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Online Doctoral Degree Programs in Special Education


A certificate or degree from a special education program will qualify you to work with a variety of students with special needs. You may be teaching special education to students with learning challenges, behavioral challenges, or in a gifted and talented student program. A job as a special education teacher is only possible after you have completed a special education program and received your state certification.


Special education teaching programs can be found at most universities and colleges, as well as online or through distance-learning programs. Programs available to people interested in teaching special education may include courses in classroom management, behavioral science, and testing techniques.

Then you must complete student teaching or supervised teaching in a special education classroom. You will work directly with students, and receive guidance from the supervising teacher or instructor.

In a special education job, you must track and test each student you work with. For this reason, most special education teachers enjoy a much smaller student-to-teacher ratio than traditional teachers.


University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

  • Educational Specialist
  • Doctor of Education/Curriculum and Instruction
  • Doctor of Education in Ed. Leadership/Educational Technology
  • M.A. in Education/Special Education
  • M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
Capella University
Capella University

Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.



  • PhD - Special Education Leadership
  • PhD - K-12 Studies in Education
  • PhD - Professional Studies in Education
  • PhD - Instructional Design for Online Learning
  • PhD - Information Technology Education
Northcentral University
Northcentral University

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.



  • Special Education - PhD in Education
  • Special Education - Doctor of Education
  • Global Training and Development - Doctor of Education
  • International Education - Doctor of Education
  • Global Training and Development - PhD in Education
Walden University
Walden University Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

  • Doctor of Education - Special Education
  • Ed.S. in Special Education - General
  • Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Special Education
  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Special Education
  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model
The University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

  • Doctor of Education (Higher Education)
Ashford University
Ashford University Earn the degree you've always wanted at Ashford University. Achieve your goals with the resources you need, including an innovative online classroom and a supportive environment. Your education at Ashford University is a shared experience that unites you with students and faculty around the world. Ashford University is defining the modern college experience.

  • MA/Education - Special Education (non-licensure)
  • MA/Education - No Specialization
  • MA/Education - Library and Media
  • MA/Education - Culturally Responsive Education
  • MA/Education - Assessment & Measurement
American InterContinental University Online
American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

  • Master's (M. Ed.) in Educational Assessment and Evaluation
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
USC Rossier School of Education
USC Rossier School of Education Advance your teaching career with an online master's degree from University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education. This accelerated program provides the opportunity to earn a respected Master of Arts in Teaching degree and be recommended for your state teaching credential.

  • Master of Arts in Teaching with a Gifted Certificate
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential
Concordia University Online
Concordia University Online Take your career to the next level with a degree from Concordia University. Earn your associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from one of our four colleges: education; health and human services; theology, arts, and sciences; and management.

  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: The Inclusive Classroom (SPED)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Methods & Curriculum
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Environmental Education
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

  • M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
  • M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
  • M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
  • M.A. in Teaching - Professional Learning Communities (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)