Shape Classrooms & Your Future Through Earning a Master’s in Special Education
If you’ve ever watched a child grasp a skill they’ve worked so hard to achieve—and felt your heart swell—you already understand the power of special education. It’s more than a job. It’s a calling.
Special educators are the unsung heroes of our schools. They advocate for students with different abilities, tailor lessons for differentiated instruction and help build the confidence and independence of every learner. Choosing to pursue an online special education degree is choosing a path of purpose, compassion and real-world impact.
Career Paths in Special Education
Pursuing a master’s in special education is more than a career move. It’s a statement about who you are: empathetic, resilient, dedicated to equity and inclusion.
Special education professionals make daily differences as:
- Intervention Specialists who design personalized learning strategies
- Behavior Analysts supporting emotional regulation and growth
- Inclusion Facilitators helping general education classrooms adapt for all learners
- IEP Coordinators managing individualized education plans and ensuring compliance
- Special Education Teachers providing targeted instruction in inclusive or self-contained classrooms
- Educational Diagnosticians conducting academic assessments and recommending learning supports
- Instructional Coaches mentoring educators on best practices in special education
- Assistive Technology Specialists helping students use tools that support their learning needs
- Transition Coordinators guiding students with disabilities as they move from school to adulthood
- District-Level Special Education Administrators shaping policy and overseeing program implementation
The ripple effect of this work touches not only students, but families, schools and entire communities. When you complete an online special education degree master’s, you’re not just gaining knowledge—you’re becoming a lifelong advocate for accessible, inclusive learning.
The benefits of a master’s in special education extend beyond the classroom. You’ll gain leadership skills, research experience and policy insight that make you a voice for systemic change. You will be ready to serve in both public and private settings.
Growing Your Career Potential: National Statistics
Nationally, educators with a master’s degree can earn $5,000 to $10,000 more annually than their peers with only a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and national salary databases.
Special education teachers with a master’s degree typically see higher earning potential, with average salaries ranging from $55,000 to over $80,000 per year, depending on experience, district, and state.
Holding a master’s in special education may qualify educators for leadership roles, such as instructional coordinator or special education director—positions that often exceed $75,000 to $100,000 annually.
Many school districts nationwide offer automatic salary increases or “lane changes” for teachers who complete a master’s degree, including those in special education.
Increased certification and advanced degrees in education are strongly linked to both job stability and long-term income growth, especially in high-need areas like special education.
According to Payscale and Salary.com, educators with a master’s in special education earn 10–25% more on average over the course of their careers than those without graduate credentials.
Why Special Education Teachers Choose Rowan for Their Online Special Ed Masters’ Programs
Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking to specialize, or exploring education for the first time, Rowan University’s 100% online master’s degree in special education equips you with the tools to transform lives—while fitting seamlessly into yours. With multiple paths available, including masters’ degrees in special education, there’s a route designed just for you.
With Rowan’s reputation as a top 100 public research university and a leader in innovative online education, your degree carries weight—and heart. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1923, Rowan has always retained its sense of self as a university known for its outstanding education programs. Rowan’s first degree-granting program in the 1920s was an elementary education degree, and the university’s first doctorate in 1997 was its doctorate of education (Ed.D.).
The need for qualified special educators has never been greater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers is expected to grow steadily, driven by increasing awareness of inclusive education and evolving educational standards. With more schools prioritizing tailored instruction, professionals with an online special ed masters’ programs credential are in demand nationwide.
Rowan University’s program helps meet this demand, while also understanding your life outside of school. With 100% online, asynchronous* coursework, you can earn your degree without relocating or sacrificing family or work commitments.
*(Asynchronous learning means students access course materials, complete assignments and communicate with instructors when they choose to, instead of during a pre-determined time and day of the week.)
Here’s what else makes Rowan stand out:
- Real-World Curriculum focused on inclusive practices and behavioral strategies
- Supportive Faculty who are experts in the field and passionate about student success
- Multiple Start Dates each year, so you can begin when you’re ready
Completing your special education master’s degree at Rowan means entering the field with confidence—and community. For those considering a broader path outside of a classroom, masters’ degrees in special education also offer a versatile foundation for leadership roles in K–12 or higher education.
Affordable, Flexible, Respected
Backed by Rowan’s commitment to affordability, this online special education degree is designed with accessibility in mind. Financial aid and scholarships are available to many graduate students, and Rowan’s transparent tuition model makes it easy to plan for the future.
Students in the online master’s degree special education program benefit from:
- Online tutoring
- Academic success workshops
- One-on-one advising
- Peer mentoring opportunities
What You’ll Learn
The online master’s degree in special education prepares graduates for a wide range of impactful roles. Coursework emphasizes behavior management, inclusive curriculum development, legal and ethical practice and data-informed decision making. That means you’ll graduate from this online master’s degree special education program ready to serve, lead and innovate.
Many students exploring masters’ degrees in special education discover the Rowan experience blends practical application with heart-centered learning. If you’re considering the flexibility of an online special education degree master’s, Rowan’s approach ensures you never feel disconnected from purpose or support.
Core curriculum classes include:
- Characteristics of Young Children with Disabilities (Birth-5) and Their Families
- Special Education Policy, Advocacy and Teacher Leadership
- Communication Skills for Students with Disabilities
- Educational Assessment in Special Education
- Inquiry in Special Education
- Practicum: Inquiry in Special Education Settings
While elective course offerings may change depending on the semester, a sample of electives offered includes:
- Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities
- Implementing Positive Behavior Supports
- Educational Assessment in Special Education
- Technology for Students with Disabilities
- Applied Theories of Learning
- Foundations of Learning Disabilities
- Planning, Teaching and Assessment in ESL Classrooms
- Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education Classroom
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Whether you’ve dreamed of teaching since childhood or recently discovered your passion for helping others thrive, a master’s in special education is a meaningful step forward. And you don’t have to walk it alone.
Rowan’s supportive online environment ensures you’ll feel connected, motivated and inspired every step of the way. You’ll be joining a community of educators dedicated to positive change.
Start your application today. The future needs educators like you—compassionate, creative and courageous.
Because when you earn your online special education degree, you earn more than a diploma. You earn the chance to change lives—yours included.