of students and their families, with specific analysis of cultural diversity, theories of behavior, human ontological development, and more.
Net Price: $5,782 / $6,622
1. Fort Hays State University – Hays, KS
Master of Science in High-Incidence Special Education
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The Master of Science in High-Incidence Special Education from Fort Hays State University prepares students to support the practical needs and challenges of today’s educators of special needs students. The 36 credit program can be earned online with no on-campus requirements and is typically received within 18-24 months. The curriculum is centered around action research, best praxis, and a case study approach to learning. Students are assured flexible and convenient schedules in the program’s intensive coursework, as well as personalized faculty mentorship. Courses include Behavior Management in Schools (which is combined with a Practicum), Theories of Exceptionalities and Diversity, Methods and Materials for Exceptional Students, and Assessment and Lab in Special Education.
Net Price: $5,009 / $14,832
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