What You Should Know About This Degree
Special education programs are comparable to elementary, middle, and high school education programs. All of these programs prepare you to work with students in a classroom setting, but a special education degree is unique in that it helps you develop the knowledge and skills you need to teach children with different considerations.
Whether you need a degree in special education or a general teaching degree depends on the state you intend to teach in. Regardless of the degree options for your school or state, it’s important to seek out a school accredited through a CHEA-recognized organization to ensure high academic standards.
Between 2019 and 2029, there’s a projected 3% growth rate among special education teachers, which is on par with the average across all occupations. Because federal laws require funding for special education programs, teachers are less likely to experience lay-offs. The most significant growth is expected for special education in kindergarten and elementary schools, followed by high schools and then middle schools.
If you intend to teach in a public school setting, you’re required to obtain licensing through your state’s Department of Education. Licensing fees, procedures, and renewal requirements vary by state.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in special education programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Depending on the degree program you choose, coursework may be entirely self-paced (asynchronous), or your class may meet virtually at set times (synchronous). If you’re opting for an online degree program, finding out whether a course is offered synchronously or asynchronously can help you manage your schedule and choose the format that fits your needs.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? As a full-time student, it takes between three to five years to complete a special education degree program, depending on the number of credits you take per semester.
As you’re researching special education degree programs, it’s important to pay attention to deadlines, including application, course selection, and financial aid application deadlines. Submitting a FAFSA is the first step toward earning your degree.