Best institutions to study Special Education and Teaching
Any instructional program in special education not listed above.
82 U.S. institutions graduated 1,365 Special Education and Teaching students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1099, a specialization of Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10), and leads most directly to the Special Education Teachers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 25-2059).
About Special Education and Teaching programs
Any instructional program in special education not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Special Education and Teaching program focuses on preparing educators to work with students who have diverse learning needs. This program encompasses various instructional strategies and approaches to support individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive a quality education tailored to their unique requirements. It is designed for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in specialized instructional methods, assessment techniques, and individualized education plans (IEPs). Coursework often includes topics related to behavior management, inclusive education practices, and collaboration with families and other professionals in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Special Education and Teaching graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree628 graduates / yr · 40 institutions46%
- Bachelor's degree414 graduates / yr · 28 institutions30%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate202 graduates / yr · 25 institutions15%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year42 graduates / yr · 3 institutions3.1%
- Post-master's certificate38 graduates / yr · 6 institutions2.8%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years38 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
- Doctor's degree - other1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Special Education and Teaching completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,123 |
| 2013 | 1,416 |
| 2014 | 1,135 |
| 2015 | 1,168 |
| 2016 | 1,141 |
| 2017 | 1,124 |
| 2018 | 1,243 |
| 2019 | 2,203 |
| 2020 | 2,302 |
| 2021 | 1,188 |
| 2022 | 1,269 |
| 2023 | 1,199 |
| 2024 | 1,039 |
| 2025 | 1,365 |
Top 50 institutions for Special Education and Teaching, 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 | SUNY Brockport Brockport, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sMaster's | 107 | 55% | — | — |
| 2 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 98 | 76% | $28,888 | — |
| 3 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 68 | 70% | $25,812 | — |
| 4 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 62 | 28% | — | $46,052 |
| 5 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 61 | 82% | — | $42,774 |
| 6 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 50 | 67% | — | $47,017 |
| 7 | SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NYPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 48 | 45% | — | $38,978 |
| 8 | University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 43 | 64% | $25,841 | — |
| 9 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 39 | 55% | — | — |
| 10 | University at Albany Albany, NYPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 34 | 61% | — | — |
| 11 | Dakota State University Madison, SDPublicBachelor's | 34 | 51% | — | $42,318 |
| 12 | Lasell University Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 33 | 59% | $23,724 | — |
| 13 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 29 | 57% | — | — |
| 14 | Neumann University Aston, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 54% | $28,753 | $42,488 |
| 15 | Canisius University Buffalo, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 27 | 66% | $17,353 | — |
| 16 | Rider University Lawrenceville, NJPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 26 | 61% | $23,844 | — |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicBachelor's | 25 | 90% | — | $50,174 |
| 18 | Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 24 | 65% | $21,810 | — |
| 19 | Barry University Miami, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 22 | 38% | $24,719 | — |
| 20 | Brenau University Gainesville, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 22 | 33% | $21,115 | — |
| 21 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicPost-degree cert. | 21 | 75% | — | — |
| 22 | Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 20 | 50% | $24,333 | — |
| 23 | State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, NYPublicMaster's | 20 | 72% | — | — |
| 24 | Northwestern College Orange City, IAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 19 | 66% | $22,419 | — |
| 25 | University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublicPost-degree cert. | 19 | 52% | — | — |
| 26 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 17 | 37% | — | — |
| 27 | Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 65% | $23,136 | — |
| 28 | Saint Peter's University Jersey City, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 58% | $14,440 | — |
| 29 | Nazareth University Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 73% | $27,945 | — |
| 30 | University of Dayton Dayton, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 15 | 80% | $28,560 | $45,260 |
| 31 | Pacific University Forest Grove, ORPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 67% | $30,571 | — |
| 32 | Lincoln University Lincoln University, PAPublicMaster's | 14 | 44% | — | — |
| 33 | Alverno College Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 49% | $17,221 | — |
| 34 | Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GAPublicMaster's | 13 | 64% | — | $45,167 |
| 35 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor's | 13 | 83% | — | $48,773 |
| 36 | Lincoln University Jefferson City, MOPublicBachelor's | 12 | 21% | — | — |
| 37 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NCPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 12 | 69% | — | $42,692 |
| 38 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 51% | — | $43,844 |
| 39 | Saint Mary - of - the - Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 47% | $43,857 | $41,943 |
| 40 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 10 | 58% | — | $47,868 |
| 41 | Piedmont University Demorest, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 47% | $20,049 | — |
| 42 | University of Southern Indiana Evansville, INPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 9 | 48% | — | $44,104 |
| 43 | SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NYPublicMaster's | 9 | 33% | — | $16,737 |
| 44 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicBachelor's | 9 | 63% | — | $44,185 |
| 45 | Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, OKPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 9 | 52% | $23,214 | — |
| 46 | Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 50% | $14,298 | — |
| 47 | Hood College Frederick, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 57% | $23,244 | — |
| 48 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 8 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 49 | St. Francis College Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 55% | $26,091 | — |
| 50 | Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 8 | 48% | — | $37,020 |
* 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 32 states & territories
Where Special Education and Teaching graduates come from. Each state links to all Special Education and Teaching programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2059, Special Education Teachers, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Special Education and Teaching program can pursue careers as Special Education Teachers or Education Teachers at the postsecondary level. The job outlook for this field shows little or no change, with an estimated 2,900 annual openings and a median wage of $67,430. A typical requirement for entry-level positions is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1099
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Special Education Teachers, All Otherprimary SOC 25-2059 | $76,580 | +1.1% Little or no change | ~2,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Related careers
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 13.1017
Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs 1,718 graduates / yr70 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1007
Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities 1,466 graduates / yr28 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 can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 82 colleges offering the Special Education and Teaching program across the United States.
What is the average number of graduates per year?+
Approximately 1,365 students graduate from this program each year in the U.S.
What is the job outlook for special education teachers?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with an annual opening of about 2,900 positions.
What is the CIP code for Special Education and Teaching?+
Special Education and Teaching is CIP 13.1099 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: Any instructional program in special education not listed above.
How many institutions offer Special Education and Teaching programs?+
82 U.S. institutions reported Special Education and Teaching graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 32 states & territories, awarding 1,365 credentials in the year. That is 3.9% of all Special Education and Teaching graduates.
How much do Special Education and Teaching graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Special Education Teachers, All Other occupation, which Special Education and Teaching most directly leads to, pays a median of $76,580 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Special Education and Teaching field report median earnings of $44,185 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.
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