An online bachelor’s in special education degree provides students with the framework and foundational knowledge needed to start a career as a special education teacher. For those who wish to make a difference in the lives of exceptional students, an online bachelor’s in special education will teach students about a variety of different emotional, learning, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. By understanding these disabilities, students will be better prepared to help create and implement a curriculum that best serves their needs.
For students who are interested in the best online Bachelor’s in Special Education degree programs, we have gathered our top programs and ranked them below. All of the programs in this ranking have all been accredited by nationally-recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified through the school’s official website. These rankings are ordered from highest to lowest score based on the affordability of their tuition and how quickly the program can be completed.
Featured Programs
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
#1. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students at Western Governors University are able to enroll in the school’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree. This bachelor’s in special ed online is designed for students who want to train to be able to work with and teach students with special needs. Specifically, this program can lead students to receive licensure to work with students in K-12. Students will cover topics including human growth and development, classroom management, psychology for educators, and much more. This program has received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. A total of 47 courses are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $14,080
Score: 100
#2. Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Fayette, Missouri
Central Methodist University offers students its Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree. This bachelor’s in special ed online degree focuses on teaching methods, mind development, and instruction for special needs students. Through this program of study, students will enroll in courses including Introduction to Special Education, Exceptional Child, Counseling in Special Education, and much more. By completing this degree program, students will be positioned to earn licensure for a variety of different careers. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 120 credits.
Tuition: $30,000
Score: 99.75
#3. Chadron State College
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Chadron, Nebraska
Offered entirely online, Chadron State College’s Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree will prepare students for a career working with special needs students. This online bachelor’s in special education degree will provide students with the skills needed to craft and implement curriculums designed to work with different populations of special needs students. Students in this program of study can choose to enroll in a K-12 endorsement or an Early Childhood endorsement. These specific specializations allow students to gain the expertise needed to work with different age groups. A total of 120 credits are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $34,680
Score: 99.5
#4. University of West Alabama
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Livingston, Alabama
The University of West Alabama offers students an Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree. This online bachelor’s in special education has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Courses in this program of study take eight weeks to complete, and the entire program is estimated to be able to be completed in 3-4 years. Students who complete this program of study will be prepared to work with special needs students in K-12 grades. A total of 128 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $39,000
Score: 99.25
#5. Dakota State University
Online Bachelor of Science Education in Elementary Education/Special Education
Madison, South Dakota
This online bachelor’s of special education degree is offered to students entirely online by Dakota State University. The Online Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education/Special Education degree was created in order to provide students with a tailored experience that would prepare them with the skills required to educate special needs students. Through this program of study, graduates will learn how to work with students with different disabilities in order to provide them with an education that best suits their learning styles. After completing this program, students will be eligible to receive licensing in certain states. A total of 120 credit hours are required for the completion of this program.
Tuition: $40,800
Score: 99
#6. University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Science Elementary Education Special Education
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Students at the University of Southern Mississippi can choose to enroll in the school’s Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education / Special Education degree. Students in this program of study will study the various skills needed to lead a classroom and to work with those with special needs. They will learn about different learning theories while also gaining an understanding of the ways to properly plan a curriculum. After completing this program, students can begin careers as special education teachers, curriculum specialists, behavior intervention specialists, and much more. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours.
Tuition: $43,080
Score: 98.75
#7. University of Georgia
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia currently offers students an online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree. Offered entirely online, this online bachelor’s in special education degree is structured to provide students with the skills and training needed to work with different populations of students with varying disabilities and needs. This program has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The University of Georgia accepts up to 60 transfer credits into this program of study. To graduate with this degree, students must earn a total of 121 credits.
Tuition: $44,286
Score: 98.5
#8. St Petersburg College
Online Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education
St. Petersburg, Florida
This online bachelor’s in special education degree is offered by St. Petersburg College. The Online Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education was created to train prospective teachers to better understand how to work with students who have mild to moderate disabilities. Following the elementary education degree program, students will also have access to courses that allow them to specialize in working with those with special needs. After completing this degree, students will be in a position from which they can choose to pursue teacher licensure. To graduate with this degree, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours. This program has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $46,320
Score: 98.25
#9. Old Dominion University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University offers an online bachelor’s in special education to its students. The Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree is a degree completion program that requires students to transfer credits in. Offered entirely online, students will be able to pursue a Virginia Licensure for teaching. Students in this program will take courses including Foundations of Special Education, Collaboration & Transitions, and Language Acquisition & reading for Students with Diverse Learning Needs. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 127 credit hours. Of these credits, 42 are from the completion of this program.
Tuition: $46,680
Score: 98
#10. Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
The Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree is offered by Liberty University. This bachelor’s in special ed online will teach students the various skills required to work with special needs students. Students will learn about education theory, adaptation techniques, learning disabilities, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Students who complete this degree can start careers as paraprofessionals, private school teachers, and much more. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours. This program can be completed in about 3.5 years.
Tuition: $46,800
Score: 97.75
#11. Mayville State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Mayville, North Dakota
Students at Mayville State University can select the Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree from the school’s offerings. This bachelor’s in special ed online will prepare students with the skills needed to enter the workforce as a special education teacher. Students will work to observe, document, and analyze the various characteristics and behaviors of those from different special needs populations. They will also learn the skills needed to properly plan and implement a curriculum. Students who complete this degree can choose to pursue licensure afterward. A total of 120 credits are required for completion.
Tuition: $46,800
Score: 97.5
#12. Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University students can enroll in the school’s Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree. This bachelor’s in special education degree online can be completed by students entirely online. This program of study has students learning a variety of different skills including classroom management, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, assessment, and much more. Through this degree program, students will learn how to work with special needs students in grades K-12. Courses in this program last seven weeks. A total of 120 credit hours are needed for the completion of this degree program. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program.
Tuition: $52,800
Score: 97.25
#13. Fontbonne University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
St. Louis, Missouri
Students can select the Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree from Fontbonne University. This bachelor’s in special ed online sets students down the path of education needed to become a special education teacher. This program of study also offers students the opportunity to earn additional K-12 licensure alongside the regular curriculum. Courses in this program are offered in fall and spring and last sixteen weeks. Over the summer, courses last eight weeks. Fontbonne University has received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for this program. A total of 120 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $54,840
Score: 97
#14. Colorado Christian University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Lakewood, Colorado
The Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree is offered to students at Grand Canyon University. This program of study is offered to students entirely online. Students can choose to pursue the Licensure and Non-Licensure versions of this degree program depending on their career goals. Students who choose to earn the Licensure degree can also gain a K-12 Special Education license for the state of Colorado. Courses in this program include Intervention for Emotional/Behavioral Needs, Differentiated Instruction for Mild and Moderate Needs, and much more. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 120 credits are needed to graduate from this program of study.
Tuition: $56,280
Score: 96.75
#15. Stephen F. Austin State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education
Nacogdoches, Texas
Stephen F. Austin State University currently offers its students an Online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education. This bachelor’s in special ed degree can be pursued by students entirely online. This program of study is designed for paraprofessionals and others who are hoping to obtain teaching certification to work with those with special needs. Courses in this program include Survey of Exceptionalities, Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Children, and Functional Living Skills for Persons with Disabilities. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours.
Tuition: $59,040
Score: 96.5
#16. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Online Bachelor of Science in Education Kindergarten-Grade 6/ Mild Intervention
St. Mary’s, Indiana
Students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College can enroll in the school’s Online Bachelor of Science in Education Kindergarten-Grade 6/Mild Intervention degree. This program of study is designed to teach students the skills needed to work with those in grades K-6 with a variety of different disabilities. Students will learn how to provide these students with the necessary support that will allow them to succeed in an educational environment. They will also learn how to plan and create curriculums for special needs students. This program has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 120 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $59,520
Score: 96.25
#17. University of Wisconsin-Stout
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Offered entirely online, this Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree is offered by the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Graduates of this online bachelor’s in special education degree will be trained to work with those with learning, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. This program covers students from ages 5 through 21 providing graduates with a greater deal of flexibility when it comes to which population they’d like to work with. Students can also opt for a Post-Baccalaureate Certification or an Autism Certificate. A total of 120 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree.
Tuition: $59,880
Score: 96
#18. Union Institute & University
Online Bachelor of Exceptional Student Education
Cincinnati, Ohio
Union Institute & University offers students an Online Bachelor of Exceptional Student Education degree. This bachelor’s in special education online is great for students who seek careers as a resource teacher, functional mental disability teacher, or behavioral disorders special education teacher. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn how to work with a wide group of students to help create a positive learning environment for their success. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students must earn a total of 120 credit hours in order to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $65,400
Score: 95.75
#19. Prescott College
Online Bachelor of Arts – Education & Professional Educator Preparation – Early Childhood Special Education
Prescott, Arizona
The Online Bachelor of Arts – Education & Professional Education Preparation – Early Childhood Special Education degree is offered to students by Prescott College. This bachelor’s in special education online has students gain a clear familiarization with educational theory and research in order to prepare them to work with the special needs population. This program is offered mostly online but does require students to attend a limited residency during the program. Prescott College has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours.
Tuition: $70,680
Score: 95.5
#20. Ball State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University offers its Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree to its students entirely online. This bachelor’s in special ed online will teach students the fundamentals of applied behavior analysis and how it can be applied to work with students with special needs including autism spectrum disorder. Courses in this program of study include Lifespan Development, Exceptional Children and Adults, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder, and much more. Students who complete this program of study will be prepared with the skills and training needed to work as behavior consultants and behavior therapists in a variety of different contexts. A total of 120 credits are required for the completion of this degree.
Tuition: $73,920
Score: 95.25
#21. University of West Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Exceptional Student Education
Pensacola, Florida
Students at the University of West Florida can enroll in an Online Bachelor of Arts in Exceptional Student Education degree. This online bachelor’s in special education is offered by the University of West Florida as a means to educate those who want to work with special needs students. Students in this program will learn how to engage with special needs students in grades K-12. Courses in this program include Methods in Inclusion and Collaboration, Foundations of Education, Strategic Teaching, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 120 credits are required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $77,760
Score: 95
#22. Pacific Oaks College
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education
Pasadena, California
The Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education degree is offered to students at East Carolina University. This bachelor’s in special ed online can be completed by students entirely online. Students in this program of study can enroll in classes including The Student with Special Needs; Social, Political, and Economic Foundations of Education, and much more. Students who complete this degree program are eligible for a variety of different licensures that will allow them to teach in different states throughout the country. In order to complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 120 credits.
Tuition: $87,115
Score: 94.75
#23. East Carolina University
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Greenville, North Carolina
Students at East Carolina University are offered an Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree. This bachelor’s in special education degree online was created in order for students to gain the training and expertise that is necessary for helping those with special needs get the education they need. Students will learn how to work with these individuals with exceptionalities to provide an education that will ensure their success beyond graduation. This particular degree program is designed to teach students to work with students in grades K-12. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours. East Carolina University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $88,200
Score: 94.5
#24. University of Alaska Southeast
Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Juneau, Alaska
The University of Alaska Southeast offers students an Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. This bachelor’s in special ed online degree is designed for students who seek a career working with students with special needs. They will learn about various special needs populations and the different intervention strategies and skills that can be employed to help these students get a quality education. This degree program has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Upon completing this program, students can choose to earn licensure that will allow them to work with students in different states. A total of 120 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $14,080
Score: 94.25
#25. University of South Carolina
Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Columbia, South Carolina
Students at the University of South Carolina can choose to enroll in an Online Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. This bachelor’s in special education degree online aims to provide students with the skills needed to work with those who suffer from emotional, learning, and intellectual disabilities. Students will develop an understanding of the pedagogy and pedagogical knowledge needed to grasp the different struggles of those with special needs. They will learn how to properly develop intervention plans that can help these students succeed. This is a degree completion course of study, meaning that students must transfer in 45-60 credits to be accepted into the program. A total of 120 credits are needed for completion.
Tuition: $104,280
Score: 94
Related:
Online Associate’s Special Education
Online Master’s Special Education
Online Doctorate Special Education
