Working with students who have special needs is a job that makes a real difference. If you want to get certified in special education, there are many great online programs that can help you reach your goal without having to go to a physical campus. This blog post will talk about some of the best online programs for Special Education Certification. We’ll look at different types of programs and what makes them stand out. This information will help you choose the program that fits your needs and helps you become a qualified special education teacher.
Why Get Special Education Certification?
Getting certified in special education is important for several reasons:
- It’s Often Required: Most public and private schools require special education teachers to have specific certifications or licenses.
- Shows You Have the Skills: Certification programs teach you the best ways to support students with different learning needs.
- Helps You Get a Job: Having a certification makes you a more attractive candidate when you’re applying for teaching positions.
- Leads to Better Pay: Certified teachers often earn more than those without certification.
- Makes a Bigger Difference: With the right training, you can better help your students succeed.
- Keeps You Up-to-Date: Certification programs often include the latest research and teaching methods in special education.
Types of Online Special Education Certification Programs
There are different kinds of online programs that can lead to special education certification:
- Bachelor’s Degrees with Special Education Focus: These programs are for people who are just starting their journey to become teachers. They include general education courses as well as specific training in special education.
- Master’s Degrees with Special Education Certification: These programs are for people who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to specialize in special education. They often lead to both a master’s degree and teaching certification.
- Graduate Certificate Programs: These are shorter programs for people who already have a teaching license or a related degree and want to add a special education certification to their qualifications.
- Alternative Certification Programs: These programs are designed for people who have a bachelor’s degree but not in education. They offer a fast track to becoming a certified teacher, often with online coursework and on-the-job training.
What to Look for in an Online Program
When you’re choosing an online special education certification program, here are some important things to consider:
- Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized organization. This means the program has met certain quality standards.
- State Requirements: Each state has its own rules for special education certification. Make sure the program you choose will qualify you for certification in the state where you want to teach.
- Program Focus: Some programs focus on specific areas of special education, like autism or learning disabilities. Choose a program that aligns with your interests.
- Online Format: Consider how the online program is delivered. Does it have live classes, recorded lectures, or a mix of both? Make sure the format works for your learning style and schedule.
- Fieldwork and Practicum: Most certification programs require some hands-on experience in a classroom setting. Find out how the program helps you arrange and complete this fieldwork.
- Faculty: Look at the qualifications and experience of the professors who teach in the program.
- Support Services: See what kind of support the program offers online students, such as academic advising, technical help, and career services.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition and fees for the program, and look into any financial aid or scholarships that might be available.
Some of the Best Online Programs for Special Education Certification
Here are some examples of online programs that are often recommended for special education certification:
1. University of North Dakota
- Programs Offered: Online Bachelor’s in Special Education, Online Master’s in Special Education, Online Special Education Graduate Certificate.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Offers different specialization tracks within their certificate program (like Behavior Intervention Specialist and Early Childhood Special Education). Their programs are fully online and accredited. They also provide good support for online students.
2. Arizona State University (ASU)
- Program Offered: Online Master of Education in Special Education (Teacher Certification).
- What Makes it Stand Out: This program combines coursework with hands-on experience in K-12 settings. It focuses on fair learning, instructional design, and assessment for students with disabilities.
3. George Mason University
- Program Offered: Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning – Special Education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: This program is designed for teachers who are already working with students with special needs and want to gain more expertise. While mostly online, it may require a summer intensive on campus for some students.
4. University of West Florida
- Programs Offered: Multiple online degrees in special education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Their programs are designed to help graduates move into new fields and advance their careers in special education. They are accredited and have a good reputation.
5. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Programs Offered: Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: WGU has a unique approach to online learning with a competency-based model, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Their special education program is well-regarded.
6. Liberty University
- Program Offered: Multiple online degrees in special education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Liberty University offers a variety of online special education degrees and is known for its large online learning community.
7. Drexel University
- Program Offered: Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Drexel’s program is part-time and offers flexibility for working adults. It is also an accredited institution.
8. University of Georgia
- Program Offered: Online Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Designed for Georgia residents, this program focuses on making a difference in special education within the state.
9. Ball State University
- Program Offered: Online Master’s in Special Education.
- What Makes it Stand Out: Ball State’s online master’s program is designed for K-12 educators who want to become experts in special education.
10. American Board
- Program Offered: Online Special Education Teacher Certification.
- What Makes it Stand Out: This is an alternative certification program that is fully online and self-paced. It’s designed to be a fast and affordable way to become a certified special education teacher if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other excellent online programs for special education certification. It’s important to research different programs and choose the one that best fits your individual needs and career goals.
Taking the Next Step
Earning your special education certification online is flexible and convenient. It helps you advance your career and positively impact students with special needs. By carefully researching different programs and considering the factors discussed in this blog post, you can find the perfect online program to help you achieve your certification goals. Good luck on your journey to becoming a certified special education teacher!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Online Programs for Special Education Certification
Q: Can I get my special education certification entirely online? A: Yes, many accredited programs offer their special education certification coursework fully online. However, most programs will still require some form of in-person fieldwork or student teaching experience, which you may need to arrange in your local area.
Q: How long does it take to get special education certification online? A: The time it takes varies depending on the type of program you choose. A bachelor’s degree program will typically take four years, a master’s degree program can take one to two years, and a graduate certificate program might take a year or less. Alternative certification programs can sometimes be completed in a shorter timeframe.
Q: Will a certification earned online be recognized in all states? A: Not necessarily. While many states have reciprocity agreements, you will need to check the specific requirements of the state where you plan to teach to ensure the online program you choose will lead to valid certification in that state.
Q: What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online special education certification program? A: Prerequisites vary by program level. Bachelor’s degree programs usually require a high school diploma or equivalent. Master’s and certificate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree. Alternative certification programs also require a bachelor’s degree but not necessarily in education.
Q: How much do online special education certification programs cost? A: The cost of online programs varies widely depending on the institution and the type of program. Graduate programs generally cost more than bachelor’s programs. Look into tuition rates, fees, and potential financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Q: Do online special education programs offer the same quality of education as on-campus programs? A: Accredited online programs are held to the same quality standards as on-campus programs. They often have experienced faculty and rigorous coursework. The main difference is the delivery format.
Q: Will I get hands-on experience in an online special education certification program? A: Yes, most certification programs need you to do fieldwork or student teaching in a real classroom. This applies to online programs too. The program will usually provide guidance on how to arrange this experience.
Q: What kind of career opportunities will I have with a special education certification? With a special education certification, you can teach in different places. This includes public and private schools, early intervention programs, and other settings for individuals with disabilities.
Q: How do I choose the best online special education certification program for me? A: Consider your current education level, career goals, learning style, budget, and the certification requirements of the state where you want to teach. Explore various accredited programs. Compare their curriculum, format, faculty, support services, and costs.
Q: Are there any scholarships or financial aid options for online special education certification programs? A: Yes, many universities offer financial aid to eligible students in their online programs. You can also look for scholarships specifically for education students or those pursuing special education. Check with the individual programs and explore external scholarship databases.