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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education

627 Colleges in the United States
19,550 Master's Degrees
$48,410 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #9 in popularity, special education is one of the most sought-after master's degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 627 colleges and universities when compiling its 2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 19,550 master's degrees in special education to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Special Education School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education The special ed master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education ranking is to help you make that choice.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of special education students usually has them for a reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Special Ed
Bachelor's Degrees in Special Ed
Doctor's Degrees in Special Ed
Overall Popularity in Special Ed

This ranking is just one of the many we have created. First of all, if you are interested in other degree levels, you may want to take a look at one of the rankings highlighted above. Also, if you are interested in attending school in a specific part of the country, see our rankings by location. Plus, you can view our other rankings for special education.

Below you'll see a list of the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in special education. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Special Ed Students Working on Their Master's

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1,214 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

Any student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in special education needs to take a look at Ball State University. Located in the small city of Muncie, Ball State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Indiana.

There were approximately 1,214 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $46,400 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in special education from Ball State University

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1,202 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#4 Best Quality In AZ

Grand Canyon University is a popular decision for students pursuing a master's degree in special education. Grand Canyon University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the city of Phoenix. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Arizona.

There were about 1,202 special education students who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the special ed program state that they receive average early career earnings of $43,300.

More information about a master’s in special education from Grand Canyon University

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Touro crest
Touro College
New York, NY
571 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#13 Best Quality In NY

Touro College is a popular choice for individuals pursuing a master's degree in special education. Touro is a fairly large private not-for-profit college located in the city of New York.

There were about 571 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Touro in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the special education program at Touro College make $13,090 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in special education from Touro College

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441 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

Arizona State University - Skysong is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a master's degree in special education. ASU - Skysong is a fairly large public university located in the city of Scottsdale. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Arizona.

There were about 441 special education students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in special education from Arizona State University - Skysong

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341 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#1 Best Quality In VA

Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Virginia.

There were roughly 341 special education students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the special education degree program at George Mason University get $8,090 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in special education from George Mason University

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337 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In UT
#2 Best Quality In UT

Located in the large suburb of Salt Lake City, WGU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Utah.

There were about 337 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at WGU in the most recent data year.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $47,300 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in special education from Western Governors University

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315 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of La Jolla. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in special education in California.

There were about 315 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent data year.

Special Education master's degree recipients from National University get an earnings boost of approximately $11,490 above the typical income of special education graduates.

More information about a master’s in special education from National University

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Hunter crest
Hunter College
New York, NY
315 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

Hunter is a very large public college located in the city of New York. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in special education in New York.

There were about 315 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Hunter in the most recent data year.

Special Education master's degree recipients from Hunter College receive an earnings boost of approximately $14,990 above the typical earnings of special education majors.

More information about a master’s in special education from Hunter College

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Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
290 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#9 Best Quality In VA

Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Lynchburg. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Virginia.

There were about 290 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make about $41,900 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in special education from Liberty University

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238 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#16 Best Quality In NY

Located in the suburb of Bronxville, Concordia College - New York is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were about 238 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Concordia College - New York in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in special education from Concordia College - New York

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176 Annual Master's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#7 Best Quality In NY

Pace University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for master's degrees in special education in New York.

There were approximately 176 special education students who graduated with this degree at Pace University in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the special education major at Pace University - New York get $15,990 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in special education from Pace University - New York

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Brooklyn College crest
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
171 Annual Master's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In NY
#9 Best Quality In NY

Located in the city of Brooklyn, Brooklyn College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #9 in quality for master's degrees in special education in New York.

There were roughly 171 special education students who graduated with this degree at Brooklyn College in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the special education major at Brooklyn College make $18,390 more than the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in special education from Brooklyn College

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Daemen College crest
Daemen College
Amherst, NY
165 Annual Master's Degrees
#6 Most Popular In NY
#32 Best Quality In NY

Located in the suburb of Amherst, Daemen College is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were about 165 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Daemen College in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in special education from Daemen College

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Endicott crest
Endicott College
Beverly, MA
162 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#2 Best Quality In MA

Located in the suburb of Beverly, Endicott is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 162 special education students who graduated with this degree at Endicott in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in special education from Endicott College

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156 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In ND
#1 Best Quality In ND

UND is a large public university located in the small city of Grand Forks. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in North Dakota.

There were approximately 156 special education students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make about $46,000 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in special education from University of North Dakota

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152 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AR
#3 Best Quality In AR

Located in the small city of Jonesboro, A-State is a public university with a large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Arkansas.

There were approximately 152 special education students who graduated with this degree at A-State in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the special ed program report average early career income of $43,700.

More information about a master’s in special education from Arkansas State University - Main Campus

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143 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Brandman is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Irvine. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in California.

There were approximately 143 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Brandman in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in special education from Brandman University

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141 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#11 Best Quality In MA

AIC is a small private not-for-profit college located in the midsize city of Springfield.

There were about 141 special education students who graduated with this degree at AIC in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's students who receive their degree from the special ed program earn about $49,200 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in special education from American International College

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LIU Post crest
LIU Post
Brookville, NY
139 Annual Master's Degrees
#7 Most Popular In NY
#14 Best Quality In NY

Located in the suburb of Brookville, LIU Post is a private not-for-profit school with a large student population.

There were roughly 139 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at LIU Post in the most recent year we have data available.

Those special education students who get their master's degree from LIU Post earn $14,490 more than the typical special ed graduate.

More information about a master’s in special education from LIU Post

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137 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#3 Best Quality In FL

UWF is a fairly large public university located in the city of Pensacola. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Florida.

There were about 137 special education students who graduated with this degree at UWF in the most recent data year.

Soon after graduating, special ed master's recipients typically earn an average of $47,400 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a master’s in special education from The University of West Florida

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Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
134 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#15 Best Quality In TX

Located in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a public university with a fairly large student population.

There were roughly 134 special education students who graduated with this degree at Lamar University in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the special ed program make an average of $49,800 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a master’s in special education from Lamar University

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134 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#5 Best Quality In TX

Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Texas.

There were approximately 134 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, special ed master's recipients usually make about $46,800 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a master’s in special education from Texas Tech University

23
128 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#30 Best Quality In CA

Located in the city of San Diego, UAGC is a private for-profit university with a very large student population.

There were approximately 128 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at UAGC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in special education from The University of Arizona Global Campus

24
126 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KY
#3 Best Quality In KY

Located in the remote town of Williamsburg, Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Kentucky.

There were about 126 special education students who graduated with this degree at Cumberlands in the most recent data year.

After graduation, special ed master's recipients usually make around $37,200 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a master’s in special education from University of the Cumberlands

25
121 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NV
#1 Best Quality In NV

Located in the medium-sized city of Las Vegas, UNLV is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in special education in Nevada.

There were roughly 121 special education individuals who graduated with this degree at UNLV in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's students who receive their degree from the special ed program make around $50,300 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in special education from University of Nevada - Las Vegas

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Morningside crest
Morningside College
Sioux City, IA
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Georgetown College crest
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
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Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
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Additional Award Winners

This list represents the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 627 different United States special education schools we analyzed.

RankCollegeLocation
49Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth, OR
51Rutgers University - New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ
52Saint Mary’s University of MinnesotaWinona, MN
53Simmons UniversityBoston, MA
54Manhattanville CollegePurchase, NY
54Teachers College at Columbia UniversityNew York, NY
54Lesley UniversityCambridge, MA
57University of ToledoToledo, OH
57Towson UniversityTowson, MD
59California University of PennsylvaniaCalifornia, PA
59Florida International UniversityMiami, FL
61University of St Thomas MinnesotaSaint Paul, MN
61Holy Family UniversityPhiladelphia, PA
63Mississippi CollegeClinton, MS
63The College of New JerseyEwing, NJ
65California State University - San BernardinoSan Bernardino, CA
65University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL
65Merrimack CollegeNorth Andover, MA
65Queens CollegeQueens, NY
69Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven, CT
69Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY
71Kean UniversityUnion, NJ
72University of North TexasDenton, TX
72San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CA
74Concordia University, Saint PaulSaint Paul, MN
75New Jersey City UniversityJersey City, NJ
76Molloy CollegeRockville Centre, NY
76Rowan UniversityGlassboro, NJ
78Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale, FL
78Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN
78University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI
78University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE
78National Louis UniversityChicago, IL
83Oakland UniversityRochester Hills, MI
83The City College of New YorkNew York, NY
83Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain, CT
86Elms CollegeChicopee, MA
86Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL
86Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ
86Arizona State University - TempeTempe, AZ
90Niagara UniversityNiagara University, NY
90University of MaineOrono, ME
92Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA
93Miami University - OxfordOxford, OH
94Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI
94SUNY PlattsburghPlattsburgh, NY
94West Chester University of PennsylvaniaWest Chester, PA
94University of ConnecticutStorrs, CT

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education award.

RankCollegeLocation
98University of Wisconsin - SuperiorSuperior, WI
98Lehman CollegeBronx, NY
100Emporia State UniversityEmporia, KS
100University of Missouri - ColumbiaColumbia, MO
102Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CT
102College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island, NY
102Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN
102West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV
102Hofstra UniversityHempstead, NY
102Cardinal Stritch UniversityMilwaukee, WI
108Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO
108Boston UniversityBoston, MA
108University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT
108Cleveland State UniversityCleveland, OH
112The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX
112University of Massachusetts - BostonBoston, MA
112Radford UniversityRadford, VA
112Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore, MD
116University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL
117Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX
117Concordia University, ChicagoRiver Forest, IL
117Francis Marion UniversityFlorence, SC
117University of ArizonaTucson, AZ
121Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA
121Buffalo StateBuffalo, NY
121Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch, NJ
121University of St. ThomasHouston, TX
121George Washington UniversityWashington, DC
121Fordham UniversityBronx, NY

Special Education by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Special Education for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 14 majors within the Education area of study, Special Education has other similar majors worth exploring.

Special Ed Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
General Special Education13,712
Other Special Education & Teaching1,705
Elementary Special Education884
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs780
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism418
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Secondary Special Education Programs406
Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented325
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities319
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments227
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities220

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Educational Administration28,194
Teacher Education Grade Specific26,246
General Education18,793
Teacher Education Subject Specific16,775
Curriculum & Instruction15,283
Student Counseling12,643
Instructional Media Design6,191
Teaching English or French3,473
Other Education2,066
Multilingual Education746

Notes and References

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