Online Special Education Degrees
Online Special Education Degrees
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GCU offers online special education degrees with both licensure and non-licensure pathways. It is important to decide what type of program is best for your career goals and aspirations. Teaching licensure is required to work as a certified teacher in public school districts.
At GCU, earning your special education degree online is more than just a path to a career — it’s a journey of finding your purpose, growing in character and making an impact. Rooted in a Christian worldview, we offer a faith-integrated curriculum that can prepare you to lead with integrity and develop a heart for serving others.
Learn more about our admission requirements and the steps you need to take to apply. Explore GCU’s accreditation, which reflects our commitment to meeting established standards set by accrediting bodies. You can also see how our interactive learning platform can support you in your studies.
The admission requirements for online special education degrees can vary depending on the specific certificate or degree program. Generally, master’s programs and certificates require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additional admission requirements may apply based on your chosen program and state certification guidelines for licensure programs. Please visit our admission page to view the complete list of requirements for your program of interest
Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. GCU has maintained this accreditation since 1986. Accreditation by the HLC ensures that the university meets established criteria related to the quality of its online and on-campus academic programs.
Our online special education programs are delivered through an interactive Learning Management System designed to support your academic journey. As an online student, you’ll have access to resources like eBooks and discussion forums to help you stay engaged with your coursework. In addition, technical support and student services counselors are available to assist you throughout your program.
There are many career opportunities for special education degree holders. Depending on the degree level, you can pursue roles working directly with students in the classroom or supporting districts and teachers behind the scenes.
An education degree, combined with teaching licensure, can prepare you for careers such as:
Preschool special education teacher
Kindergarten special education teacher
Elementary special education teacher
Middle school special education teacher
Secondary school special education teacher
Special education teaching assistant
Postsecondary education teacher
Education administrator
Median annual wage for special education teachers as of May 20244
Average tenure of GCU’s full-time faculty in the College of Education
If you are interested in positioning yourself to potentially step into a leadership position within the field of education, consider earning a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Special Education. We offer both qualitative- and quantitative-focused programs for conducting and applying research to make a difference in the education landscape. When combined with teaching licensure in your state, a doctorate can prepare you to teach at any level.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.
Online special education certificates offer focused learning that supports professional development and helps educators address the evolving needs within special education settings. While certificates alone may not lead directly to licensure or advanced roles, they can serve as valuable additions to an education degree.
We offer online special education degrees and certificates tailored to every stage of the teaching journey, whether you are an aspiring teacher taking your first steps toward the classroom or an experienced educator looking to gain new endorsements through a graduate degree or certificate. Our programs are designed to support educators at all levels to grow, specialize and make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with exceptionalities.
GCU’s College of Education offers online degrees and certificates in special education1 that can help educators build a firm foundation in the social, behavioral and learning needs of students with exceptionalities. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of developmental psychology, explore how to create engaging learning environments for all students and discover how to implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Special education teachers often rely on instructional tools and classroom management strategies to ensure that students in their care feel empowered and inspired to learn. Our programs can teach you these valuable skills, helping you feel confident in supporting students to achieve their educational goals.
Our online bachelor’s degrees in special education are dual degree programs designed to lead to initial teaching licensure. These programs provide you with foundational knowledge in teaching pedagogy and show you how to specialize your instruction for students with exceptionalities.
Licensure degrees require a student teaching component. Additional testing, practicum hours or experience may be required to obtain early childhood, elementary or specialized education teaching licensure. Be sure to check your state-specific guidance and requirements for teaching licensure.
Whether you’re pursuing a certificate or a degree, you will find dedicated support as you complete your special education classes online. As an online student, you can benefit from greater flexibility and additional resources such as access to the Student Success Center. Speak with your university counselor to learn more about potential scholarships and the cost of tuition for your program.
Make a lasting impact in the lives of students with exceptionalities — pursue a special education degree from GCU and discover how you can guide students toward their future.
We offer online master’s degrees in education and special education for current teachers with licensure, as well as for those seeking to change career paths by obtaining initial teaching licensure. These programs help graduates develop advanced skills in areas such as behavioral interventions, educational advocacy and the use of assistive technologies as educational aids.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about earning special education degrees online. These FAQs can help you determine the best program for your personal and professional goals.
A degree in special education can prepare you to work in a classroom setting with children from preschool to high school, depending on the focus of your program and your teaching certifications. A doctorate in special education can prepare you to teach at the postsecondary level. Some special education teachers also work in hospitals and residential facilities.2 Other industry applications for special education degrees include school administration, curriculum development and childcare.
An online special education degree will have the same name as an in-person degree, regardless of whether it was completed online or on campus. For example, an online special education degree might be called a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education or a Master of Education in Special Education.
Yes, you can earn a degree in special education online, although licensure programs will have some in-person requirements for observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching. Completing special education classes online may be a good choice for working professionals who need more flexibility than a traditional degree program.
A special education teacher typically needs a bachelor’s degree in education or special education, although some states require a master’s degree.3 To work in a public school district, special education teachers also need to hold a teaching license in their state.