Best Online Master’s in Special Education in Texas

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An online master’s degree in special education equips you with the knowledge base and educational requirements to pursue or advance your career in special education. An online degree program allows you to earn the education you need on a flexible or accelerated schedule, without disrupting your life.

Finding an online master’s degree in special education in Texas helps Texans find the most affordable programs at colleges and universities they and employers know and trust.

Graduates from a master’s in special education program can begin working as a special education specialists from K-12 to higher education, or to potentially take on other leadership roles within school systems and teaching organizations. Special education teachers have deep expertise in methods for teaching and learning and are equipped to work with students with physical, emotional or learning disabilities or developmental delays. They are also well-suited to work with ESL students.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teachers make an average of $59,780.

In Texas, the special education field is expected to see explosive growth of nearly 20% overall making this a very good choice for individuals exploring their career options in education.

Graduating with a master’s degree in special education will make you eligible for teaching certification in the state of Texas. To learn more about certification requirements in the state of Texas, visit the Texas Education Agency website. You will also find information on the site that explain any additional certification requirements that may be required for licensure for teaching special education students.

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Career Prospects in Texas
Job Growth by 2026 13%
Annual Job Growth 1.8%
Average Wage (Mean):
$57,772
Entry Level Wage:
$47,168
Median Wage:
$57,476
Experienced Wage:
$63,074
Sources: the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market Information Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Report and the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market Information Employment Projections 2016-2026 Report

Find your online masters degree in special education in TX

Study confidently at a quality institution in Texas where you know you will receive training relevant to Texas laws and regulations, and with attention to current affairs in Texas. Finding an online degree at a regionally accredited college or university will help ensure not only the acceptance of your degree by hiring professionals, but it will enable you to pursue an advanced degree should you someday want to take your education to the next level.

Here’s our list of online master’s in special education offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities in Texas. Sort to find the best, most affordable, and best value online colleges for special education degrees.

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    1. Texas Tech University

      Lubbock, TX

      Program Score

      99

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 38,742 (10% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 99
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $9,300 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #1 Best Texas Online CollegeA Most Affordable Texas Online College #2 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education 36 2-3 years
      See TTU’s full list of online degrees!

    2. University of Houston

      Houston, TX

      Program Score

      98

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 46,148 (4% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 23
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $9,221 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
      Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education: Special Population 30 2-3 years
      See UH’s full list of online degrees!

    3. University of North Texas

      Denton, TX

      Program Score

      95

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 39,336 (10% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 63
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $11,044 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #3 Best Texas Online CollegeA Most Affordable Texas Online College #6 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education: Autism Intervention 33 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education: Education Diagnostician 33 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education: High-Incidence Disabilities 33 2-3 years
      See UNT’s full list of online degrees!

    4. Sam Houston State University

      Huntsville, TX

      Program Score

      92

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 21,558 (17% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 72
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,536 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #5 Best Texas Online College#8 Most Affordable Texas Online College#3 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education - Hybrid: Traditional Path 36 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education - Hybrid: Bilingual Path 36 2-3 years
      See SHSU’s full list of online degrees!

    5. Stephen F. Austin State University

      Nacogdoches, TX

      Program Score

      91

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 12,969 (12% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 41
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,844 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #10 Most Affordable Texas Online College#8 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education 36 2-3 years
      See SFASU’s full list of online degrees!

    6. West Texas A&M University

      Canyon, TX

      Program Score

      90

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 9,970 (34% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 59
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,135 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #10 Best Texas Online College#6 Most Affordable Texas Online College#5 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Educational Diagnostician 36 2-3 years
      See WTAMU’s full list of online degrees!

    7. University of Texas at Tyler

      Tyler, TX

      Program Score

      89

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 9,617 (27% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 27
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,742 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #9 Most Affordable Texas Online College#9 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education 36 2-3 years
      See UTT’s full list of online degrees!

    8. Concordia University Texas

      Austin, TX

      Program Score

      87

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 2,518 (28% fully online)
      Public or Private Private Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 15
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $32,860 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education 30 2-3 years
      See CUT’s full list of online degrees!

    9. University of Houston–Victoria

      Victoria, TX

      Program Score

      85

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 4,506 (57% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 102
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $6,781 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #8 Best Texas Online College#2 Most Affordable Texas Online College#1 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis 36 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders 36 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education: Special Education and Diagnostician Certification Degree Plan 36 2-3 years
      See UHV’s full list of online degrees!

    10. University of St. Thomas

      Houston, TX

      Program Score

      83

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 3,448 (12% fully online)
      Public or Private Private Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government Status Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 6
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $31,460 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
      Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education 30-48 3-4 years
      See UST’s full list of online degrees!

    11. University of Texas of the Permian Basin

      Odessa, TX

      Program Score

      78

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 5,283 (46% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 19
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $6,666 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #1 Most Affordable Texas Online CollegeA Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MEd - Special Education: General 36 2-3 years
      MEd - Special Education: Autism 36 2-3 years
      See UTPB’s full list of online degrees!

    Published: .


    An institution’s program specfic score is calculated with seven data points: (1) its student-to-faculty ratio, (2) its number of degrees an institution awards in the program's field each year, (3) its the graduation rate, (4) its the retention rate, (5) its the percentage of online students, (6) its concentrated Influence (a measure of the academic importance of a school), and (7) its desirability (a measure of how many students chose to go to an institution).
     
    For each data point, we score schools based on where they fall in the percentile distribution for that data point. Because our scores are based on local data and not tied to irrelevant national data, they accurately reflect an institutions’s value to the Texas student. Institutions with missing data receive a zero for that data point.
     
    We weigh each data point and calculate an institution’s raw score. Then we create an adjusted raw score by combining a schools's score with a base score of 50. Finally, we score and rank institutions based on their adjusted score’s percentile rank.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.

    We weren’t able to get all the data we needed for this institution. This score is based on the information they have reported.
     
    An institution’s program specfic score is calculated with seven data points: (1) its student-to-faculty ratio, (2) its number of degrees an institution awards in the program's field each year, (3) its the graduation rate, (4) its the retention rate, (5) its the percentage of online students, (6) its concentrated Influence (a measure of the academic importance of a school), and (7) its desirability (a measure of how many students chose to go to an institution).
     
    For each data point, we score schools based on where they fall in the percentile distribution for that data point. Because our scores are based on local data and not tied to irrelevant national data, they accurately reflect an institutions’s value to the Texas student. Institutions with missing data receive a zero for that data point.
     
    We weigh each data point and calculate an institution’s raw score. Then we create an adjusted raw score by combining a schools's score with a base score of 50. Finally, we score and rank institutions based on their adjusted score’s percentile rank.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.

    Focused on online colleges in TX, our relative cost score compares the average in-state tuitions of Texas schools. In general, Texas is slightly cheaper than the national average of $9,970 (according to The National Center for Education Statistics) for a degree at a public 4-year college or university. However, Texas is home to some of the most affordable colleges and universities in the US, and it’s most expensive schools are tens of thousands cheaper than the most expensive schools in the country.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.