Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Special Education

Established in 1971, Liberty University is a private, non-profit institution with an online bachelor's degree in special education interdisciplinary studies. Most full-time distance learners complete this degree in 4 years after completing 120 fully online credit hours. Graduates may pursue positions in either elementary or secondary schools, working with students affected by mental or physical disabilities. Transfer students may transfer up to 75% of their degree requirements to Liberty, as long as the credits satisfy general education requirements or are directly relevant to the major curriculum.

Minot State University offers a human services bachelor's degree program in intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a partner with the United States Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Human Services, Minot State produces human service professionals capable of handling careers in leadership, program planning and service coordination for children and adults. To graduate, students must earn a "C"average or higher on all required courses, complete an externship, and submit a formal application for graduation at the end of the program. This 143-credit program is accredited by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals and takes about 4 years to complete.

At the University of Wisconsin-Stout, the online special education bachelor's degree program can be completed in a hybrid format or entirely online. Full-time students can finish the degree in 4 years, and should be prepared to teach students aged 5 through 21. You can also complete a post-baccalaureate certification or autism specialty certificate. Graduates are eligible to receive a Wisconsin teaching license in cross-categorical special education upon completion of a 3-part benchmark teaching sequence at the end of the program. Most incoming transfer students may apply previously earned credits toward their bachelor's degree if they were earned at an accredited institution and meet core or major requirements.

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an elementary education program that can be completed entirely online. Each semester is 15 weeks in duration, and, for most full-time students, this 120-credit degree takes 4 years to complete, which may include taking summer courses. You must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all coursework and participate in Chaminade's service learning, observation and participation program. Per guidelines set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, upon completion of the program, graduates are licensed to teach kindergarten through 6th grade; qualifications translate to most other states, as well.

The online elementary education/special education bachelor's degree at Dakota State University prepares its graduates to teach students with autism and behavior, cognitive and learning disabilities in K-12 learning environments. Full-time students usually complete this degree in 10 semesters, including a yearlong residency of supervised student teaching. This field experience takes place in public schools and serves as the capstone course. After graduation, DSU distance learners often go on to earn teaching certifications in their respective states. Prospective students who already have 24 or more college credits may be able to earn credit toward this special education degree if their GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Fontbonne University's Special Education program, Paraprofessional Pathways, is an accredited online BS degree for those who are paraprofessionals or a teacher's assistant and want to learn while they work. Students may learn faster with summer classes in addition to the traditional semester schedule. Graduates will receive certification in K-12 mild/moderate cross-categorical upon completion of this program. Student teaching and field work may be completed at the student's local school, depending on their school district's policy.

Chadron State College offers special education degrees in 2 categories: endorsement in K-12 and Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement for birth through grade 3, depending on a students specific interests. The program is available online, with some required classes to be completed in-person. This program covers a large scope to prepare students for whatever teaching environment they choose to pursue post-graduation, including recognition of learning differences, implementation of developmentally appropriate learning, instructional strategies and leadership.

At the University of Southern Mississippi, students working towards a BS degree in Special Education can complete coursework online and take advantage of the lower, resident student rate. Many students may be eligible for the TEACH grant or financial aide, and all students will be qualified to teach Special Education in K-12 classrooms after completing this program. After completing the required class credits and student teaching requirements at their current, local school, students will be able to pursue their passion to teach special education either as a teacher, resource teacher or inclusion facilitator.

Students who want to pursue a career in special education can do so at the University of West Florida. The B.A. in Exceptional Student and Elementary Education Program is fully accredited, available online and prepares students for a Professional Florida Educator's Certificate in either Exceptional Student Learning or Elementary Education. Students outside of Florida who graduate from this program will need to have their home state educator's license processed as out-of-state. In addition to online coursework, students must complete 2 100-hour field experiences in K-12 classrooms before they begin student teaching. The program will help them gain experience in classroom organization, instruction and teaching ESOL students.

The Bachelors of Arts in Special Education program at Western Governors University prepares students for a career in Special Education of K-12, for children with mild to moderate learning needs. Graduates will be able to pursue a career in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms and inclusionary K-12 classrooms. Along with online coursework, students will get in-classroom experience through a Demonstration Teaching component. Students can move through courses at their own pace, and 71% of graduates finish in 4 years or less. Learners also pay per 6-month term rather than per credit, allowing them to control how quickly they finish their degree and how much they pay overall.