The Top Masters in Education rankings of the Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs for 2016 are based on cost, quality, and accreditation. These are the lowest priced, highest quality, regionally accredited online M.Ed. in Special Education programs we could find. If you’re considering earning your Masters in Special Education degree online, we believe this list offers a great starting point in your search for an accredited, affordable, top quality program that suits your needs and is kind on your pocket book.
#1. Emporia State University
A public university in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University was established in 1863 and is the 3rd oldest school and one of six public universities in the state. The university has four colleges: the School of Business, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Library Information Management and the Teachers college which was named as one of four educational institutions to be named as an Exemplary Model Teacher Education program by Arthur Levine.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
Emporia State University offers a Masters in Adaptive Special Education that is designed for education professionals in the Kansas education system. This 36 hour program that meets standards for either K-6 or 6-12 settings. Admission into this program is contingent on a 2.75 under graduate GPA, a current teaching license, three letters of recommendation and a completed application.
Accreditation
The university as a whole falls under the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association. Fourteen undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by program accreditations including the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and Kansas State Department of Education for undergraduate and graduate programs in education.
Tuition – $9,000
#2. Ball State University
Located in Muncie, Indiana, a small community one hour northeast of Indianapolis, Ball State first opened as a state school in 1918 with the intent to meet Indiana’s growing need for better teachers. Since then, the University has expanded its focus to include over 178 undergraduate programs and 115 graduate programs.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
Ball State offers three specific Masters of Special Education degrees in autism, applied behavior analysis, and director of exceptional needs. These degrees can be earned in an 18 month period through BSU’s 100 percent online accelerated format. Keeping with it’s tradition of educating great teachers BSU is doing so in a new and creative way.
Accreditation
All of Ball State’s Teacher College programs are fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the North Central Association and the Indiana Professional Standard Board.
Tuition – $10,000
#3. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches (pronounced knack a tish) is where you will find Northwestern University of Louisiana. A four year university serving the people of northwest Louisiana and east Texas. NWUL is part of the University of Louisiana system and has satellite campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria, and the Leesville/Fort Polk area
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
NWUL offers a Master of Education program in Special Education that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful educators in the field of special education. This is a 36 credit hour program that includes concentrations in gifted education, early intervention as well as specific concentrations in early and secondary student needs. This degree program does not specifically lead to certification especially when taken by out of state students. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the necessary steps to be properly certified in their community.
Accreditation
NWUL College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition – $10,100
#4. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Established in 1869, Lincoln began as the first, largest and flagship campus for the University of Nebraska. Currently comprised of eight colleges, 275 courses of study continue to uphold the university’s original goal to provide for the acquisition of degrees in literature, science, the arts and classroom instruction.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a M.Ed in Special Education with ten specialized areas. These include autism, early childhood special education, and severe disabilities just to name a few. Basic admission requirements include proof of English language proficiency, successful completion of the GRE, and three letters of recommendation.
Accreditation
The University of Nebraska education degree programs are fully sanctioned by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Higher Learning Commission and the Nebraska Department of Education.
Tuition – $11,500
#5. American Public University
American Public University is a for profit online university with administrative offices in West Virginia. American Public University was established in 1993 and ispart of a system that services both the military and civilians alike
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
The Masters of Education in Teaching has a concentration in special education and is a 30 credit hour course. The objectives of the program are to enhance evaluation and practice skills in order to meet the unique needs of students in today’s diverse educational setting. Admission requirements include a 2.5 GPA in undergraduate course work, official transcripts and a statement of understanding.
Accreditation
APU is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org)
Tuition – $11,700
#6. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri is the flagship university in the state of Missouri. Located in Columbia, the university was established in 1839 and today boasts a student body of over 35,000 students and goes by the moniker Mizzou. Missouri offers a wide array of degree programs including, Education, Business, and Journalism to name a few.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
Mizzou’s College of Education includes masters degrees in Special Education with a variety of different concentrations. These concentrations include, autism, cross categorical, behavior disorders, early childhood, gifted education, and learning disabilities. Admissions requirements include a formal application, letters of recommendation, a 3.0 gpa in undergraduate work and completion of the GRE.
Accreditation
The University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the American Psychological Association and the Council on Rehabilitation.
Tuition – $11,800
#7. Texas Tech University
Established in 1923 Texas Tech is a public research university situated in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech houses a law school, and medical school in addition to its traditional academic programs. In terms of athletics the Red Raiders are part of the Big 12 Conference and are in the Division I of the NCAA. A recent construction boom and advancement towards becoming a Tier I research institution has contributed to the increased enrollment at the university.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
Texas Tech offers a plethora of online masters of education in special education specialties. These include autism, applied behavior analysis, deaf instruction, educational diagnostician, generic special education, orientation and mobility, transition, and visual impairment. The program lengths are generally between 30 and 36 credit hours depending on whether a thesis is required.
Accreditation
Texas Tech is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition – $12,500
#8. Florida State University
With over 40,000 students, this large university located in Florida’s capital city – Tallahassee – is recognized by the Carnegie Institute for its extensive research and offers over 300 programs of study in its 16 colleges. Florida State prides itself in being a welcoming community to diverse populations and leads the nation in the number of doctorates awarded to African Americans.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
Designed for busy teachers FSU’s M.S. in Special Education program caters to those who are seeking to grow in the area of special education. You can choose between several areas of specialization including severe disabilities, early childhood special education, or high incidence disabilities. The program is a 33 credit hour course and requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a combined GRE score of 1000 for admittance.
Accreditation
Florida State’s academic programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition – $13,500
#9. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University is a publicly funded institution located in Bowling Green, Ohio – just thirty minutes from Toledo in Northwest, OH. The university is home to 20,000 students and offers more than 200 majors and programs.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
The BGSU Masters in Special Education is a 33 credit hour course which is comprised of a thesis, comprehensive exam and final project. This program is unique in that great care is taken in creating the areas of study through a close partnership between the student and program coordinator. There is however a six year time limit for completing degree requirements.
Accreditation
Bowling Green State University receives its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The education programs and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition – $15,000
#10. Northcentral University
Northcentral University is a virtual for profit university established in 1996. This private university offers an array of programs both in the traditional classroom setting and online. Offerings include masters degree programs in Technology Management, Marriage and Family Therapy, Education and behavioral sciences. Northcentral has a main campus in Prescott Arizona and currently has an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students among its various programs.
Online M.Ed in Special Education Program Details
The Special Education Masters at Northcentral University is a 30 hour program that has a five year completion limit depending on the needs of the student. Additionally courses can be taken in either an eight or twelve week cycle. Attaining a Masters of Special Education at Northcentral does not guarantee teacher certification as the program is designed to reach students in a variety of locations and thus do not meet the specific certification requirements of any one state. It is the responsibility of the student to determine certification requirements in their given states.
Accreditation
Northcentral University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the United States Department of Education.
Tuition – $15,600