Best institutions to study Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
A program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities who are in the elementary grades.
70 U.S. institutions graduated 1,718 Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1017, a specialization of Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10), and leads most directly to the Education Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 25-1081).
About Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs programs
A program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities who are in the elementary grades. Includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities; developing individual education plans; curriculum development, instructional strategies, and classroom management for elementary special education; and teaching elementary education subject matter.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs is designed for those interested in providing educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities in elementary grades. This program focuses on developing effective teaching strategies and individualized education plans to support diverse learners in the classroom environment.
Learn more about Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs →
Students in this program will acquire essential skills in areas such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, classroom management, and the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Coursework emphasizes active learning, critical thinking, and effective communication, preparing graduates to meet the unique challenges of special education.
Credentials awarded
What Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree1,175 graduates / yr · 38 institutions68%
- Bachelor's degree467 graduates / yr · 33 institutions27%
- Post-master's certificate34 graduates / yr · 6 institutions2.0%
- Associate's degree22 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate17 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.0%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 569 |
| 2013 | 770 |
| 2014 | 1,747 |
| 2015 | 1,330 |
| 2016 | 1,560 |
| 2017 | 1,617 |
| 2018 | 1,472 |
| 2019 | 1,308 |
| 2020 | 1,410 |
| 2021 | 1,623 |
| 2022 | 1,662 |
| 2023 | 1,740 |
| 2024 | 2,031 |
| 2025 | 1,718 |
Top 50 institutions for Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Touro University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 329 | 72% | $27,110 | — |
| 2 | Niagara University Niagara University, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 191 | 75% | $17,048 | — |
| 3 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublicMaster'sMaster's | 109 | 57% | — | — |
| 4 | State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 92 | 68% | — | — |
| 5 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NYPublicMaster's | 75 | 59% | — | — |
| 6 | CUNY City College New York, NYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 62 | 57% | — | — |
| 7 | SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, NYPublicBachelor's | 56 | 71% | — | $37,229 |
| 8 | Merrimack College North Andover, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 51 | 70% | $33,877 | — |
| 9 | College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NYPublicMaster's | 45 | 34% | — | — |
| 10 | Neumann University Aston, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 42 | 54% | $28,753 | $42,488 |
| 11 | Towson University Towson, MDPublicBachelor's | 39 | 69% | — | $53,331 |
| 12 | Marist University Poughkeepsie, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 39 | 80% | $33,867 | — |
| 13 | Alma College Alma, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 38 | 63% | $22,790 | — |
| 14 | Manhattanville University Purchase, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 36 | 58% | $23,949 | — |
| 15 | St. John's University - New York Queens, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 30 | 66% | $27,359 | — |
| 16 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicMaster's | 30 | 85% | — | — |
| 17 | Metropolitan College of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 25 | 40% | $26,609 | — |
| 18 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 24 | 84% | $28,851 | $55,881 |
| 19 | Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 21 | 62% | $17,609 | — |
| 20 | Adelphi University Garden City, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 67% | $27,326 | — |
| 21 | CUNY Queens College Queens, NYPublicMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 53% | — | — |
| 22 | La Salle University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 21 | 57% | $21,997 | $48,302 |
| 23 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 21 | 48% | — | $50,060 |
| 24 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | 43% | $21,535 | $43,258 |
| 25 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublicBachelor's | 19 | 68% | — | — |
| 26 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor's | 17 | 62% | — | $47,499 |
| 27 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 15 | 70% | $25,812 | — |
| 28 | Fordham University Bronx, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 82% | $38,931 | — |
| 29 | Marietta College Marietta, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 61% | $18,561 | — |
| 30 | Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 59% | $18,325 | — |
| 31 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAssociate's | 12 | 16% | — | — |
| 32 | CUNY Lehman College Bronx, NYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 12 | 51% | — | — |
| 33 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicBachelor's | 11 | 59% | — | — |
| 34 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicBachelor's | 10 | 60% | — | $42,303 |
| 35 | CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NYPublicBachelor's | 10 | 20% | — | $49,413 |
| 36 | Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 75% | $25,675 | — |
| 37 | Shorter University Rome, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 38% | $16,767 | — |
| 38 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 9 | 69% | $34,539 | — |
| 39 | Keuka College Keuka Park, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 58% | $24,177 | — |
| 40 | Empire State University Saratoga Springs, NYPublicMaster's | 7 | 41% | — | — |
| 41 | Iona University New Rochelle, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 56% | $27,660 | — |
| 42 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAssociate's | 6 | 19% | — | — |
| 43 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 64% | $19,806 | $41,324 |
| 44 | Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 77% | $22,374 | — |
| 45 | Monroe University Bronx, NYPrivate for-profitMaster's | 5 | 57% | $12,028 | — |
| 46 | St. Francis College Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 55% | $26,091 | — |
| 47 | William Peace University Raleigh, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 45% | $23,108 | — |
| 48 | City University of Seattle Seattle, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 5 | — | $35,049 | — |
| 49 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAssociate's | 4 | 9% | — | — |
| 50 | Upper Iowa University Fayette, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 34% | $22,697 | $44,304 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Special Education and Teaching field (CIP 13.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 23 states
Where Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs graduates come from. Each state links to all Special Education and Teaching programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1081, Education Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as postsecondary education teachers, among other roles. The job outlook for education professionals in this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 5,600 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $72,090, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1017
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Education Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
SOC 25-2055 | — | — | — | — |
SOC 25-2056 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Supervise students' fieldwork, internship, and research work.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Tools and technology used
Other Special Education and Teaching specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10).
- Special Education and TeachingCIP 13.100122,668 graduates / yr664 institutions
- Education/CIP 13.1015
Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs 3,949 graduates / yr154 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1007
Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities 1,466 graduates / yr28 institutions - Special Education and TeachingCIP 13.10991,365 graduates / yr82 institutions
- Education/CIP 13.1013
Teaching of Individuals with Autism 1,077 graduates / yr74 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1004
Teaching of the Gifted and Talented 506 graduates / yr54 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1019
Teaching of Individuals in Secondary Special Education Programs 492 graduates / yr39 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1011
Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities 470 graduates / yr41 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1012
Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments 344 graduates / yr13 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1003
Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness 251 graduates / yr32 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1009
Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness 204 graduates / yr14 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1005
Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances 147 graduates / yr22 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1014
Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed partial data101 graduates / yr8 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1006
Teaching of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 62 graduates / yr12 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1008
Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and Other Physical Health Impairments partial data55 graduates / yr4 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1018
Teaching of Individuals in Junior High/ Middle School Special Education Programs partial data36 graduates / yr7 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1016
Teaching of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries limited data29 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
Degrees include Bachelor's, Master's, Post-master's certificates, and Associate's degrees.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 70 colleges offering this program across the United States.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and learning strategies.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.1% and 5,600 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs?+
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs is CIP 13.1017 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities who are in the elementary grades. Includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities; developing individual education plans; curriculum development, instructional strategies, and classroom management for elementary special education; and teaching elementary education subject matter.
How many institutions offer Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs programs?+
70 U.S. institutions reported Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 23 states, awarding 1,718 credentials in the year. That is 4.9% of all Special Education and Teaching graduates.
How much do Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Education Teachers, Postsecondary occupation, which Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs most directly leads to, pays a median of $75,350 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Special Education and Teaching field report median earnings of $47,017 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card