By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
Being a special education teacher, is, well, special. You fill a need at the school for kids who might struggle in a traditional classroom or be left out of the educational process, entirely. If you are interested in taking your teaching game next level, this list of the best 35 online MEds and MAs in special education is for you.
Tuition figures for the year are the out of state, yearly, graduate, tuition numbers that are reported to the National Center for Education Statistics, an information clearinghouse of the US government. Enrollment and student to faculty ratios also come from this source. Per credit hour tuition rates found in the school review information comes from the school’s website and may show a discount from the rate reported by the government. This list of the top 35 MEds and MATs in special education for 2019 was compiled according to the rubric below.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points
- Under $30,000—1 point
- Under $27,000—2 points
- Under $24,000—3 points
- Under $21,000—4 points
- Under $18,000—5 points
- Under $15,000—6 points
- Under $12,000—7 points
- Under $9,000—8 points
Student to Faculty Ratio Points
- Above 35-1 point
- Above 30-2 point
- Above 25-3 points
- Above 20-4 points
- Above 15-5 points
- Above 10-6 points
National Recognition
- Top 100-1 point
- Top 40-2 point
- Top 30-3 points
- Top 20-4 points
- Top 10-5 points
- Top 5-6 points
Bonus for special tuition discount for online students
- Has special online discount for tuition-3 points
- Online students charged standard tuition-0 points
#35 – Quinnipiac University
Hamden, Connecticut
Online MS in Special Education
Website
Points: 8
Enrollment: 9,900
Tuition: $46,780
Quinnipiac University has an online master of science in special education degree that is a 30 credit hour program without the CT Cross endorsement. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, and they are looking for applicants with a current resume and a letter of intent. Quinnipiac University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $680 per credit hour for the bargain MS in special education. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#34 – University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Online MA in Special Education
Website
Points: 8
Enrollment: 43,161
Tuition: $31,124
The University of Arizona offers an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program which includes courses like language development for the exceptional child and advanced positive behavioral support. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school does not require a GRE score for admission. The University of Arizona charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $653 per credit hour for the MA in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#33 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 8
Enrollment: 30,872
Tuition: $23,487
Virginia Commonwealth University has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 37 credit hour program that includes coursework in early literacy and assessment of infants. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school requires a $70 application fee for admission. Virginia Commonwealth University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,386 per credit hour for the master of education in special education. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#32 – University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
MA in Exceptional Student Education Online
Website
Points: 8
Enrollment: 42,861
Tuition: $19,048
The University of South Florida offers an online master of arts in exceptional student education degree that is a 36-40 credit hour program that includes coursework in instructional approaches for exceptional populations and working with families. The school boasts a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1 and is looking for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework. The University of South Florida charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $877.17 per credit hour for the master of arts in exceptional student education. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#31 – George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 34,909
Tuition: $29,306
George Mason University offers an online master of education in special education degree that is a 30 credit hour program that has two certificate options: autism spectrum disorders and applied behavior analysis (ABA). The school has a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, and their cheap online MEd in special education does not require any testing for admission. George Mason University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $775 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#30 – University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
MA in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 37,663
Tuition: $26,950
The University of Alabama has an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 30 credit hour program which includes courses in special populations and creative problem-solving. This bargain online MA in special education has a focus in gifted and talented and a student to faculty ratio of 23 to 1. The University of Alabama offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $394 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#29 – North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Online MAT – Special Education
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 33,755
Tuition: $22,610
North Carolina State University offers an online master of arts in teaching – special education degree that is a 33 credit hour program including coursework in classroom action research and resource teaching in special education. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the school requires a GRE score for admission. North Carolina State University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,245 per credit hour for this MEd in teaching special education. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#28 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online MS in Special Education, Autism Endorsement
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 55,003
Tuition: $21,393
Florida International University has an online master of science in special education, autism endorsement degree that is a 36 credit hour program which includes coursework in educational research and instructional technology. With a student to faculty ratio of 27 to 1, the school is looking for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale over their last 60 hours of coursework. Florida International University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $508.33 per credit hour for their affordable online MS in special education, autism endorsement. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#27 – Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online Master’s in Exceptional Student Education
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 21,625
Tuition: $18,373
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master’s in exceptional student education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in classroom management and social skills training. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and requires a non-refundable $50 application fee as part of the admission process. Nova Southeastern University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $995 per credit hour for the master of science in exceptional student education. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#26 – Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
MS in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 65,632
Tuition: $15,953
Texas A&M University has an online master of science in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in single case research and behavior management. Offering a student to faculty ratio of just 21 to 1, the school’s MS in special education does not require GRE scores. Texas A&M University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,230 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#25 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
MS in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 84,289
Tuition: $6,500
Western Governors University offers an online master of science in special education degree that is an 11-course program including topics such as instructional design and research foundations. With a student to faculty ratio of 41 to 1, the school offers multiple start dates per year. Western Governors University offers a full time, graduate rate of $3,190 per semester for the online master of science in special education. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#24 – Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
MSEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 41,513
Tuition: $28,010
Purdue University offers an online master of science in education in special education degree that is a 31 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational research and applied behavior analysis. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the school is looking for applicants who can provide three letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay outlining your professional history and goals for the future. Purdue University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $379.05 per credit hour for their affordable MSEd in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#23 – University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 36,596
Tuition: $24,532
The University of Cincinnati has an online master of education in special education degree that offers four specialization options: advanced studies; autism spectrum disorder; behavior disorders; and transition to work. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program requests three letters of recommendation and GRE scores as part of the admissions process. The University of Cincinnati charges an online graduate, non-resident tuition rate of $640 per credit hour for their online MEd in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#22 – Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
MEd of Curriculum and Instruction in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 73,177
Tuition: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master of education of curriculum and instruction in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum design and evidence-based research. With a student to faculty ratio of 30 to 1, the school provides you with an admissions counselor to guide you through the process. Southern New Hampshire University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $627 per credit hour for the MEd of curriculum and instruction in special education. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#21 – University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
MEd in Special Education: Academically and Intellectually Gifted Online
Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 28,721
Tuition: $17,423
The University of North Carolina Charlotte has an online master of education in special education: academically and intellectually gifted degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in methods of instructing gifted students and emotional needs of gifted students. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school is looking for applicants with a GRE or MAT score in the 30th percentile or higher The University of North Carolina Charlotte charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $909.65 per credit hour for the MEd in special education: academically and intellectually gifted. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#20 – West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Online MA in Special Education
Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 28,488
Tuition: $23,238
West Virginia University has an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in behavior intervention and designing single-case research. With a student to faculty ratio of just 19 to 1, the school requests that applicants have a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the undergraduate career. West Virginia University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $594 per credit hour for the MA in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#19 – University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
MA in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 33,239
Tuition: $23,172
The University of Missouri has an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in assessment and cross-categorical disabilities. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school requires GRE scores for admission. The University of Missouri offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $433.37 per credit hour for their bargain online MA in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#18 – University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points:11
Enrollment: 11,780
Tuition: $23,046
The University of Idaho has an online master of education in special education degree that offers the option of extended study in a special program area. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, and the program requests three letters of recommendation and a current CV from applicants. The University of Idaho charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $492 per credit hour for the school’s affordable online master of education in special education. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#17 – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Online MA in Special Education
Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 25,897
Tuition: $20,412
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an online master of arts in special education degree which is a 30-36 credit hour program that offers three optional specializations: early childhood special education; education of the deaf and hard of hearing; and visual impairments. With a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the program requires proof of English proficiency from international students. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln charges an online, graduate, non-resident tuition rate of $609 per credit hour for this MA in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#16 – University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,648
Tuition: $19,184
The University of North Dakota has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 32+ credit hour program which includes courses such as historical foundations of education and multicultural education. With a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the program requires three recommendation forms as part of the admissions process. The University of North Dakota offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $342.75 per credit hour for the bargain MEd in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#15 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 27,194
Tuition: $18,842
The University of Arkansas has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in elementary education and classroom management concepts. Having a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program does not accept MAT scores as part of the admission process. The University of Arkansas charges an online graduate tuition rate of $420.19 per credit hour for their cheap online MEd in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#14 – West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 17,005
Tuition: $18,000
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in family systems and contemporary issues. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school asks for GRE scores above the 50th percentile from students with an undergrad GPA under 3.0. The West Chester University of Pennsylvania charges a special online, graduate tuition rate of $526 per credit hour for the MEd in special education. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#13 – University of North Texas
Denton Texas
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 38,145
Tuition: $12,794
The University of North Texas offers an online master of education in special education degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in autism assessment and functional assessment. With a student to faculty ratio of 26 to 1, the school designed the program for students who aspire to the position of educational diagnostician. The University of North Texas offers an online, graduate, non-resident tuition rate of $642.79 per credit hour for the MEd in special education degree. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#12 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online MA in Special Education
Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 21,998
Tuition: $20,698
Ball State University has an online master of arts in special education that is a 30 credit hour degree that offers five focus areas: applied behavior analysis; autism; disabilities for post-secondary settings with a focus in autism; emotional and behavioral disorders; and response to intervention. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the program allows the transfer in of up to nine credit hours. Ball State University charges a non-resident, graduate tuition rate of $616 per credit hour for this MA in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#11 – Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 36,551
Tuition: $12,744
Texas Tech University has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in assessment and collaboration. With a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school’s online MEd in special education allows the transfer in of up to 6 hours of graduate credit. Texas Tech University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $465.50 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#10 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
MAT in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 21,301
Tuition: $17,604
The University of Memphis has an online master of arts in teaching in special education degree that results in a special education modified K-12 license. With a student to faculty ratio of just 14 to 1, the school website offers a readiness assessment to test how well-suited you are for online study. The University of Memphis charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $603 per credit hour for their affordable online MAT in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online MSEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 8,415
Tuition: $16,092
Saint Joseph’s University has an online master of science in education in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program that offers four optional degree plans: autism spectrum disorder endorsement; Wilson Reading System certificate; special education certificate; and applied behavior analysis (ABA) concentration; as well as the unadorned MSEd. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the school’s online MSEd in special education is open to students with a cumulative 2.8 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale. Saint Joseph’s University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $765 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#8 – Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
MA in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 17,372
Tuition: $13,266
Rowan University has an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 30-36 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational assessment and collaborative instruction. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, and the program is looking for individuals with a minimum undergrad GPA of 22.75 of a 4.0 scale. Rowan University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $756 per credit hour for their online MA in special education. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#7 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 3,040
Tuition: $13,000
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online master of education in special education degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in research-based behavior interventions and leading instructional improvement. The school boasts a very good student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1 and is looking for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Indiana Wesleyan University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $479 per credit hour for their MEd in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6 – Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
MA in Autism Spectrum Disorders Online
Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 75,834
Tuition: $9,737
Grand Canyon University has an online master of arts in autism spectrum disorders degree that is a 32 credit hour program including coursework in applied behavior analysis and brain-based learning. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school will contact you with the next step in the admission process after they receive your application and transcripts. Grand Canyon University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $530 per credit hour for this MA in autism spectrum disorders. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5 – Graceland University
Lamoni, Iowa
Online MEd in Special Education
Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 2,233
Tuition: $9,079
Graceland University offers an online master of education in special education degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in autism spectrum disorders and remedial math methods. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program has multiple start dates a year. Graceland University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $505 per credit hour for this MEd in special education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#4 – Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
MA in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 1,736
Tuition: $11,898
Kentucky State University offers an online master of arts in special education degree that is a 33-45 credit hour program that includes coursework in inclusion and theories of reading. Having a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the program requires a minimum GRE or PRAXIS score for admission. Kentucky State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $500 per credit hour for the MA in special education, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#3 – Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online MA in Special Education – Autism
Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 7,331
Tuition: $11,520
Brandman University has an online master of arts in special education – autism degree that is a 30-36 credit hour program that includes coursework in collaboration and program development. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school’s online MA in special education – autism program requires two letters of reference with the admissions packet. Brandman University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $650 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#2 – Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
MEd in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 5,048
Tuition: $10,206
Mississippi College has an online master of education in special education degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum development and organizational procedures. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, and their affordable online MEd in special education exempts students with a 3.75 cumulative GPA from the test score requirement. Mississippi College charges an online graduate tuition rate of $365 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#1 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
MAT in Special Education Online
Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 75,756
Tuition: $8,051
Liberty University has an online master of arts in teaching in special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in learning theory and behavior management. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school’s affordable online MAT in special education does not require any testing in the admissions process. Liberty University offers an online, graduate rate of $415 per credit hour, for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
This concludes the list of the top 35 best master’s degrees in special education for 2019.
