Teachers equipped with special education degrees and training provide critical services to a vulnerable population of students. Those called to work with children with disabilities, learning challenges, or other exceptional needs have an opportunity to make a real difference through a career in special needs education. This field offers not just professional rewards, but also personal fulfillment. Read more about special needs education degree.

Special needs educators require specialized knowledge and compassion. Let’s explore what’s involved in pursuing a degree and career in special education.

An Overview of Special Needs Education Degrees

Several degree paths allow you to work in special education. Common program options include:

Bachelor’s in Special Education

A 4-year bachelor’s program in special education provides comprehensive training on working with exceptional students. Courses cover topics like special education law, assessment, instructional methods, behavior management, and child development. Field experiences in special needs classrooms further prepare students.

Master’s in Special Education

A graduate-level master’s degree involves advanced study of special education practices, research, policies, and leadership skills. Some programs allow you to specialize in areas like autism spectrum disorders or learning disabilities. A capstone thesis or project is usually required.

Dual Certification Programs

Some universities offer degrees that provide certification in both general and special education. This dual credential allows teachers the flexibility to work with diverse learners in inclusive or self-contained settings. Coursework incorporates general and special education topics.

Post-Baccalaureate Certification

Professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject can often enroll in a post-baccalaureate special education certification program. This short 1-2 year course of study focuses solely on topics needed for special education licensure.

Online Special Education Degrees

For those needing flexibility, many accredited colleges and universities now offer online special education degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level. These programs deliver the same high quality curriculum through distance learning technologies.

What Courses Can You Expect?

Typical courses found in special education degree programs include:

• Disabilities and Diverse Learners – Covers the spectrum of disabilities and educational implications of each.
• Assessment and Evaluation – How to assess exceptional students for placement and monitor progress.
• Behavior Management – Strategies for working with students with behavioral disorders or challenges.
• Transition Planning – Planning education plans focused on independent living and career skills.
• Assistive Technologies – Technologies that support learning for those with disabilities
• Special Education Law and Policy – Laws like IDEA that guarantee rights to education services.
• Instructional Methods – Evidence-based practices for teaching students with special needs
• Child Development – Milestones and delays in cognitive, motor, language, and social development.
• Collaboration and Advocacy – Partnering with families and professionals to support the whole child.

In addition to coursework, extensive field work, such as student teaching or clinical practicums working directly with special needs students, is an essential component of all special education degrees to gain hands-on experience.

Important Skills and Qualities

Working in special education requires certain skills and personality traits. Important aptitudes needed for success include:

• Patience – Progress can be slow; patience and persistence are crucial
• Empathy – Compassion for students with profound struggles comes first
• Communication – Must be able to collaborate, listen to, and clearly explain concepts to others
• Problem-solving – Every student presents unique challenges requiring creative solutions
• Organization – Managing paperwork, data collection, IEP documentation, etc. is key
• Advocacy – Special educators must stand up for student needs
• Flexibility – Ability to adapt approaches to diverse and changing needs
• Resilience – Dealing with setbacks and emotional tolls while moving forward

The most successful special education teachers have a calm, grounded presence and derive internal rewards from helping their students succeed in their own unique ways. A special education career is as much about your heart as your academic credentials.

Career Paths and Job Outlook After Special Needs Education Degree

Special education degrees equip graduates for several career paths working with students facing learning obstacles. Common special education careers include:

1. – Special Education Teacher – Work with special needs students in self-contained or inclusion classrooms from PreK-12th grade. Assess students and provide targeted interventions based on IEP goals. Monitor progress and modify instructional methods. Manage behavior challenges. Document all efforts. Work closely with parents.
2. – Early Intervention Specialist – Identify and evaluate infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Provide services like speech or occupational therapy to qualified children for early intervention. Support families through the process.
3. – Learning Specialist/Disabilities Specialist – Support students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other challenges that impact class performance. Provide supplemental instruction or accommodations to aid their learning. May work one-on-one or in small groups.
4. – Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist – Specifically help students with autism by providing visual supports, social skills instruction, language development interventions, and behavior plans tailored to their needs.
5. – Special Education Administrator – Manage and oversee special education programs and staff at a school or district level. Ensure adherence to special education laws and district policies. Handle budgeting and resource allocation.

The job outlook for special education teachers is very strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued demand and above average job growth in this field due to increasing special needs populations and staff retirements.

Making an Impact

Pursuing a special education degree equips you for a career that can be both challenging and infinitely rewarding. Special educators have the opportunity to make a life-changing difference for their students. While this career path requires dedication and grit, few jobs provide such an opportunity to drastically improve young lives. Special needs teachers change futures. If your passion is to work with exceptional students, a special education degree will empower you to transform their trajectories.