By TED Staff
October 2017
A master’s degree in special education is a great next step in your academic career. Being able to achieve this goal while still meeting your personal and professional responsibilities is truly a marvel of the modern age. This list of the top 20 best online master’s in special education programs was put together to help you make the best choice of program for your particular focus.
In compiling this list, we considered tuition value (ten points), the amount of individual attention a school provides (based on their reported student to faculty ratio, ten points) and curriculum relevancy (ten points). An additional five point bonus was awarded in cases of national recognition for an excellent program or exceptional student services.
Tuition figures in the bullet point above the program review are the reported out-of-state, graduate tuition figures from the National Center for Education Statistics, a service of the US government. Enrollment and student to faculty ratios also come from this source. Any tuition figure quoted in the school review itself is from that school’s website and may differ from the above-reported rate.
#20 – The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Website
Points: 20
Enrollment: 43,161
Tuition: $31,124
The University of Arizona has academic skills coaches on staff to start your online education off as smoothly as possible. With a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, their online Master of Arts in Special Education: Behavior Support is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in special services in the schools and ethical issues in behavior analysis. The University of Arizona offers a 24/7 technical support center, so you are always connected to a solution for your technical woes. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#19 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Website
Points: 20
Enrollment: 55,003
Tuition: $21,393
Florida International University is the largest university, enrollment wise, in Miami, Florida. With a student to faculty ratio of 27:1, their online Master of Science in Special Education: Autism Endorsement is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in foundations of educational research and instructional technology. Florida International University estimates the total cost of this program at $18,300 for residents and nonresidents, alike. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#18 – West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 28,488
Tuition: $23,238
Some of the values espoused by West Virginia University are innovation, tirelessness, and caring. With a student to faculty ratio of 19:1, their online Master of Arts in Special Education is a credit hour program that offers one concentration (applied behavior analysis) and four certifications (early childhood special education, gifted education, multi-categorical special education, and severe/multiple disabilities). West Virginia University offers enrollment coaches and academic advisors to guide you through the online school process. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#17 – University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 14,648
Tuition: $19,184
The University of North Dakota was named the #1 Fittest College in America. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online Master of Science or Master of Education in Special Education is a 32+ credit hour program that offers nine specializations: autistic spectrum disorders, early childhood special education, emotional disturbance, general special education, gifted/talented, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, special education strategist, and visual impairment. The University of North Dakota charges all online graduate students in this program the North Dakota resident rate of $382.89 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#16 – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 9,038
Tuition: $18,590
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was founded in 1931. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education & Special Education mild/moderate, grade 6-12 is a 42 credit hour program that includes coursework in classroom management and organization and utilization of instructional technologies. The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s online graduate tuition rate is $500.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#15 – University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 43,774
Tuition: $17,100
The University of Houston is a Tier One research facility that was established in 1927. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online Master of Education in Special Populations is a 36 credit hour program that offers two emphases: special education and gifted and talented. The University of Houston charges online students in this program a tuition rate of $404 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#14 – Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 65,632
Tuition: $15,953
Texas A&M University began its storied history in 1876 as the Lone Star State’s first institution of higher learning. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online Master of Science or Master of Education in Special Education is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in bilingual special education and applied behavior management. Texas A&M University’s graduate education tuition rate is $1,511.97 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#13 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 84,289
Tuition: $6,500
Western Governors University runs on six-month terms and allows you to complete as many competency units (like credit hours) per term as you are able, which can allow you to finish your degree sooner and for less money. With a student to faculty ratio of 41:1, their online Master of Science in Special Education is a 31 competency unit program that includes coursework in issues in instructional design and research proposals. As an online-only school, Western Governors University offers online student communities to connect you with others who have had success in your program of choice. They are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#12 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 5,887
Tuition: $18,414
Emporia State University was a ranked school in Online Graduate Education by US News and World Report in 2017. With a student to faculty ratio of 18:1, their online master’s degree in special education is a 36 credit hour program that offers two concentrations, gifted, talented and creative or high incidence. Emporia State University’s graduate online tuition rate is $470.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#11 – Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 7,102
Tuition: $16,302
Pittsburg State University utilizes an unusual mascot in Gus the gorilla. With a student to faculty ratio of 17:1, their online Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in special education law and behavior analysis. Pittsburg State University allows children and grandchildren of PSU alumni who are nonresidents to receive a discount on tuition of up $7,900. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#10 – Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 8,407
Tuition: $11,952
Columbus State University strives to prepare students for personal and professional success. With a student to faculty ratio of 17:1, their online Master of Education in Special Education is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in managing students with behavioral problems and special education law for educators. Columbus State University charges an out-of-state, graduate tuition rate of $801.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 9,819
Tuition: $16,526
Northwestern State University of Louisiana was established to train teachers in 1884. With a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, their online Master of Education in Special Education is a 36 credit hour program that offers four concentrations: gifted education, early intervention, elementary mild/moderate, and middle school and secondary mild/moderate. Northwestern State University of Louisiana does not charge out-of-state fees to online students. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#8 – University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 15,627
Tuition: $12,987
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s mascot is the Maverick. With a student to faculty ratio of 17:1, their online Master of Science in Special Education with a concentration in behavior intervention specialist is a 33-36 credit hour program that includes coursework in high incidence disabilities and professional collaboration. The University of Nebraska at Omaha charges a graduate, distance education, nonresident tuition rate of $408.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#7 – Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 14,085
Tuition: $9,252
Arkansas State University is the top producer of education professionals in the Natural State. With a student to faculty ratio of 18:1, their online Master of Science in Education for Special Education – Instructional Specialist k-12 is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in philosophies of education and positive behavior interventions and supports. Arkansas State University charges online graduate students in this program a tuition rate of $294 per credit hour, regardless of residency. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6 – University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 12,366
Tuition: $12,978
The children of University of Wyoming alumni who do not reside in Wyoming are eligible for a rate of no more than 150% of in-state tuition, which is a pretty good deal. With a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, their online master’s in education with a special education option is a 33 or 41 credit hour program that includes coursework in assistive technology and transition planning. Out of state tuition for the online master’s at the University of Wyoming is $294 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5 – University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, Arkansas
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 3,924
Tuition: $9,180
The University of Arkansas at Monticello started as an agricultural school and their mascot is, appropriately, the Boll Weevil. With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, their online Master of Education: Special Education track is a ten-course sequence that includes coursework in teaching methods for persons with high-need exceptionalities and teaching the culturally different child. The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s career services department offers access to the web platform, Big Interview, to help prepare you for the job search. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#4 – Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 5,676
Tuition: $9,108
Frostburg State University is part of the University System of Maryland. With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, their online Master of Education in Special Education is a 39-42 credit hour program that includes coursework in characteristics of exceptional children and managing student behavior and social interaction. Frostburg State University’s career and professional development center can help you find a job when you need one. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#3 – West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 9,901
Tuition: $5,081
West Texas A&M University serves the 26 counties of the top of the Texas panhandle and the internet. With a student to faculty ratio of 21:1, their online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education option is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in multicultural education and cross-cultural counseling. West Texas A&M University offers a non-resident graduate rate of $3627.69 per nine credit hours. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#2 – The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 6,673
Tuition: $5,496
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a surprisingly affordable member of the prestigious University of Texas system. With a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, their online Master of Arts in Special Education is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational psychology and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin ranked #6 in US News and World Report’s Student Services and Technology category of Online Graduate Education Programs. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#1 – Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Website
Points: 28
Enrollment: 3,412
Tuition: $6,865
Minot State University was ranked a “Top Public School” by US News and World Report. With a student to faculty ratio of 11:1, their online Master of Science in Special Education is a 25-27 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational leadership and special education assessment. Minot State University offers four specializations for this program: deaf/hard of hearing education, special education strategist, specific learning disabilities, and early childhood special education. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
This concludes the list of the top 20 best online master’s degrees in special education.
