10 Fastest Online Special Education Degree Programs

If you're planning to become a special education teacher, getting a bachelor's degree in the field is often the most direct path. But perhaps you're wondering if there is a way to get that degree more quickly than usual.

Students have various options to speed up the process of earning a bachelor's degree in special education. Keep reading to learn how to quickly earn your degree so you can start working with special needs children.

How To Earn Your Special Education Degree Quickly

Most full-time learners complete a bachelor's degree in about four years, but it's possible to graduate much sooner than that. To move as quickly as possible through your online education program, consider the following options:

• Accelerated degree path: Some colleges and universities provide accelerated online courses and degree programs. These allow students to complete the same amount of coursework and earn their degree in a shorter-than-average timeframe.
• Transfer credit policies: If you have already attended college in the past, you may be able to transfer some of your general education or elective courses to your new educator preparation program. Some schools accept more transfer credits than others, so if you have a lot of credit hours to transfer, consider a school with generous transfer policies.
• Prior learning assessments (PLA): Prior learning assessments allow students to earn credit for life and work experiences such as technical training, career certificates, and relevant jobs. Some schools conduct PLAs to award credit as an additional type of transfer credit.
• Intensive study options: Online students often can study at their own pace. If you want to finish quickly, choose a program that will allow you to take heavy courseloads so you can finish sooner.
• Summer classes: Summer classes are a great way to get ahead as you pursue higher education. Studying year-round makes it possible to gain the necessary credits for your degree more quickly, thus allowing you to graduate in a shorter timeframe.

Fastest Online Special Education Degree Programs

Many schools offer online special education degree programs. If you're ready to complete an accredited special education program fast, consider the following schools and the online programs they offer.

1. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia offers one of the top online special education programs in the nation. Both bachelor's and master's degrees are available.

Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree program can pursue an accelerated Master of Education in special education. This online master's degree can be completed in as little as a year, helping students with no transfer credits complete the undergraduate and graduate degree programs in just five years.

2. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private school offering an accelerated Bachelor of Arts degree in cross-categorical special education. The online program leads to licensure in Wisconsin.

The accelerated course format helps students graduate within three years, even if they don't have transfer credits. Those with transfer and prior learning credits can graduate even sooner.

3. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online school providing various education degrees that lead to teacher licensure. Two of these programs are in special education.

Students can pursue a combined special education/elementary education degree, or a standalone education degree. Both programs feature competency-based coursework and a self-paced format, allowing students to complete their degree as quickly as they want.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University provides various special education degrees, some of which lead to a teaching license and some of which do not. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are all available.

The Bachelor of Education in special education provides accelerated eight-week courses and the ability to study on your own time. You can also transfer as many as 75% of the total required courses from another school, potentially allowing you to graduate in as little as a year.

5. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public school providing an accelerated early childhood education/special education bachelor's to master's program. Students in this high-ranking program obtain a Bachelor of Education in early childhood education and a Master of Education in special education within just five years.

The program is available to both in-state and out-of-state students. It is completed entirely online and leads to licensure in many states. It prepares students to work with children under eight in various education settings.

6. University of Wisconsin Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater provides an online bachelor's degree in special education. The program includes a cross-categorical license for students throughout the U.S.

The program consists of accelerated three- and eight-week course sessions, allowing you to fit your education into your schedule and finish within two and a half years if you take full courseloads.

7. Eastern University

Eastern University is a private school offering a flexible Bachelor of Science in special education. A master's degree in the field is also available.

Both programs feature flexible coursework, accelerated seven-week course sessions, and many yearly start dates. Students with significant transfer credits can finish the bachelor's program in about two and a half years.

8. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University provides a flexible online Bachelor of Science in special education K-12. This program is specifically designed for in-state students seeking to meet licensure requirements in Arkansas.

Frequent start dates and a generous transfer policy make it possible to finish this program quickly. Additionally, affordable tuition rates help learners graduate with less student debt.

9. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in special education. Both licensure and non-licensure tracks are available.

This program provides a generalist education, preparing students to work with children exhibiting mild to moderate disabilities in various learning environments. A generous transfer policy and flexible five-week courses make it possible to finish this degree in a much shorter timeframe than average.

10. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine provides an online Bachelor of Science in special education. The program prepares students for licensure in Maine and provides affordable tuition rates.

Students complete courses online and student teaching opportunities in person. They can complete them during the summer and winter to accelerate their degree. They can also transfer credits and receive additional credit for prior learning.

Why Should I Earn a Special Education Degree?

A special education degree prepares students to teach children with various learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Getting a degree in this field helps you pursue an in-demand career that can be highly rewarding.

A special education degree can also be a great credential for those hoping to advance to educational leadership roles or pursue non-teaching positions working with exceptional children. With a special education degree, you can use various options to pursue a fulfilling career that interests you.

Is an Online Special Education Degree Worth It?

Whether or not a special education degree is worth it to you depends on your career goals and interests. If you are hoping to work as a special education teacher or in a non-education special needs role, this degree may well be worth it.

Those who work in this field can benefit from job security and advancement opportunities. For those interested in working with special needs children, getting your accelerated online special education degree is a great place to start.