Does Strayer University Have an Online Special Education Degree?

What is a Special Education Degree?

Perhaps you'd like to learn more about the degree program you're interested in. What is a special education degree, exactly, and what does it teach?

Special education is a branch of education that focuses on teaching students with various disabilities.

Educators in the special education fieldwork to develop individualized and group learning strategies for these special students.

Special education teachers often work with students suffering from developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Down's Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and more.

They may also work with students who have various learning disabilities.

Sometimes their students are suffering from other disorders, such as mental health issues or physical difficulties.

The job of the special education teacher is to make learning accessible for all students regardless of their disability.

This often involves tailoring educational programs to the specific needs and conditions of students.

Degrees in special education train aspiring teachers about various learning disorders and techniques that can be used to combat these issues.

Most often, students pursue special education as a master's degree. That said, some schools also offer this specialization at the bachelor's degree level.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Special Education Degree?

Getting a degree in special education usually takes at least a couple of years. However, the exact timeframe can vary depending on several factors.

The first of these factors is the degree level you are pursuing. If you are just starting a bachelor's degree program, the average time it will take to finish the program is four years.

If you choose to obtain a master's degree, this will take you an additional two years or so.

You may also decide to pursue a doctoral degree in education or special education, which could take an additional four to seven years.

Keep in mind, that these numbers are for full-time students taking 12 to 18 credit hours per semester (or at least 12 credits per quarter if your school uses a quarter system).

Students who study part-time will not be able to finish as quickly. They will be taking fewer credit hours per term, so it will take them longer to accumulate the credits needed to finish the degree.

On the other hand, students taking a heavier course load will gain credits more quickly and thus will graduate sooner.

Finally, let's consider the effects of transfer credits.

Many students bring transfer credits to a degree program, as these credits can be obtained through community colleges, high school dual-credit programs, and competency tests.

If you have a significant number of transfer credits you can apply toward your degree, you will finish your degree more quickly.

Some schools allow you to transfer up to three-fourths of the necessary credits into a degree program, meaning you could graduate with a bachelor's degree in as little as a year.

What Careers Can you Get With a Special Education Degree?

Typically, when you think of a career in special education, you think of a special education teacher. But did you know there are other careers you could pursue with a special education degree?

Some non-teaching positions are available within schools and school districts. Job titles to consider include:

• Reading Specialist
• School Counselor
• Curriculum Manager
• Educational Coordinator
• School Principal

You could also pursue careers outside of the school setting altogether.

Special education jobs are also available in businesses, public health settings, and other organizations. Consider these job titles:

• Corporate Trainer
• Advocacy Manager
• Educational Consultant
• Psychometrist
• Recreation Coordinator

Many of these special education careers pay moderate salaries, though expected earnings vary depending on experience, education level, and job title.

Some positions can pay very well.

Special education professionals are in high demand and can work in various settings, so pursuing a degree in special education can help you obtain a decent level of job security.

Should you Get an Online Special Education Degree from Strayer University?

As mentioned above, Strayer University doesn't offer any education degrees.

If you hope to major in special education, you will need to attend a different college.

Strayer's degree programs are more focused on business, IT, and social services fields. They offer various degree and certificate programs in these industries.

If you plan to pursue one of these degree programs, Strayer offers flexible online classes and a generous transfer policy.

But if your heart is set on completing a special education degree program, then Strayer doesn't have what you're looking for.

Start your Online Degree at Strayer University Today

Though Strayer University doesn't offer an online special education degree program, several other programs are available for students looking to enter business, IT, or other industries.

Whether you decide to pursue one of these programs or find another school offering a special education degree, best of luck reaching your educational goals.