Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for those committed to advancing inclusive education, this program equips learners with the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to design and deliver effective educational services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based strategies to support academic, social, and functional development in learners whose cognitive abilities significantly impact educational outcomes.
- Identification and Assessment of Intellectual Disabilities: Explores diagnostic criteria, evaluation tools, and observational techniques used to accurately identify intellectual disabilities and determine individual learning needs.
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Development: Focuses on creating tailored educational goals, measurable outcomes, and specialized instructional methods aligned with legal standards and student strengths.
- Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners: Covers adaptive teaching methods, curriculum modification, and assistive technologies designed to enhance engagement and learning in inclusive and specialized classroom settings.
- Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support: Addresses techniques for promoting positive behavior, emotional regulation, and social integration through proactive interventions and counseling approaches.
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks in Special Education: Examines federal and state regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to ensure compliance and advocacy for student rights and equitable access to education.
Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 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 Intellectual Disabilities 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 Intellectual Disabilities by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 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 Intellectual Disabilities is found at Central Michigan University (CMU) (24 graduates), Eastern Michigan University (EMU) (11 graduates), Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (10 graduates), Northern Michigan University (NMU) (9 graduates), and Morningside University (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 81 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
|
10 | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Morningside University |
Master's
|
7 | Sioux City, Iowa | Private | morningside.edu |
| University of Mary (UMary) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Private | umary.edu |
| Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Central, South Carolina | Private | swu.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Master's
|
4 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Master's
|
2 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Calvin University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | calvin.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
1 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Minot State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Minot, North Dakota | Public | minotstateu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities programs
How much can I earn with a Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities degree?
Salaries for Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 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 Intellectual Disabilities programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Central Michigan University (CMU) (24 graduates), Eastern Michigan University (EMU) (11 graduates), and Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (10 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 Intellectual Disabilities growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 376 in 2010 to a peak of 164 in 2020, before declining slightly to 81 in 2023-24. This represents a 78% 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 Intellectual Disabilities 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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