Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for educators and specialists committed to supporting learners facing significant emotional challenges, this program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to create effective, individualized educational environments. It emphasizes evidence-based strategies for addressing emotional disturbances that impair academic engagement, fostering inclusive learning experiences grounded in psychological insight and legal compliance.
- Identification of Emotional Disturbances: Techniques and frameworks for recognizing behavioral and emotional patterns that interfere with learning, including diagnostic criteria and observational assessment tools.
- Individualized Education Planning (IEP): Development and implementation of tailored educational plans aligned with student needs, legal requirements, and measurable academic and behavioral goals.
- Instructional Strategies for Emotional Regulation: Research-backed methods for delivering curriculum in ways that support emotional stability, motivation, and cognitive engagement.
- Behavioral and Mental Health Support: Integration of counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning to promote well-being and reduce disruptive behaviors.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks: In-depth study of federal and state regulations governing special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and procedural safeguards for students with emotional disabilities.
Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School and Special Education Teachers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058 | $69,590 | $47,930 - $106,050 | 162,780 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other 25-2059 | $67,430 | $43,220 - $109,360 | 39,350 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2057 | $64,880 | $48,070 - $102,730 | 95,330 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool 25-2051 | $62,190 | $38,740 - $132,530 | 28,200 | N/A |
Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,096 in Mississippi to $98,568 in New York—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 384,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances is found at Morningside University (24 graduates), Illinois State University (ISU) (16 graduates), Ball State University (BSU) (14 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (10 graduates), and East Carolina University (ECU) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 134 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morningside University |
Master's
|
24 | Sioux City, Iowa | Private | morningside.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
16 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
14 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Concordia University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | csp.edu |
| Drexel University |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| Hope College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Holland, Michigan | Private | hope.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Master's
|
4 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Viterbo University |
Other Award
|
1 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Private | viterbo.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances programs
How much can I earn with a Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances degree?
Salaries for Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn around $69,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $98,568 compared to $49,096 in Mississippi. Approximately 384,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Morningside University (24 graduates), Illinois State University (ISU) (16 graduates), and Ball State University (BSU) (14 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 345 in 2010 to a peak of 166 in 2020, before declining slightly to 134 in 2023-24. This represents a 61% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Education of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, and Special Education Teachers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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