What You Should Know About This Degree
Cost can be a major factor for students who are considering whether to pursue an online master’s degree in special education. Tuition for graduate programs is often charged on a per-credit basis, so look at the number of credits the program requires and the tuition rate to get a picture of the overall cost.
As a graduate student, you may still have outstanding loans from your undergraduate degree and may wish to consolidate them before taking new loans for your graduate degree. There is a limit to the amount of money you can borrow through federal student aid, which may be an issue if you used federal loans for your undergraduate studies.
Online programs do allow you to continue working while you pursue further education, but it can be difficult to juggle study with work and other obligations. It’s important you have the self-motivation, time management, and organizational skills to keep up with studies, as well as access to reliable internet and electronic devices.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online master’s in special education degree programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? The admission requirements for an online master’s in special education can vary widely between schools, so it’s important to check with schools before applying. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and for some programs, you also need a teaching license and experience.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? You can find online master’s of special education courses offered both synchronously and asynchronously. Asynchronous formats, which don’t require you to be online at a specific time for classes, are becoming more popular as students look for study options that fit around other responsibilities.
- How long does it take to complete an online master’s in special education? The exact amount of time it takes to complete a master’s in special education differs depending on the school and the structure of the program. For most degrees, you need to complete at least 30 credit hours, and this takes 1-2 years for a full-time student.
- What tests are required for an online special education program? Some schools ask for GRE scores when assessing applications. Check admission guidelines before applying to make sure you meet the school’s requirements.