Master’s in Special Education Online Degree

Earn Your MS in Special Education

The accredited Master of Science in Special Education program equips teaching professionals with the fundamental skills, knowledge and competencies needed to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings. The MS in Special Education online program is a flexible and convenient part-time, distance-learning graduate program that gives you a comprehensive understanding of developing the potential of students with disabilities. Included in the curriculum is the coursework necessary to pursue the Pennsylvania (PA) Special Education PreK-12 certification.

Master's Degree in Special Education Concentrations

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
  The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder has increased drastically over the past decade. Consequently, there is an increasingly high-demand for professionals trained in educating children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Autism concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical field. The curriculum provides knowledge and skills for working with these students. Effective teaching methods, interventions, and support will also be emphasized.
• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process
  Special Education is a dynamic field, continually impacted by legislation, regulation and litigation. This concentration is designed for those interested in enhancing their proficiency in the procedural and substantive rules that guide the development and implementation of an appropriate education for students with disabilities. Leadership skills in areas such as collaboration, special education advocacy, IEP meeting facilitation, collaborative problem-solving and dispute resolution will be emphasized.
• Initial Teaching Certification
  In this concentration you'll learn all competencies and standards required to earn your Teaching Certification in Special Education. You'll also be prepared to be a lead teacher in your own classroom and to meet the needs of children with various disabilities.

Why Earn a Master’s in Special Education?

Careers in the special education space can be highly rewarding, and educators are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for special education teachers is expected to grow 8% over the next decade. These educators require specialized skills to meet the needs of their students. The curriculum of Drexel’s online master's degree in special education is tailored to prepare you to meet the challenges and opportunities of working with special needs populations through a variety of specialized concentrations. Upon graduation, you'll be able to pursue the Pennsylvania (PA) Special Education PreK-12 certification.

This degree prepares you for careers outside of the classroom as well. You can use the lessons learned in this program to find success in roles like a department chair or advisor for special education programs, an educational advisor for a department of education, a special education advocate, or an advisor for product development that requires a special education perspective.

FAQ: MS in Special Education

What kind of background should someone interested in a Special Education degree have?
We welcome anyone with a passion for working with students with diverse learning needs. Although not required, it is beneficial to have personal or professional experience with individuals with disabilities in any setting.

What can I do with an MS in Special Education?
Drexel's Master of Science degree in Special Education is designed to produce highly qualified professionals to expand educational horizons for all students in need. Schools are facing a severe and chronic shortage of certified special education teachers and administrators, and there has never been a better time to explore a career working with children with special needs. Drexel University's School of Education graduate degree in special education is 100 percent online, giving you the flexibility you need to advance or accelerate your career in special education teaching.

One myth is that a degree in special education means that you will only work in schools or classrooms. In fact, special educators may work in a variety of settings including advocacy organizations, state departments of education, district administration, businesses, and you may even provide services in the homes of learners.

What are the salary expectations for this type of work?
Salaries can vary based on your location, years of experience, and exact job title. However, some common job titles and salaries for professionals with a background in special education include:

• Elementary School Teacher - $70,740
• Elementary and Secondary Schools Counselors - $74,910
• Special Education Teacher - $73,520

Source: BLS, 2024

How quickly can you earn this degree? If I can’t commit to the full master’s degree, is there a certificate program?
The MS program is 48 credits and can be completed in just under 2 years.

There are 6 post-baccalaureate certificate programs, including a certificate program in special education for educators who already hold a teaching certification and are adding on special education. This program can be completed in 5 quarters or just over one year.

Other certificate programs are comprised of 4-5 courses and can be completed in about one year.

What makes Drexel’s MS in Special Education unique?
Drexel faculty have extensive experience in the special education field and bring that experience to the classroom where they bridge theory to practice, specifically with implementing evidence-based practices in today’s classrooms. Plus, our special education courses are fully online and asynchronous so you can complete coursework on your own time.

Experiential learning or field experience is embedded throughout our degree and certificate programs. You can complete the experience in your local area coordinated by our field placement office in the School of Education.

Learn more about what makes Drexel's MS in Special Education program unique:

Our MS in Special Education Graduates Make a Difference

Graduate Ashley Swestyn worked to help parents learn their rights in regard to their children's special education. Read her story.

Learn More About Our Master’s in Special Education Online Program

Archived Webinars

• How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
• Online Open House: Special Education Programs

Related Programs

• MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Special Education Leadership
• Online Certificate in Social Emotional Learning & Behavioral Wellness

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.