Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals committed to advancing inclusive education, this program prepares individuals to deliver specialized instructional support to learners with complex, co-occurring disabilities. It emphasizes evidence-based strategies for addressing significant challenges in learning, communication, motor function, and social development that impact educational outcomes.
- Identification and Assessment of Multiple Disabilities: Focuses on recognizing and evaluating the diverse and intersecting impairments—such as intellectual, physical, sensory, and emotional challenges—that collectively affect a learner’s ability to engage in educational environments.
- Individualized Education Planning (IEP) Development: Teaches the systematic process of creating tailored, legally compliant educational plans that align with student needs, measurable goals, and long-term developmental trajectories.
- Instructional Strategies for Complex Learners: Explores adaptive teaching methods, assistive technologies, and differentiated curricula designed to promote academic, functional, and social progress in high-need student populations.
- Behavioral and Functional Support Systems: Covers proactive approaches to managing challenging behaviors through functional behavior assessments, positive behavior interventions, and environmental modifications.
- Collaborative and Family-Centered Practice: Emphasizes working with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers, and community providers to ensure consistent, holistic support across settings.
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks in Special Education: Provides in-depth study of federal and state regulations—including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA—governing access, rights, and accountability in educational services for individuals with disabilities.
Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education of Individuals with Multiple 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 Multiple 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 Multiple Disabilities by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 27 institutions offering Education of Individuals with Multiple 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 Multiple Disabilities is found at Ball State University (BSU) (893 graduates), William Carey University (WCU) (58 graduates), Northwest Missouri State University (51 graduates), Endicott College (48 graduates), and Upper Iowa University (UIU) (19 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,213 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
893 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| William Carey University (WCU) |
Master's
|
58 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Private | wmcarey.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Endicott College |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
|
48 | Beverly, Massachusetts | Private | endicott.edu |
| Upper Iowa University (UIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Fayette, Iowa | Private | uiu.edu |
| Ashland University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
18 | Ashland, Ohio | Private | ashland.edu |
| Lee University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
18 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Missouri Baptist University (MBU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | mobap.edu |
| Dominican University New York |
Master's
|
10 | Orangeburg, New York | Private | duny.edu |
| Wright State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Manhattan College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | Riverdale, New York | Private | manhattan.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
6 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| Governors State University (GSU) |
Master's
|
4 | University Park, Illinois | Public | govst.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| Molloy College |
Master's
|
3 | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | molloy.edu |
| Greensboro College |
Master's
|
3 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Private | greensboro.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Bradley University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Peoria, Illinois | Private | bradley.edu |
| Canisius University |
Master's
|
2 | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
|
2 | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Master's
|
1 | Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Master's
|
1 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities programs
How much can I earn with a Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities degree?
Salaries for Education of Individuals with Multiple 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 Multiple Disabilities programs?
Currently 27 accredited institutions offer Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ball State University (BSU) (893 graduates), William Carey University (WCU) (58 graduates), and Northwest Missouri State University (51 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 Multiple Disabilities growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 559 in 2010 to 1,213 in 2023-24. This represents a 117% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Multiple 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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