Becoming a special education teacher is a rewarding career choice. With the right training, you can help students with diverse learning needs thrive in school and beyond. If you’re asking, how to get a bachelor’s degree in special education, this guide will take you through every step.
We’ll cover program types, timelines, admission requirements, coursework, certification, costs, salary expectations, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan your path toward a career in special education.
Quick Steps: Earning a Special Education Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re short on time, here’s the process in seven simple steps:
Finish high school or earn a GED.
Apply to an accredited special education program (online, on-campus, or hybrid).
Take courses in teaching methods, psychology, and special education law.
Complete observation and student teaching hours.
Graduate with your bachelor’s degree.
Pass your state certification or licensure exam.
Begin your career as a licensed special education teacher.
Most students complete their degree in about four years full-time.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education?
A Bachelor’s in Special Education prepares you to teach students with disabilities in inclusive or specialized classrooms. The degree combines:
Theory: Child development, instructional design, behavior management.
Practice: Student teaching, classroom observation, and hands-on training.
Common Degree Options
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Special Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Special Education
Dual programs: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education (for teaching both general and special education).
This degree is usually the minimum requirement to become a certified special education teacher in the U.S.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Special Education?
The time required depends on the program type:
Traditional programs: ~4 years (full-time).
Online or part-time: 5–6 years (flexible pacing).
Accelerated programs: 2.5–3 years (ideal for transfer students or fast-track learners).
Many universities now offer special education bachelor’s degree online programs. Coursework is online, while student teaching is arranged at local schools.
How to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education?
There are three ways to get a bachelor’s degree in special education. Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid. Now, let’s discuss these degrees details.
Online Programs
Pros: Flexible, often more affordable, accessible anywhere.
Cons: Requires self-discipline; student teaching still done in person.
On-Campus Programs
Pros: Face-to-face support, peer interaction, campus resources.
Cons: Less flexible; higher living and commuting costs.
Hybrid Programs
Mix of online courses with some in-person classes.
Great for working professionals seeking balance.
Combined Degrees
A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education allows you to earn dual certification, making you more versatile in the job market.
Admission and Application Requirements
To apply for a special education bachelor’s program, you’ll typically need:
High school diploma or GED.
GPA of 2.5–3.0 or higher.
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT; some schools are test-optional).
Letters of recommendation.
A personal essay about your teaching goals.
Tips for a Strong Application
Highlight volunteer or work experience with children.
Explain why you want to teach in special education.
Apply early to maximize scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal aid: Apply with the FAFSA.
Scholarships: Offered by universities and education associations.
TEACH Grant: Up to $4,000 per year for students planning to teach in high-need areas like special education.
Coursework and Student Teaching
Core Courses
Introduction to Special Education
Psychology of Learning and Development
Behavior and Classroom Management
Inclusive Teaching Strategies
Assessment and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Special Education Law and Ethics
Practicum and Student Teaching
Observation hours: Early experience in classrooms.
Student teaching: A semester working under a certified teacher.
Capstone project or portfolio: Showcasing your teaching skills.
These experiences prepare you for the real-world challenges of teaching.
Certification and Licensure
Graduating isn’t the final step—you’ll also need certification to teach. Most states require:
Passing a teaching certification exam (such as Praxis).
Completing a background check.
Applying for licensure with the state Department of Education.
Some states also offer alternative certification for those who need to start teaching quickly, but a bachelor’s degree is still required.
Career Outcomes and Salary
Salary Expectations
Average salary (U.S.): $61,820 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Entry-level: $45,000–$50,000.
Experienced: $70,000+.
Pay varies by state, school district, and grade level.
Possible Careers
Special Education Teacher (K–12)
Inclusion Specialist
Resource Teacher
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Education Program Coordinator
Program Costs and Scholarships
Costs vary by school:
Public universities (in-state): $10,000–$15,000 per year.
Private universities: $25,000–$40,000 per year.
Online programs: Often cheaper, charged per credit hour.
Funding Options
Federal grants and loans.
Scholarships from universities or teacher associations.
Loan forgiveness programs for teachers in high-need schools.
Next Journey on How to Get a Master’s Degree in Special Education
While a bachelor’s degree prepares you for entry-level teaching roles, earning a master’s degree in special education can take your career to the next level. It opens doors to leadership positions, specialized teaching roles, and higher earning potential. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Meet the Admission Requirements
Most universities require applicants to have:
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
A valid teaching license (in many states).
Minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher).
Recommendation letters, personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores.
2. Choose the Right Program
You’ll find several options depending on your career goals:
M.Ed. in Special Education: Focuses on teaching strategies and classroom practice.
M.A. or M.S. in Special Education: Emphasizes research, theory, and leadership.
Online Master’s in Special Education: Flexible for working teachers.
If you want to balance work and study, look for online or hybrid programs that allow part-time learning.
3. Complete Coursework and Specializations
Master’s programs typically take 1.5 to 2 years full-time (longer if part-time). Common areas of focus include:
Autism spectrum disorders
Learning disabilities
Emotional and behavioral disorders
Assistive technology in education
Inclusive classroom strategies
4. Gain Field Experience or Practicum
Many programs include a practicum or internship, allowing you to apply advanced teaching methods in real classroom settings under supervision.
5. Earn Your Degree and Consider Licensure
Once you graduate, you may qualify for advanced teaching certifications or administrative roles, depending on your state’s licensing requirements.
6. Career Opportunities with a Master’s
With a master’s in special education, you can pursue roles such as:
Special education coordinator
Instructional specialist
Inclusive education consultant
Higher-paying special education teacher
Special education program director
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Special Education
Higher Salary: Teachers with a master’s degree typically earn more.
Job Security: Growing demand for qualified special educators.
Career Growth: Opportunities in leadership, research, and curriculum design.
Specialized Knowledge: Deeper expertise to better support students with disabilities.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in special education?
Most programs take four years full-time. Accelerated programs may take less.
Can I get this degree online?
Yes. Coursework can be completed online, though student teaching is always in-person.
What salary can I expect after graduation?
On average, special education teachers earn around $60,000, with pay increasing by experience and location.
Do I need a master’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is enough for most teaching jobs, though some states require a master’s for advanced roles.
What is student teaching?
It’s a supervised semester in a classroom where you practice teaching under guidance.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey in Special Education
Getting a bachelor’s degree in special education is the foundation of a meaningful career. With this degree, you’ll gain the skills to support students with diverse needs and open doors to a stable, rewarding profession.
Whether you study online, on campus, or through a hybrid program, the steps are straightforward: apply, complete coursework and student teaching, graduate, and earn certification. From there, you’ll be ready to make a difference in classrooms every day.
If you’re ready to start, begin researching accredited programs, exploring financial aid, and mapping out your timeline. The sooner you begin, the closer you’ll be to becoming a licensed special education teacher.