10 Careers You Can Pursue With a Special Education Degree

A special education degree prepares you to work with students or children with special needs. These degrees help you understand different needs and how to meet those needs.

Many people who earn a special education degree go on to work as special education teachers, but there are several other career paths available as well. Keep reading to discover ten career paths you can pursue with a special education degree.

What Is a Special Education Degree?

Special education degrees are teaching degrees that train future educators to work with children who have special needs, such as learning delays, intellectual disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disorders.

These programs cover various topics, including causes of disabilities and delays and how best to teach special education students in a way that works for them. These degrees are most commonly offered as bachelor's degrees in special education, but master's degrees are also available.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education?

There are several career options for someone with a bachelor's degree in special education. We've listed some of the most common special education jobs below.

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work in schools to teach students with special needs. They typically work in an elementary school, middle school, or high school based on their area of focus. Their job duties often include:

• assessing and evaluating students
• collaborating with paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and school principals
• create inclusive classroom environments based on student needs
• developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students as needed
• tailoring lesson plans to student needs
• updating IEPs and lesson plans based on periodic evaluations of student progress

All states require public school teachers to hold a state license or certification. Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree and to pass the state-mandated teaching exams and a background check.

Early Intervention Specialist

Early intervention specialists, or early interventionists, work with young children with developmental delays or disabilities. They often work for school districts or in early childhood education settings, like childcare centers or preschools. Their job duties often include:

• conducting assessments of young children
• connecting families of children with special needs to resources and support services
• helping children and families work toward developmental goals
• monitoring student progress

Depending on where you work, you may need to hold a teaching certification or a master's degree to work as an early intervention specialist. You can also secure professional certification, such as the Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE) credential from the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).

Special Education Administrator

Special education administrators, sometimes called special education coordinators or directors, typically work for the school district. They oversee the district's special education programs, ensuring that programs meet educational standards and the needs of the students.

This is a role for experienced special education professionals. Special education administrators typically need several years of special education teaching experience and an administrative credential from the state.

Behavioral Specialist

Behavioral specialists work with patients with behavioral or developmental disorders, which may include conditions like autism, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). They may work in school settings or healthcare settings.

These specialists assess and offer treatment and therapy options to help those with special needs. They also monitor the patient's progress and work with families to help them secure resources.

Your state may require you to hold a master's degree or a state license to work as a behavioral specialist. Professional certifications are also available.

Learning Disabilities Specialist

Learning disability specialists are special education specialists who work with students with learning disabilities. They assess student needs, help develop individualized education programs, and coordinate with general education teachers to ensure IEPs are followed.

These specialists usually work in a school setting. Depending on your state, you may need a license, and you may also need a master's degree to fulfill professional development requirements.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists work with individuals with language or communication disorders. These may be issues like stutters or more severe communication problems like selective mutism. They work with patients to help them overcome or manage these disorders.

The majority of speech-language pathologists work in school settings or for special education services, but they can also work in private practice or for healthcare facilities. All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed.

License requirements vary by state, but many require a master's degree in speech-language pathology. A bachelor's degree in special education can be a great stepping stone toward a master's in speech-language pathology.

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants are experienced, trained experts who come into schools to offer advice and feedback for improving educational outcomes. A consultant who specializes in special education may make suggestions for new teaching methods, interventions, or assistive technology, and may also help teachers develop a strategy for implementing these suggestions.

The best way to become an educational consultant is to gain experience in the special education field, especially as a teacher. Joining a professional organization, like the Independent Educational Consultants Association or the Higher Education Consultants Association, can help you network with other consultants and find job opportunities.

Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive technology refers to technology and devices that help individuals with disabilities. In an educational setting, these may include things like screen readers or communication devices.

Assistive technology specialists help those with disabilities learn to use these devices; they often train teachers to use these devices as well. There are no specific licenses or credentials required, but many specialists pursue professional credentials like the Certified Practice in Assistive Technology credential from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Special Education Advocate

Special education advocates work with families of special needs students, helping them to understand their rights and access support services. Their job duties may include:

• advising parents about services available to their child
• ensuring special education documents are accurate and complete
• preparing parents for IEP meetings (and accompanying them as needed
• writing requests or complaints to the school or district

There are no specific requirements to become an advocate, but you must be well-versed in special education law and ethics. Joining advocacy organizations and completing training programs can prepare you to work as a special education advocate.

Transition Specialist

A transition specialist, in the context of special education, assists students with special needs as they transition to different parts of their lives. For example, they may help an elementary school student transition to a middle school, or help a high school student transition to adult life or college.

Certification programs and courses can help those with a special education degree learn more about helping students with transitions. Some employers may require a master's degree to work as a transition specialist.

Start Your Career With a Special Education Degree

If you're interested in earning a degree in special education, read about various programs on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to determine how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.