10 Best Special Education Degrees 2025

To become a special education teacher, you'll need some amount of higher education. In most states, this is at least a bachelor's degree, as well as a state teaching license. Some opt for a special education degree, while others may opt for other types of education degrees that are relevant to special ed.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in special education, including online degrees. Keep reading to discover the best special education degree programs for 2025.

Top Special Education Programs in the U.S.

Several colleges and universities across the U.S. help prepare future teachers to work with students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and other special needs. Below, we've highlighted ten of the best undergraduate special education programs in the U.S.

Note that all programs listed hold regional accreditation and lead to special education teacher licensure in that state. Many of these schools also offer some of the best online bachelor's degrees in special education.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in special education through its Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. The program includes courses like:

• Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Exceptional Needs
• Professional Practices, Foundations, and Collaborative Teaching in Special Education
• Special Education History and Law
• Technology Literacy: Problem Solving using Digital Technology Applications

The program concludes with student teaching in a hands-on setting. Program graduates are eligible for the Standard Professional Mild/Moderate Disabilities Special Education Certificate - Grades K-12 in Arizona.

2. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, OH. Its College of Education and Human Ecology offers a Bachelor of Science in special education with coursework that covers topics like:

• assistive technologies
• classroom and behavior management
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• language and communication development for special needs students

Two specialties are available: a dual licensure primary general education and intervention specialist and a mild to intensive dual licensure intervention specialist. Additional badges are available for autism spectrum disorder and specific learning disabilities.

3. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a public research university in Athens, GA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in special education through its Mary Frances Early College of Education with three areas of emphasis:

• adapted curriculum
• general curriculum
• educational studies

The adapted curriculum area of emphasis prepares for instruction of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism, while the general curriculum prepares for instruction to those with mild to moderate disabilities who are primarily following the general curriculum. The educational studies area of emphasis does not lead to licensure.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign, IL. Its College of Education offers a Bachelor of Science in special education with courses such as:

• Alternative and Augmentative Communication and Literacy
• Assistive Technology and Physical Disabilities
• Individualized Behavior Supports for Students with Disabilities
• School-Wide Behavior Supports in Learning Environments

This program prepares future teachers to support students from kindergarten through age 22. All students must complete field experience requirements within a local school district to graduate.

5. University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is a public research university in College Park, MD. It offers a Bachelor of Science in elementary/middle special education through its College of Education.

This program has two tracks. The first track is the Special Education Certification: Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8) and Severe Disability Endorsement (Birth-21) for those who want to be special education teachers, and the second is the General and Special Education Certification: Elementary Education Certification and Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8) for those who want to be general education teachers.

6. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public research university spread across the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Its College of Education and Human Development offers a Bachelor of Science in special education with three tracks:

• academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) licensure track
• early childhood special education (ECSE) licensure track
• foundations track

The ABS track is for those who want to work as special education teachers for kindergarten and up, while the ECSE track is for those who want to work as early interventionists or pre-K special education teachers. The foundations track does not lead to teacher licensure.

7. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university in Austin. It offers a bachelor's degree in special education through its College of Education that covers topics like:

• assessment in special education
• behavior interventions
• early childhood special education
• teaching learners with high support needs

Students can gain student teaching experience in both general education classrooms and special education classrooms during the practicum portions of this program. This gives future teachers hands-on experience with various special needs.

8. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, VA. Its School of Education and Human Development offers a Bachelor of Science in special education that includes courses such as:

• Behavior and Classroom Management
• IEP and Transition Planning
• Methods of Instruction and Collaboration in Special Education
• Reading and Writing Instruction for Special Education

This program prepares future teachers to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12. Full-time students will complete field experience and student teaching during the fourth year of the program.

9. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison, WI. It offers a Bachelor of Science in special education that leads to four certification options:

• special education cross-categorical K-12
• elementary education K-9 and special education K-12
• early childhood special education
• early childhood special education and special education cross-categorical K-12

Each certification option takes four semesters to complete after core curriculum or general education credits. All certifications include coursework and field experiences.

10. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville. It's currently listed as the top program in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of best special education programs. Its Bachelor of Science in special education offers three specializations:

• high incidence disabilities K-8
• high incidence disabilities 6-12
• multiple and severe disabilities

The program is field-oriented and problem-centered, with most professional courses requiring direct involvement with individuals with disabilities. Students begin practicums during their freshman year.

FAQs About Special Education Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about special education degree programs.

What Is the Best Degree for Special Needs Education?

The best degree for special needs education is generally a bachelor's degree in special education. Some students continue to earn a master's degree or other type of graduate program, which often allows students to further specialize in areas like autism spectrum disorder or severe disabilities.

How Do I Become a Special Education Teacher?

All states require special education teachers working in public schools to hold a teaching license. To earn a teaching license, you'll usually need to:

• earn a bachelor's degree in special education.
• complete a teacher preparation program approved by the state or accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); often, bachelor's degrees in education include teacher preparation programs
• pass the teaching exams set by your state
• pass a background check

Both on-campus and online programs can lead to certification. Before enrolling, make sure your program will allow you to become licensed.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education?

Many people who earn bachelor's degrees in special education go on to become special education teachers. Other careers you can pursue with a special education degree include:

• behavioral specialist
• early intervention specialist
• special education advocate
• special education consultant

Become a Special Education Teacher Today

If you're interested in becoming a special education teacher, check out the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their special education programs and start your path toward a rewarding career in special education.