Online Doctorate Degree in Special Education
Why Pursue a Doctorate in Special Education?
Special education professionals teach students with a variety of mental, physical, behavioral, and emotional issues. While this work can often be challenging, it can also be quite personally and financially rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for special education teachers in 2018 was $59,780, considerably higher than the median salary for all other occupations. Postsecondary education teachers can earn even more, with a median salary of $64,020.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for special education teachers in 2018 was $59,780, considerably higher than the median salary for all other occupations.
A doctorate in special education can prepare you to lead special education programs and secure high-paying job opportunities. Doctoral programs equip educators with the skills necessary to succeed in academia and educational leadership roles. They often feature coursework in areas like research theory and methods, specialized instruction for exceptional learners, and school-wide intervention models. These programs also typically involve a capstone project or research-based dissertation.
If you are a current educator looking to advance in your career or teach special education at the college level, you should consider earning a doctorate in special education online. Distance programs combine the resources and rigor of the classroom experience with the flexibility of learning from your own home on your own schedule.
Types of Special Education Degrees
There are two kinds of doctorate-level special education degrees: the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and the doctor of education (Ed.D.). While the programs are often very similar, the Ph.D. focuses on research, while the Ed.D. emphasizes practice.
Ph.D. programs typically prepare students for roles in academia. They offer coursework in research methodology, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and doctoral writing in order to prepare students for a research-based dissertation. Students must write and defend their dissertation in order to graduate.
Ed.D. programs, conversely, usually prepare students for leadership roles in school districts, state agencies, and other educational organizations. These programs feature coursework in subjects like the principles of management, leadership theory and models, and special education advocacy and law. While some of these programs also have a dissertation component, others require students to synthesize their learning through a field-based capstone project.
Most full-time students earn their Ed.D. or Ph.D. in special education in four to seven years. Because work on a dissertation is largely self-paced, students in programs with a dissertation requirement may take longer to earn their degree than those with just a capstone requirement.
Choosing an Online Doctorate in Special Education Program
There are many factors to consider when choosing a doctorate program in special education. For example, how much does a program cost, and how much financial aid will you receive? On top of tuition, make sure to account for other expenses like books, course materials, student fees, and room and board.
How long will it take you to graduate? You can complete required coursework for a doctorate degree in as few as three years, but completing a dissertation can take several additional years. Do you want to specialize in a particular area? You may plan to work exclusively with students dealing with physical disabilities, but not all programs provide training in this area.
Does your program offer hybrid or fully online options? You may be able to keep your job as you pursue an online doctorate in special education, but balancing your studies with professional obligations requires exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Where is your school or program located? If you are an online student, this is less of a concern. However, some colleges and universities have on-campus requirements even for distance learners. If you need to complete a field-based capstone project, you may have to commute to campus or find a host site close to you.
Accreditation ensures that schools meet certain educational requirements and adequately prepare their graduates for jobs in the field.
And finally, has your program received accreditation? Accreditation ensures that schools meet certain educational requirements and adequately prepare their graduates for jobs in the field. It is critically important to select a program that has been accredited by a regional, national, or specialized accrediting agency working in the field of education. Many Ph.D. in special education programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Entry Requirements
To apply for a special education doctorate, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field. Most programs require a master’s degree, but some schools allow you to earn your master’s as you advance through your doctoral studies. Accredited colleges and universities only accept degrees from other accredited institutions.
Additional admission requirements vary from program to program. For example, some programs may require you to have an undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 3.0, and more prestigious graduate schools may require even better academic performance. Some programs require a certain score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others do not require students to submit standardized test scores of any kind.
Because doctoral programs in special education prepare educational leaders and scholars, admissions officers may prefer candidates who have classroom experience. Most schools do not require candidates to have more than two or three years of experience. Finally, if you are not a native English speaker, you may need to take an exam like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Most schools charge a relatively modest application fee.
Directory of Accredited Doctorate in Special Education Programs
Special Education Licensure and Certifications
All public school teachers, including special education teachers, must earn a license or certification for the state where they work. Teachers at private schools do not need a license, but employers may prefer candidates with a state-issued credential and a degree in special education. Earning a Ph.D. in special education online can help you meet licensing requirements if you do not already hold certification. State teaching licenses do not automatically transfer across state lines. However, many states maintain reciprocity agreements to make the transfer process easier.
To receive certification as a public school teacher, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some states require teachers to earn a degree specifically in special education before they can work with students with special needs. Other states simply require aspiring special education teachers to take a few courses in this area.
States typically require prospective teachers to complete some kind of student teaching experience as part of their undergraduate or graduate education. However, an increasing number of states now offer alternative pathways to licensure, which allow individuals with just a bachelor’s degree and no teaching experience to receive a conditional teaching certificate. Conditionally licensed teachers must work under the close supervision of a mentor teacher, usually for two to three years.
In most states, teachers must also pass a certification exam and a background check. Some states administer exams specifically for special education teachers, while others require special education teachers to earn an endorsement within their first three years of service.
Finally, special education teachers can also pursue optional certification to demonstrate their expertise in a particular area. For example, teachers may receive a certification in educating children with autism. These certificates can improve teachers’ job prospects and increase their salaries.
What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Special Education?
Professionals who earn a doctorate in special education online may take on a number of roles. They may work directly with students as special education teachers or lead programs for exceptional learners across an entire district. Alternatively, they may prepare the next generation of special education professionals by teaching at a college or university. The table below describes five potential jobs in special education and their median salaries.
Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Special Education
Doctorate in special education online programs can be expensive. Fortunately, governments and private organizations offer many sources of financial aid for students who plan to work with exceptional learners. Additionally, many schools offer payment plans that allow students to pay gradually rather than all at once.
Scholarships for Online Doctorate in Special Education Degrees
Resources for Online Doctorate in Special Education Students
- U.S. Department of Education The Department of Education provides informational resources and financial support to future special education teachers and administrators. Financial aid options include the TEACH Grant and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- National Association of Special Education Teachers NASET represents special education professionals across the country. The association offers a variety of resources specifically for current and aspiring special education teachers, including an overview of how to receive board certification.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities NCLD’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with learning and attention issues. The center conducts research on special education policy, advocates for people with learning disabilities, and provides instructional guides to special education teachers.
- Council for Exceptional Children CEC is another professional association for educators working with exceptional learners. Members can access professional development webinars and participate in local training workshops. CEC also hosts a job board for special education professionals.
- National Organization on Disability NOD primarily works to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization collaborates with schools and educators to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to find jobs and succeed in the workplace.
