How Many Credits Is a Special Education Degree Program? | Learn.org

If you're looking to get into special education, you may be wondering about the educational requirements you'll need to fulfill. You know you need to complete a special education certification and degree program, but what is that going to look like, exactly? How many credit hours do you need to earn as an aspiring special education teacher?

Special education degrees typically feature general education, electives, and core coursework, along with student teaching or other field experiences. The number of courses you have to take will vary depending on the type of degree program you're enrolled in and the school you attend.

To begin working as a special education teacher, you'll need to obtain at least 120 credit hours as part of a bachelor's degree program. Read on for more information.

Credit Requirements for an Associate Degree in Special Education

Associate degrees are entry-level degree programs available at community colleges and some four-year schools. These degrees can help you fulfill most or all of your general education requirements, but they are typically designed for transfer to a bachelor's degree program. They do not fulfill all requirements necessary to pursue teacher certification or licensure.

Associate degrees comprise at least 60 credits, though some programs of study require more than that. They typically take about two years to complete if you study full-time.

Credit Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

Bachelor's degrees in special education are available at four-year colleges and universities. They are typically the minimum credentials required to become a teacher. Special education majors complete not only prerequisite courses but also teaching-specific courses necessary to fulfill all degree requirements. Topics may include classroom management, human development, learning disabilities, early childhood and elementary education, and more.

Bachelor's degree programs consist of at least 120 semester credit hours. As with associate degrees, some specific programs may require additional credit hours. Bachelor's degrees typically take about four years for full-time students to complete.

Credit Requirements for a Master's Degree in Special Education

A master's degree in special education is a graduate program available at many four-year colleges and universities. These advanced degrees can help students pursue management or leadership roles, potentially earn salary increases, and make them more desirable teacher candidates. They also provide a pathway for learners with a non-education bachelor's degree to pursue teaching certification.

Programs may cover topics like educational psychology, behavior analysis, and assistive technology. Master's degree programs in special education typically consist of at least 30 credit hours, though some may require additional education courses; a Master of Education (MEd) typically takes one to two years.

Credit Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Special Education (PhD or EdD)

Your college may offer terminal degrees in special education such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education. These are the highest credentials available in the education field. EdD degrees commonly lead to high-level administrative roles in education settings, while PhD degrees more commonly lead to teaching or research-based careers at colleges and universities.

Doctoral degree requirements can vary widely, but students typically need to earn at least 60 credit hours for EdD degrees and 90 hours for PhD degrees. These programs usually take at least two to four years to complete, though PhD degrees can take significantly longer due to research and dissertation requirements.

Fieldwork and Practicum Credit Requirements

Fieldwork requirements typically come in the form of student teaching, but they may also be available as internships, assistantships, fellowships, and practicums. Fieldwork helps students gain hands-on experience teaching students and is a necessary part of any special education degree program that leads to teacher licensure.

Fieldwork requirements vary from state to state and degree program to degree program. Check with your preferred institute of higher education or state department of education to find out about the specific types and amounts of fieldwork you'll need to complete.

Online Special Education Degree Programs and Credit Requirements

Some special education degree programs are available online. These programs allow students to complete their education in a more flexible, accessible format, allowing them to balance their classes with their busy lives.

Online degree programs have the same credit hour requirements as in-person programs: associate degrees are at least 60 credits, bachelor's degrees consist of 120 credits, master's degrees contain at least 30 credits, and doctoral degrees have at least 60 to 90 credits.

Find a Special Education Degree

If you're ready to start your path to becoming a special education teacher, discover the available degree programs at the colleges on Learn.org. Get in touch with one of these schools today to begin the enrollment process and make your educational goals a reality.