A masters in special education allows you to serve as a teacher for students dealing with physical, mental, or learning disabilities. Most programs prepare you to deal with a wide range of challenging students, though some master’s degree programs allow you specialize to work with a specific type of disability.

Special Education Program Classes

Along with general education classes that any graduate program in education would cover, such as leadership, learning psychology, educational theory, and curriculum development, you’ll also take classes to help you specifically learn about teaching students with special needs. Master’s degree programs in special education also include a hands-on learning component, where you’ll serve as a student teacher in a real life classroom.

U.S. News and World Report Top Programs

Are you looking for the top program in special education? A number of publications rank colleges, but one of the most well-respected college rankings is done annually by U.S. News and World Report. As of 2010, the top ranked school for special education teachers was Vanderbilt University, and others that are considered top schools are the University of Kansas, the University of Oregon, and the University of Florida.

Other Top Programs

Of course, there are a number of other high-rated schools that you can also consider if you’re interested in a masters in special education. Many have online programs available, which allows you to go to school from the comfort of your own home or on a flexible schedule. In addition to the schools above that you should consider, here are some other top special education schools: Ashford University, Saint Joseph’s University, Liberty University, University of Phoenix, University of Michigan, National University, New York University, and Edgewood College.

Paying for College

If you want to go to one of the nation’s top programs to earn your master’s degree in special education, you might need to find funds to pay for your education. Scholarships and grants are both readily available through the government and other sources, and if you’re willing to work for at least five years as a special education teacher in a high-need area, you may also qualify for over $17,000 in student loan forgiveness. Most of the top special education schools also offer both scholarships and grants directly to their students to help attract the best and brightest, so if you look for these opportunities, you could go to school completely for free.