Educators with online special education master’s degrees can pursue several career paths. Some work as teachers in traditional public or private schools in classrooms devoted to students with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Others work as case managers coordinating social, therapeutic, and educational services for children or adults. Those seeking higher administrative roles can seek jobs in their school systems or with state agencies.
1. Case Manager
People who earn particular education degrees often plan to teach in classrooms. Still, the degree is also helpful in preparing graduates to work outside of the school in clinical and administrative roles. With the growing need for qualified professionals, a master’s degree in special education opens several doors that may not be obvious.
For example, many school systems are recruiting board-certified behavior analysts to provide behavioral support services to students with autism spectrum disorder. The online special education masters offers one track specifically geared toward working with individuals with autism.
An advanced degree in special education also prepares graduates to work with children and adults with disabilities in other clinical settings, such as hospitals. In these roles, graduates can help coordinate the educational and therapy services that patients need while hospitalized or recovering from illness or injury. They can also serve as case managers, helping individuals with disabilities access resources.
2. Special Education Teacher
Educators who earn a master’s in special education can find a variety of career opportunities both within and beyond the classroom. Many of these careers are related to administrative work, while others involve social- or clinical work.
Teachers with an exceptional education degree can work in traditional public schools or self-contained classrooms for students with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. Educators can also use their master’s degrees to advance into leadership roles in school districts, such as principals or superintendents.
For instance, an online exceptional education degree at William Paterson University can also prepare educators to serve as case managers for children and adults with certain types of disabilities who rely on family services, government programs, or nonprofit organizations to help them with their daily living and employment needs.
In these careers, educators can help coordinate and deliver education, therapy, and other support services to clients in hospitals, day facilities, private practices, and clinical settings. Some of these positions may require an additional state license.
3. Clinical Services Specialist
A master’s degree in special education is a versatile and flexible credential that opens up many career opportunities inside and outside the classroom. For those seeking to make a difference at the structural level, for instance, jobs like particular education specialists offer a way to help shape educational systems at a higher level.
For those looking to work in the clinical sector, a graduate degree can also lead to careers like case management. These professionals organize services for children and adults with disabilities who rely on family support, government programs, or nonprofit organizations.
A growing number of states have dedicated funding to serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which makes careers as autism specialists or autism coordinators particularly appealing. These positions typically require a master’s degree, and a specialized online master’s in special education focusing on applied behavior analysis may be helpful.
4. Consultant
If you want to move outside of the classroom, a master’s in special education can help. Many clinical settings, such as group homes, daycares, and hospitals, hire professionals with a master’s degree in special education to help coordinate services for the individuals they serve.
In addition, there are career opportunities within state agencies that provide support for people with disabilities. These positions require a strong background in special education, leadership skills, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for students.
Your online graduate program may also prepare you to become a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Many school systems are recruiting BCBAs to develop behavioral plans for students in special and mainstream classes.