Is 45 Too Old to Get a Special Education Degree?

Looking to start a career in special education? You'll need to get a relevant degree. But if you're 45, you may be wondering if you've already missed your opportunity. Are you too old to go to college?

No, 45 is not too old to go back to school and get a degree in special education. Pursuing a new degree can lead to increased personal satisfaction, new career opportunities, and marketable skills that can transfer across industries.

Read on for more information.

Reasons To Earn Your Special Education Degree at 45

You may be thinking about going back to school for many reasons. Here are some top reasons to consider getting your special education degree at 45:

To Change Careers

Perhaps you're not satisfied with your current job or you want to try something new. Or, perhaps you've always wanted to be a special education teacher and you finally have the means to get the necessary education.

Either way, getting a degree in special education will enable you to pursue various new and highly rewarding career opportunities.

To Advance Your Career

Are you already a teacher? Do you hold some other entry-level position in education? Perhaps you feel at home in the education field and would like the opportunity to advance in your career. A degree in special education can lead to career advancement opportunities and make you eligible for new positions you may not have previously qualified for.

To Learn New Skills

Maybe you're happy with your current career, whether you work in education or some other field. But you want to become the best you can be in your position. Getting a special education degree will help you gain new skills for working with children, special needs, or otherwise. Many of these skills will translate into your current profession, helping you be better at whatever you do.

What Will I Learn In a Special Education Degree Program?

Special education degrees can be completed at the bachelor's degree level or higher. Programs often start by offering instruction in general teaching principles before moving into a focus on special education.

Common courses you should expect to take in a special education degree program include:

• foundations of education
• behavior management
• early language development
• literacy
• assessment

Students will likely be required to complete a student teaching experience as part of their degree program. This will allow students to gain hands-on experience and put their classroom learning into practice.

What Can I Do With My Special Education Degree?

A degree in special education can lead to various career opportunities. Some job titles you may want to consider are listed below:

Special Education Teacher

The majority of special education majors become special education teachers. These teachers work with children who have various physical, mental, and developmental conditions or who need extra support in the classroom. They commonly work in public and private schools and may work with students at any grade level.

Reading Specialist

Reading specialists focus on improving reading skills in students. They evaluate students to determine how to help them read better, provide support services to teachers and families, and may recommend special education classes for students who need extra help.

Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers provide training for teachers and other education professionals. They also design a curriculum and provide training on how to use it. Corporate trainers with special education degrees are specifically qualified to design special ed curricula and provide training for special education teachers.

School Counselor

School counselors provide mental, emotional, and academic students who may be struggling with issues in the classroom or at home. They commonly work with students one-on-one as well as in groups. They may also conduct specific tests or evaluations to determine how best to meet individual students' needs.

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants work with school faculty as well as students and their families, providing guidance on how to improve academic performance. They may recommend new services or programs, suggest policy changes, or help determine how to meet the special needs of specific students.

FAQs About Starting a Special Education Degree at 45

Are you still concerned about getting your degree in special education at 45? Read on as we attempt to answer some of your questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Special Education Degree at 45?

Yes. Getting your degree as an older adult can help you be more focused on your career goals, which can make it easier for you to stay focused as you work through your courses. Experience and skills you've gained throughout your life can also translate well to the classroom as well as to pursuing your future career.

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits To Earn My Special Education Degree?

Depending on your school and your past experiences, you may be able to gain college credit for certain jobs or volunteer positions you've held. Not all schools award life experience credit, so check with your college to find out if this would be an option for you.

Can I Complete My Special Education Degree Online?

Many schools offer online special education bachelor's degrees that provide a flexible, accessible learning environment for busy working adults. These programs typically allow you to complete coursework online, though you will probably still need to complete an in-person student teaching experience in order to graduate.