10 Free Online Special Education Degrees & Courses

Affordable online special education degrees and courses are helpful resources for busy individuals looking to start a teaching career. These higher education online programs include courses about:

• learning disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder
• assistive technology
• behavior disorders
• special education laws

Some programs provide knowledge of special education concepts, while others can fulfill special education licensure and course requirements. Keep reading to discover free and low-cost online courses and bachelor's degrees in special education.

Can I Earn My Bachelor's Degree in Special Education Online?

Unfortunately, there are no entirely free online degrees, but you can take online courses for free. You can choose low-cost schools or look to financial aid options to cover the cost of your degree. Some financial aid options include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Read more: Is a Special Education Degree Worth It?

Free Online Courses & Low-Cost Bachelor's Degrees in Special Education

Evaluate your career goals to decide whether an online course or special education bachelor's degree is for you. Many online courses teach the same concepts learned in a special education K-12 general curriculum.

Something significant to consider is that only degree programs can lead to licensure. While some can be free with the right combination of financial aid, earning a degree generally requires a financial investment. Fortunately, you can lower costs by choosing a low-cost school and applying for financial assistance.

Here are online programs for aspiring special education educators.

1. University of Cape Town � Disability Inclusion in Education

The University of Cape Town offers the Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support course through the Coursera educational learning platform. This beginner-level program requires 14 hours of study and has a shareable certificate for purchase.

Enrollment is free, and students should expect to learn about helping children participate in class. Modules here include:

• Supporting Disability Inclusion
• Systemic Support for Educators
• Principles and Approaches for Disability Inclusion
• Inclusive Teaching

2. Liberty University � BEd in Special Education

Liberty University's Bachelor of Education in special education prepares aspiring educators by providing a teaching license and a diploma. Students will learn about the fundamentals of learning theory and how to care for children with special education needs.

The university accepts transfer credits so enrollees can complete their degrees quickly and affordably. Some of the coursework includes:

• Assessment and Transition Planning
• Inclusive Planning for Diverse Learners
• Behavior Management
• Special Education Law & Characteristics

3. University of Colorado � Providing Special Education Services in School

The University of Colorado has a course called Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School through Coursera. This flexible course takes 11 hours and is part of the School Health for Children and Adolescents concentration.

Students should expect to learn about educational technology and teaching students with special needs. Some of the modules in this program are:

• Introduction to Mental Health in Schools
• Tier 1 Interventions
• Tier 2 Interventions
• Tier 3 Interventions

4. Brenau University � BS in Special Education

Brenau University's Bachelor of Science in special education is fully online with opportunities for hands-on field experiences. This transfer-friendly program provides K to 12th-grade teaching certifications in Georgia.

Learners who prefer small class sizes should strongly consider enrolling here. Students should expect to take courses such as:

• Introduction to Multicultural Education
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
• Student Teaching Mild Disabilities
• Literacy Concepts and Assessment

5. University of Glasgow � Diversity and Inclusion in Education

The University of Glasglow provides the Diversity and Inclusion in Education course through the Coursera online learning platform. This intermediate-level course teaches learners how to create a more inclusive learning environment.

This program takes 17 hours of study, so students should set aside time to complete one module weekly. Modules featured here include:

• Introduction to the Course and Conceptualizing Diversity in Inclusion
• Responding to Diversity in Education
• Experiencing Diversity in Education: Barriers and Facilitators
• Developing Inclusive, Equitable Quality Education for All

6. University of Wisconsin, Stout � BS in Special Education

The University of Wisconsin, Stout, offers a Bachelor of Science in special education with a cross-categorical license to allow educators to teach multiple grade levels. In this program, general education teachers will help students develop individual education plans.

There are more children with disabilities in general education settings, so special education teachers must know how to work in these environments. Courses here include:

• Lifespan Human Development
• Impacts of Technology on Learning
• Classroom Management
• Inclusion of Students With Exceptional Needs

7. University of Cape Town � Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability

The University of Cape Town features the Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education course on Coursera. This introductory-level course requires 15 hours to complete and has nine quizzes.

Students will learn about the concept of children as ''circles'' so they can be at the center of support. A few of the modules here are:

• Who Is the Child With Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability?
• Lifelong Learning
• Facilitating Learning
• Rights, Advocacy, and Relationships of Care

8. Marymount University � BA in Special Education

Marymount University's Bachelor of Arts in special education helps learners understand how to address the individual needs of each of their students. Although the program is online, students will participate in internships and fieldwork to gain experience.

You can also collaborate with students pursuing other education degrees at Marymount. Courses available here include:

• Foundations of Teaching and Learning
• Literacy Instruction
• Collaborative Models for Special Education
• Secondary Teaching Methods in Science

9. University of Colorado � Managing Learning Disabilities in School

The University of Colorado partners with Coursera to provide the Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School course. This program typically takes nine hours to finish.

Enrollees will learn how to work with students with behavioral disorders. Modules here include:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Learning Disabilities
• Concussions

10. Drexel University � BS in Special Education

Drexel University offers a Bachelor of Science in special education through its School of Education. This part-time program equips students with knowledge of cognitive impairments and how they affect children from pre-K to 12th grade.

Students will receive teaching licensure in Pennsylvania but can transfer this license to other states via interstate reciprocity agreements. Specific courses here comprise of:

• Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement
• Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum
• Social Studies Teaching Methods
• Creating a Positive Classroom Climate

Other Free Online Resources and Modules for Special Education

There are numerous free online resources for special education besides courses. Some options include:

*YouTube educational channels: A few channels include Special Education Resource, The Science of Special Education, and Special Education Academy.

*Government and non-profit organizations: These include the US Department of Education, the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

How Can Free Courses Help Me in My Special Education Career?

Free courses can help your career in various ways. In addition to being cost-effective, these courses provide:

• skill development
• networking opportunities
• resume enhancement
• certification preparation

These courses can also help you determine whether you want a career in special education before you spend time and money on a degree. Ensure that the classes you take are accredited and up-to-date.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Aspiring Special Education Teachers

Aspiring special education teachers have many financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student aid. Some scholarships for future teachers include:

• Joseph T. Weingold Scholarship
• The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program
• Alma Exley Scholarship Program

Fill out the FAFSA online form to see the grants and federal student aid you are eligible for. You may qualify for the TEACH grant as a prospective educator.

Find a Special Education Program Today

Obtaining a special education degree is the first step toward a fulfilling career. Enhance your teaching skills, including behavior management and instructional strategies, with various programs. For more information, contact one of the institutions listed on Learn.org.