EducationSpecialization of Special Education and Teaching

Best institutions to study Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities

CIP 13.1011

A program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with specific learning disabilities which adversely affect their educational performance and that may prepare individuals to teach such students.

41 U.S. institutions graduated 470 Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1011, a specialization of Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10), and leads most directly to the Special Education Teachers, Preschool occupation (BLS SOC 25-2051).

Institutions
41
offering CIP 13.1011
States & territories
22
with graduates reported
Graduates / yr
470
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Women
93%
share of graduates
US median pay · Special Education Teachers, Preschool
$64,830
BLS OEWS May 2025
Share of Special Education and Teaching
1.3%
of all Special Education and Teaching graduates

About Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities programs

Official NCES definition · CIP 13.1011
A program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with specific learning disabilities which adversely affect their educational performance and that may prepare individuals to teach such students. Includes instruction in identifying students with specific learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising students with specific learning disabilities, counseling, and applicable laws and policies.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).

The Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities program focuses on designing educational services for children and adults with specific learning disabilities that impact their educational performance. This program prepares individuals to teach and support students with these disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary educational interventions and support to succeed.

Learn more about Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities →

What you'll learn

Students in this program will gain essential skills in areas such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics like developing individual education plans (IEPs), employing special educational strategies, and understanding applicable laws and policies related to special education.

Credentials awarded

What Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).

  • Master's degree186 graduates / yr · 20 institutions
    40%
  • Bachelor's degree146 graduates / yr · 13 institutions
    31%
  • Postbaccalaureate certificate114 graduates / yr · 12 institutions
    24%
  • Post-master's certificate16 graduates / yr · 1 institution
    3.4%
  • Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year8 graduates / yr · 1 institution
    1.7%

Graduates over time

Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.

470graduates in 2025
-36% since 2012
20122025740470
Graduates per year (IPEDS completions)
YearGraduates
2012740
2013684
2014610
2015528
2016595
2017603
2018516
2019476
2020502
2021526
2022511
2023530
2024384
2025470

Top 41 institutions for Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities, ranked by graduates

Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.

#InstitutionGraduates / yrGrad rateNet priceField earnings* (1 yr)
1Michigan State University
East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor's
5881%——
2Mississippi Christian University
Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
4059%$21,096—
3Minnesota State University - Mankato
Mankato, MNPublicPost-degree cert.
3854%—$47,132
4Mount St. Joseph University
Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
2556%$15,357—
5William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MSPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
2160%$17,205—
6Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
2062%$17,609—
7Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIPublicBachelor's
2058%—$47,868
8Utah Valley University
Orem, UTPublicBachelor's
1945%—$50,647
9Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MIPublicMaster's
1652%——
10Universidad Central de Bayamon
Bayamón, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
1634%$6,825—
11University of Georgia
Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert.
1590%—$43,137
12Concordia University - Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.
1546%$17,328—
13Appalachian State University
Boone, NCPublicBachelor's
1375%—$43,283
14Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's
1367%$25,104—
15Indiana University - Bloomington
Bloomington, INPublicPost-degree cert.
1280%—$51,306
16East Carolina University
Greenville, NCPublicMaster's
1163%—$44,185
17Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OKPublicBachelor's
1035%—$46,045
18Francis Marion University
Florence, SCPublicMaster's
1043%——
19American University
Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
975%$30,225—
20University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSPublicMaster's
849%——
21Southeastern University
Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
743%$29,915—
22Hope College
Holland, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
780%$21,746$48,630
23Webster University
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
764%$25,090—
24Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
694%$11,888—
25Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MIPublicBachelor's
646%—$43,777
26Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MIPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.
658%——
27Florida Memorial University
Miami Gardens, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's
531%$21,059—
28The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, TXPublicPost-degree cert.
554%——
29Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
463%$31,672—
30Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
37%——
31Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MIPublicPost-degree cert.
359%—$46,522
32Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
364%$19,806$41,324
33Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
379%$34,418$50,698
34Converse University
Spartanburg, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's
362%$19,465—
35University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Whitewater, WIPublicPost-degree cert.
359%—$47,592
36Judson University
Elgin, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
260%$25,200—
37Avila University
Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
252%$16,721—
38CUNY Hunter College
New York, NYPublicMaster's
257%——
39Furman University
Greenville, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
279%$24,932—
40Walsh University
North Canton, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
158%$18,964—
41Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
151%$25,162—

* 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 22 states & territories

Where Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities graduates come from. Each state links to all Special Education and Teaching programs offered there.

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2051, Special Education Teachers, Preschool, and its national outlook.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as special education teachers in various settings, including preschool, middle school, and secondary school. The job outlook for special education teachers shows little or no change, with an estimated 2,100 annual openings and a median wage of $62,190, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+1.4%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~2,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$62,190
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
29,510
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
US average pay
$76,380
annual, BLS OEWS May 2025
US median pay
$64,830
annual

Top-paying metros

New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$101,880avg
Akron, OH
$97,520avg
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
$97,020avg
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
$95,070avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$94,820avg

Career pathways for CIP 13.1011

The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.

OccupationUS median payGrowthOpenings / yrTypical entry education
Special Education Teachers, Preschoolprimary
SOC 25-2051
$64,830+1.4%
Little or no change
~2,100Bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
SOC 25-2058
$74,260-1.6%
Decline
~11,100Bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
SOC 25-2057
$66,810-1.9%
Decline
~6,300Bachelor's degree
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC 25-1081
$75,350+2.1%
About as fast as average
~5,600Doctoral or professional degree
Special Education Teachers, All Other
SOC 25-2059
$76,580+1.1%
Little or no change
~2,900Bachelor's degree
SOC 25-2055
————
SOC 25-2056
————
Preparation needed

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

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
$77,260 avg · 163,930 jobs
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
$73,780 avg · 95,200 jobs
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$79,350 avg · 60,830 jobs
Special Education Teachers, All Other
$79,750 avg · 33,930 jobs
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
$76,380 avg · 29,510 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Writing
Learning Strategies
Active Learning

Knowledge areas

English Language
Education and Training
Psychology
Public Safety and Security
Therapy and Counseling
Computers and Electronics

Abilities that matter most

Oral Expression
Problem Sensitivity
Written Comprehension
Oral Comprehension
Speech Clarity
Deductive Reasoning

Day-to-day work activities

Getting Information
Assisting and Caring for Others
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Documenting/Recording Information
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Training and Teaching Others

What graduates do on the job

  • Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
  • Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
  • Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
  • Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
  • Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
  • Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).

Tools and technology used

American Sign Language BrowserChildren's educational softwareDrawing softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPoint

Other Special Education and Teaching specializations

The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10).

See all Special Education and Teaching programs →

Common questions

What is the focus of this program?+

The program focuses on designing educational services for individuals with specific learning disabilities.

What degrees can I earn in this program?+

You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or Post-master's certificate.

What skills will I develop?+

You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and learning strategies.

What career opportunities are available?+

You can work as a special education teacher, with a median wage of $62,190 and an estimated 2,100 annual job openings.

What is the CIP code for Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities?+

Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities is CIP 13.1011 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 of educational services for children or adults with specific learning disabilities which adversely affect their educational performance and that may prepare individuals to teach such students. Includes instruction in identifying students with specific learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising students with specific learning disabilities, counseling, and applicable laws and policies.

How many institutions offer Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities programs?+

41 U.S. institutions reported Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 22 states & territories, awarding 470 credentials in the year. That is 1.3% of all Special Education and Teaching graduates.

How much do Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities graduates earn?+

Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Special Education Teachers, Preschool occupation, which Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,830 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Special Education and Teaching field report median earnings of $47,132 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.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.

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.

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