Is a Special Education Degree Worth It? | Pros & Cons

If you're interested in teaching children with learning disabilities and other special needs, you may be contemplating a career as a special education teacher. But you've heard about the hard work you'll have to put into earning your special education degree and the many challenges you'll face in your career. So, you're wondering, is it worth it?

Special education careers certainly have their share of challenges, but that is true of any career path. There are also many rewards and benefits of becoming a special education professional. These include having an array of job opportunities, financial aid options for special education majors, and most importantly, having a sense of purpose in your career.

A special education degree may be right for you if you want to help children with disabilities to further their education. Keep reading for more information.

What Is a Special Education Degree?

A special education degree is an academic program of study that prepares learners to teach special education students. These may include students with various physical and mental impairments, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and a variety of other learning challenges.

Special education programs are typically available in the form of bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Students can become special education teachers with a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, though it's common for them to have better career prospects if they pursue a master's degree.

Regardless of the path you choose, your degree program will include coursework covering a range of general education, electives, and core courses. Students will learn about creating individualized education programs (IEPs), behavior management, assistive technology, and more. They will also be required to complete student teaching experiences to graduate with their degree and pursue teaching certification.

Pros of Earning a Special Education Degree

There are several pros of becoming a special education teacher. Let's look closer at the benefits of this career path.

High Demand for Special Education Teachers

There is a shortage of school teachers in the special education classroom. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that nearly 36,000 new openings for special education teachers are expected yearly through 2033.

Though the special education industry is expected to remain stable over the next several years, these job openings will be driven by the need to replace special education teachers who retire or move into other professions.

Fulfilling and Impactful Career

Despite the challenges it presents, teaching special needs children can be incredibly rewarding. When you work with children over some time and see them learning and growing through your efforts, you may enjoy a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that your career makes a positive impact.

Special education services make learning more accessible for many students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting. Knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of these kids can help you feel fulfilled in your career.

Diverse Career Paths

Not everyone who pursues a special education degree spends their career as a teacher. There are other career paths you could pursue in your school district, department of education, or a private organization.

You could work as an instructional coordinator, in education administration, or in professional development. If you pursue a doctoral degree in special education, you could pursue a career educating the next generation of special education teachers. You could even provide a range of special education services by working for a nonprofit foundation.

Loan Forgiveness and Financial Aid Options

There are various financial aid options for those hoping to become special education teachers. In addition to special education scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, you can take advantage of loan forgiveness programs after graduating from your degree program.

Teacher loan forgiveness programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and Teacher Loan Forgiveness pay off any student debt you may have if you meet certain eligibility requirements. These often include a service agreement, noting that you must work for a certain amount of time in a high-need school to receive the loan forgiveness funds.

Cons of Earning a Special Education Degree

Though special education has many benefits, it also has a few drawbacks you should be aware of. Let's take a closer look.

Emotional and Physical Challenges

The children you will work with in a special education classroom may present various physical, mental, and behavioral challenges. As their teacher, you may find it difficult to handle these challenges day in and day out.

You may also feel that you're putting in so much effort to better the lives of these students but not making a lot of progress. Being a special education teacher requires a great amount of patience and perseverance, as the fruit of your labor isn't always immediately evident.

Time and Financial Investment

To become a special education teacher, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree. This typically takes about four years to complete, and total costs for this degree may exceed $100,000.

Those who pursue a master's degree may have better career prospects but will face an additional investment of time and money. They may spend an extra one to three years and tens of thousands of dollars getting their advanced degree.

High Stress and Burnout Potential

Special education teachers face a lot of stress in their careers. This stress often comes from student behaviors and other issues in the classroom but may also stem from administrative pressures or issues with students' families.

Teachers who are overworked and unable to maintain a good work-life balance run the risk of facing burnout. If not dealt with, this can lead to mental issues, such as anxiety and depression, and may necessitate transitioning to a new career.

Potential for Limited Advancement Without Further Education

As noted, you can work in special education with a bachelor's degree, but those holding a master's degree have a greater range of career options. This means that, if you only have an undergraduate degree, your opportunities for advancement may be limited.

If your career aspirations involve advancing to administrative positions, teaching at the college level, or working with special needs children in a non-classroom setting, you will likely need to spend the extra time and money pursuing a graduate degree.

Is a Special Education Degree Right for You?

Ultimately, only you can decide if a degree and career in special education is the right path for you. Consider the pros and cons discussed above and weigh them against each other.

Ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the potential challenges. Am I willing to give it a shot even if there's a chance I may fail? If your answer is yes, there's a good chance that a special education degree is a good choice for you.

Explore Special Education Degree Programs

If you're ready to start your special education journey, explore the degree programs available through various schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges or universities listed to find out more about the special education degree programs they offer.