Special Education Teaching: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Special Education Teaching prepares educators to support students with diverse learning needs through individualized instruction, evidence-based strategies, and inclusive classroom practices. This program equips professionals with the expertise to design and implement tailored educational plans for learners across a range of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Develop, manage, and evaluate customized learning plans that align with student goals, legal requirements, and academic standards.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Apply flexible instructional frameworks that promote accessibility and engagement for all learners, regardless of ability.
- Behavioral Intervention Strategies: Implement proactive and data-driven approaches to support positive behavior and reduce barriers to learning.
- Assessment and Evaluation Methods: Utilize diagnostic, formative, and summative tools to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions.
- Collaborative Teaching Models: Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including general education teachers, counselors, and therapists, to deliver cohesive support.
- Legal and Ethical Standards in Special Education: Navigate federal and state regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to ensure compliance and equitable access.
- Instructional Adaptation and Technology Integration: Leverage assistive technologies and adaptive resources to enhance learning outcomes and promote independence.
Special Education Teaching Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Special Education Teaching Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Special Education Teaching degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary 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 98,440 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, All Other 25-2059 | $67,430 | $43,220 - $109,360 | 39,350 | N/A |
Special Education Teaching Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,385 in West Virginia to $89,935 in New York—a 86% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, California, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 98,440 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 Special Education Teaching by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 75 institutions offering Special Education Teaching 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 Special Education Teaching is found at University of St Thomas (101 graduates), Molloy College (66 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (59 graduates), Pima Community College (PCC) (49 graduates), and Arkansas State University (A-State) (48 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,070 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of St Thomas |
Master's
|
101 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Molloy College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
66 | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | molloy.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
59 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
49 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
48 | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
47 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| SUNY Brockport |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
40 | Brockport, New York | Public | brockport.edu |
| Northwestern College (NWC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
35 | Orange City, Iowa | Private | nwciowa.edu |
| Canisius University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30 | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
27 | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| Worcester State University (WSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
22 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | worcester.edu |
| Georgia College & State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
20 | Milledgeville, Georgia | Public | gcsu.edu |
| Saint Peter's University (SPU) |
Master's
|
20 | Jersey City, New Jersey | Private | saintpeters.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Master's
|
19 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| University of Saint Joseph (USJ) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 | West Hartford, Connecticut | Private | usj.edu |
| Alvernia University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Reading, Pennsylvania | Private | alvernia.edu |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
17 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | ndm.edu |
| Fresno Pacific University (FPU) |
Master's
|
16 | Fresno, California | Private | fresno.edu |
| Rider University |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Pacific University |
Master's
|
15 | Forest Grove, Oregon | Private | pacificu.edu |
| Lincoln University |
Master's
|
15 | Lincoln University, Pennsylvania | Public | lincoln.edu |
| Barry University |
Master's
|
14 | Miami, Florida | Private | barry.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Postbac Cert.
|
14 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC) |
Master's
|
14 | Newburgh, New York | Private | msmc.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Neumann University |
Master's
|
14 | Aston, Pennsylvania | Private | neumann.edu |
| Albizu University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 | Miami, Florida | Private | albizu.edu |
| University of Southern Indiana (USI) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Evansville, Indiana | Public | usi.edu |
| Pace University |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Dakota State University (DSU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Madison, South Dakota | Public | dsu.edu |
| Hood College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Frederick, Maryland | Private | hood.edu |
| Shawnee State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Portsmouth, Ohio | Public | shawnee.edu |
| Alverno College |
Master's
|
11 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | alverno.edu |
| Marian University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin | Private | marianuniversity.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Brenau University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Gainesville, Georgia | Private | brenau.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Nazareth University |
Post-Master's
|
10 | Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Carthage College |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Private | carthage.edu |
| Roosevelt University |
Master's
|
9 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | roosevelt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
8 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Lasell University |
Master's
|
7 | Newton, Massachusetts | Private | lasell.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
7 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Minot State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Minot, North Dakota | Public | minotstateu.edu |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | uccs.edu |
| Piedmont University |
Master's
|
5 | Demorest, Georgia | Private | piedmont.edu |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Master's
|
5 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| Catawba College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Salisbury, North Carolina | Private | catawba.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana | Private | smwc.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| Manhattanville College |
Master's
|
3 | Purchase, New York | Private | mville.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Master's
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Buena Vista University (BVU) |
Master's
|
2 | Storm Lake, Iowa | Private | bvu.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
|
2 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Carlow University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | carlow.edu |
| Carson-Newman University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Jefferson City, Tennessee | Private | cn.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| Hamline University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | hamline.edu |
| Lincoln University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Jefferson City, Missouri | Public | lincolnu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Marist College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Poughkeepsie, New York | Private | marist.edu |
| Lancaster Bible College (LBC) |
Master's
|
1 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | lbc.edu |
| Augustana University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | augie.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Master's
|
1 | Mercedita, Puerto Rico | Private | ponce.inter.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Guayama, Puerto Rico | Private | guayama.inter.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Special Education Teaching programs
How much can I earn with a Special Education Teaching degree?
Salaries for Special Education Teaching graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Special Education Teachers, All Other earn around $67,430. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $89,935 compared to $48,385 in West Virginia. Approximately 98,440 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 Special Education Teaching programs?
Currently 75 accredited institutions offer Special Education Teaching degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of St Thomas (101 graduates), Molloy College (66 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (59 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 Special Education Teaching growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,165 in 2010 to a peak of 2,333 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,070 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% 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 Special Education Teaching degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 98,440 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.
Related Education Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Education field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Adult and Continuing Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach adult students in various settings, including basic and remedial education programs, continuing education programs, and programs...
Elementary Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school...
Middle School Education and Teaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the middle, intermediate or junior high grades, which may include grades four through nine...
Secondary Education and Teaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school...
Multiple Level Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary,...
Montessori Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach students at various grade levels according to the pedagogical principles and methods developed by Maria Montessori...