5 Qualities to Look For in an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Program

Image of special education sign for our FAQ on 5 Qualities to Look For in an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Program

Online Special Education Degree Program Qualities

  • Affordable Tuition
  • Special Licensing
  • Accreditation
  • Rankings
  • Peer Engagement

Choosing a college can be difficult. However, knowing what qualities to look for in an online bachelor’s in special education degree program can help with your selection. There’s no one right choice, but below are five of the most important qualities aspiring special education teachers should keep in mind when choosing a school.

1. Affordable Tuition

Special education teachers earn a median salary of $56,800 per year, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the work is rewarding in many ways, the career path isn’t a lucrative one. One of the qualities you should look for in an online bachelor’s in special education degree program is affordability. Some of the nation’s best online bachelor’s in special education degree programs have tuition rates of under $10,000 per year. You don’t have to sacrifice quality to get an education you can afford.

Featured Programs

2. Special Licensing

Attaining your teaching license is a big focus in some degree programs. It’s important to know what to expect and what’s expected of you. For example, students who complete the special education degree program at Western Governors University in Utah are prepared to get their teaching license. But the online bachelor’s in special education program at North Dakota’s Mayville State University is intended for those who already have their teacher’s license.

3. Accreditation

One of the most important qualities to look for in an online bachelor’s in special education degree program is accreditation. You should make sure the school you enroll in has institutional accreditation from a regional accrediting body. You also want to choose a degree program that has earned programmatic accreditation by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA). In the field of education, these accrediting bodies include:

  • the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

4. Rankings

How does your intended school perform on college rankings lists? This is another quality to look for in an online bachelor’s in special education degree program. Different lists use different methodologies, so be aware of what factors a ranking is taking into account. Check out general rankings lists by sources like U.S. News & World Report as well as specific rankings, like the 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Programs (below).

5. Peer Engagement

You might worry that studying online means you’ll never have the chance to interact with and network with your fellow students,. That’s not necessarily the case. Ashford University, for example, invites students in its distance learning teacher preparation program to connect through the early childhood education online club.

When you find a school that offers all of the qualities you’re looking for in an online bachelor’s in special education degree program, you can be sure it’s the right fit for your education.

Related Resources:

5 Reasons to Pursue an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree

30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Programs

Ultimate Guide to Education Degrees and Careers

What’s the Best Degree Path for Becoming a Special Education Teacher?

What Will I Study in an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Program?

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief