As an educator, you understand the importance of lifelong learning. It’s something you try to instill in your students so that they can be more successful in school and life. If you have a master’s degree in education and work in special education, or if you have considered this area for your career, you can expand your knowledge through one of the cheapest EdS in special education online.
The need for special education experts is growing. With one of these degrees, you can fill this need and become a valuable expert in the educational system. Through effective special education practices, you’ll improve classrooms, schools, and even whole districts. But most importantly, you’ll improve the lives of children with a wide range of needs. These degrees lead to fulfilling careers, and many come with an affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$16,100
Least Expensive: University of West Georgia ~$8,664
Most Expensive: Regent University ~$27,400
You can use this database to find the perfect EdS in special education online for your exact needs. We use a consistent, simple process to create the most reliable database on the web. Instead of complex and subjective criteria, we simply calculate the cost, including fees, so you have a reliable estimate of tuition and other expenses. Whether you have a large budget or need the cheapest EdS in special education online, this database will help you make the best choice.
Keep reading to learn more about top-quality programs in special education, including the structure, classes, accreditation, salary potential, and more!
The Cheapest EdS in Special Education Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $8,664.00 | All Students |
2 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,050.00 | All Students |
3 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $9,850.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
4 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,025.00 | All Students |
5 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $10,561.00 | All Students |
6 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $11,814.00 | All Students |
7 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $12,480.00 | All Students |
8 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $13,728.00 | All Students |
9 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $14,250.00 | All Students |
10 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,397.00 | All Students |
11 | National University | (CA) | $14,586.00 | All Students |
12 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
13 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Maine | (ME) | $16,500.00 | All Students | |
Jackson State University | (MS) | $16,632.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $18,115.00 | All Students | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $18,697.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $18,900.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $19,620.00 $23,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $20,295.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $24,570.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,400.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the EdS in special education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited EdS in special education online programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the EdS in special education online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published costs are estimated sticker prices for the online specialist degree in special education, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online specialist degree in special education that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest EdS in special education online programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest EdS in special education online programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Get One of the Cheapest EdS in Special Education Online?
Thinking of enrolling in an EdS in special education online? Here are some of the top reasons why people choose these degrees:
- Meet a growing need: The need for special education has risen greatly. After graduating, you’ll have the expertise to meet this need.
- Improve your school and district: With an EdS in special education, you’ll be qualified to not only lead a classroom, but to create a special education program for a school or an entire district. Essentially, you can expand your reach to benefit more students.
- Increase career opportunities: With an EdS (of any kind) you can expand your career options. You’ll have more choices, and your earning potential will increase as well.
- Provide expertise beyond the classroom: An EdS in special education can lead to careers outside K-12 schools as well. This may include colleges and universities, government departments, nonprofits, and even corporate businesses.
- Advanced education, less commitment: These degrees are almost like a light doctorate. They are post-master’s programs, yet do not require a seven-year commitment like a doctorate program. Many times the credits can also later transfer into a full doctoral degree.
What to Expect from One of the Cheapest EdS in Special Education Online Programs
An EdS program is an advanced degree for those who have a master’s in education, special education, teaching, or a related field.
These degrees act as a faster and more affordable alternative to a doctorate. They require roughly 30 credit hours of study, although there are some fast-track options that require less than 15 credit hours. Essentially, they create an even deeper expertise in special education.
One of the reasons these degrees are so popular compared to doctorates is the speed and convenience. A doctorate may require as much as seven or eight years of study, while an EdS is usually completed in just two. Because they require fewer credit hours, they are often more affordable as well.
During an EdS program, you’ll take a variety of classes that review and examine the structure and organization of education. Many of the classes, even in an online specialist degree in special education, will take a broad look at the administration and management of schools and districts. You’ll learn about the financial systems that support schools, HR issues that impact education, and research methods that advance teaching.
There will also be a special education focus for many of the classes. This focus may cover a large portion of the degree or could be one or two classes; it all depends on the program.
Most of these programs do not qualify graduates for teaching certification. This is because the majority of programs require licensing prior to enrollment. Whether you currently have licensure or not, you must research this aspect of the degree to ensure the program aligns with your background and goals.
Courses in an EdS in Special Education Online
Let’s look at the structure and required courses in a few of these EdS programs. This will help us better understand the expectations and requirements of an online specialist degree in special education.
University of the Cumberlands – Education Specialist in Director of Special Education
The University of the Cumberlands offers six EdS program options, including one focusing on special education. You can choose between an 18-hour “Level I” option or a 30-hour “Level II” option.
The Level I option includes education management, administration, curriculum, and assessment classes, but also includes a practicum that focuses on special education directors. The Level II option includes all the requirements of Level I, but adds four courses that include “Business Management in Public Schools,” and “Applied Research in Education.”
University of West Alabama – Education Specialist in Special Education / Collaborative Teacher, 6-12
This program requires 33 credit hours to prepare you for advanced mastery in the area of high school learning. It focuses on current issues in education while taking a deeper look at special education issues.
Courses in this degree program include “Advanced Educational Research,” “Methods and Materials for Gifted and Talented,” and “Positive Counseling Services for Teachers and Families.”
University of Maine – Education Specialist in Special Education
This program goes beyond a master’s-level education and looks at research opportunities within special education. It encompasses 30 credit hours and includes at least ten classes. Classes cover a mixture of educational leadership and special education research.
Courses throughout this program include “Assessment and Program Planning in Early Intervention,” “Autism and Social Communication,” and “Math Methods in Special Education.” There are also leadership classes such as “Administration and Public Policy for Early Childhood Programs,” and “Special Topics in Special Education.”
Accreditation for an EdS Online Degree
There are numerous degrees available, especially in the current environment of online learning. How can you, the student, know that you are attending a high-quality online program? You can start by searching for accreditation.
Accreditation is a review and approval process for academia. Independent bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education provide official accreditation to schools and programs.
When an entire school has accreditation, it’s called institutional accreditation. This type covers the college or university. It’s granted by regional groups that review colleges across large sections of the country. All programs found in this database come from colleges and universities that have institutional accreditation.
The other form is programmatic accreditation. This means it covers the specific program. It covers a single degree, and it’s important for many subjects like nursing, engineering, and education.
CAEP
Two major groups provide programmatic accreditation for education degrees. The first and largest is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits numerous EdS in special education online degrees, indicating a high level of academic performance from these programs.
CAEP-accredited programs in this database include:
- Valdosta State University – Education Specialist in Special Education
- Arkansas State University – Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Special Education
- Northern Kentucky University – Education Specialist in Teaching & Leading / Special Education
- Northwest Nazarene University – Education Specialist in Special Education
This is a small sample. Roughly 20 programs in this database are currently accredited by the CAEP.
AAQEP
Another recognized accrediting group in the education space is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This is a relatively new accrediting group that was founded in 2017. While they are gaining traction, the AAQEP only accredits one program in this database. The Education Specialist in Special Education degree from National University is accredited by the AAQEP.
Many degrees do not have programmatic accreditation. As long as the degree comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver high-quality results.
Admission Process for an EdS Degree
If you apply to an EdS program, you can expect a variety of requirements that go beyond those for a bachelor’s degree. You are probably familiar with the standard requirements because they typically match the admission standards for most master’s programs.
The basic requirement is a master’s degree. You’ll need to have graduated (or expect to graduate) from a master’s program in education, teaching, administration, special needs, or a similar topic. Each program has different requirements for past education, but if you have a background in education you should find a degree that will accept your application.
Many programs require a specific GPA. For these advanced degrees, you’ll likely need a GPA near 2.75 or 3.0. Some programs even require a 3.25 from graduate studies for enrollment.
Some documents you may need include:
- Proof of certification: Many programs require applicants to hold current certification as a teacher or administrator.
- Official transcripts from all past colleges: EdS programs will review your past courses and academic experience to ensure you are prepared for this program.
- A statement of purpose: Colleges want to know why you want this degree. This letter describes in detail why you are seeking the degree and what you will do with your new expertise.
- Letters of recommendation: You will need multiple letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic or professional skills. These letters must be written by administrators or past teachers.
What’s the Cost: Tuition and Pricing for an Online Specialist Degree in Special Education
Regardless of your budget, you need to know the total cost of these programs so that you can make the best choice for your future. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a simple, easy-to-use database that gives clear and accurate information on the cheapest EdS in special education online programs.
The average cost for these degrees is $16,100. Most of the programs require two years of study, so students are looking at roughly $8,050 per year, on average, to complete these degrees.
There are numerous programs priced well below the average. The cheapest online specialist degree in special education comes from the University of West Georgia. Its EdS in Special Education only costs $8,664. On a two-year track, students will pay roughly $4,332 per year to complete the degree, making it a very affordable option. Also, this price is available to students from any location, not just Georgia residents. (Many programs charge more for out-of-state students.)
This database holds 13 programs priced below $15,000 and, in fact, six programs under $12,000. If you need one of the most affordable online specialist degree in special education programs, you can choose from three programs priced under $10,000.
Regent University has the most expensive EdS in special education online. The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, which is available in Exceptional Education Executive Leadership and Special Education, costs $27,400. Annually, students pay roughly $13,700, assuming a two-year track.Whether you need the cheapest EdS in special education online or have no budget constraints whatsoever, you must research these programs and find the right degree for your needs.
Licensing and Certification for EdS Special Education Graduates
Most of these degrees require a teacher or education administration certificate for enrollment, so students should already understand and have met the basic certification requirements for their states. However, some of these programs provide certificate advancement, so students are encouraged to research the various aspects of licensing before enrollment. You must define your career goals and determine which degrees will lead to the required licenses before enrolling.
Depending on the structure of your state’s certification system, you may advance from Level I teaching certificate to Level II or into a Rank 1 certificate. (Again, states structure their certification levels differently.) You may also advance from a teacher’s certificate to an administrative certificate. It all depends on your current status and desired outcomes, so research the program and state requirements before enrolling.
Overall Outlook for Special Education Experts
There is a growing need for special education experts, so graduates of these programs can expect stable careers with strong incomes.
The education sector, overall, will not grow by leaps. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that education careers as a whole will only keep pace with the overall job market. However, there will be roughly 858,000 job openings each year, so there should be opportunities for special education experts.
Special education teachers have a median salary of $62,950 per year. This is a strong income, but the top 10% earn even more, over $102,000 annually. If you graduate from one of the top EdS programs online, you can reasonably expect to be near this mark.
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a director of special education is $80,718, while the top 10% have incomes over $120,000.
Many education leadership careers have high incomes. For example, principals have a median salary of $101,320 while the top 10% earn over $158,000. Post-secondary education administrators have a median salary of $99,940. Meanwhile, training and development managers, who usually work in the private sector, have a median salary of $120,000. There are clearly strong incomes possible in education.
After the EdS: Continuing Education and Doctorate Opportunities
As an educator, you know that learning is never complete. Even after an EdS, which is one of the most advanced levels of education, you still need to maintain a commitment to lifelong learning.
Learning can take many forms, but after an EdS in special education you’ll have two specific opportunities. One of these opportunities, depending on your career, may be mandatory.
Firstly, you can continue your education by completing a doctorate, possibly a doctorate in special education. Education-focused doctorate programs come in two forms: a PhD (doctor of philosophy) in education or an EdD (doctor of education). They may sound similar, but there are important differences between the two.
A PhD in education is a research-based degree that requires as much as seven years of study. This is a larger and more extensive degree that helps you understand the most effective, complex, and advanced techniques in education. An EdD is more focused on the educational system. It focuses on leading and managing school systems, especially colleges and universities. University presidents often have EdD degrees, although school superintendents may have these degrees as well.
The second form of learning is continuing education, which is mandatory if you work in a certification career. Public school teachers, principals, program supervisors, and superintendents all need certification and, therefore, must meet continuing education requirements. This can take the form of formal classes and seminars. If you are currently working as a certified educator, an EdS program will likely count towards your continuing education requirements.
Learning never stops. Accordingly, even after you graduate, you’ll be expected to learn the latest techniques and advancements in education.
Start Your Path to Becoming a Special Education Expert!
You can become one of the leading experts in special education. Use the resources on GetEducated.com to learn even more about the best online education specialist degree special education programs to fit your needs!