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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in special education, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in special education programs.

What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

1. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University is a private research institution.  For people who want a career improving the lives of children and youth who are distinctly abled, an MEd in special education offered at Vanderbilt may be the right degree program. One hundred percent of graduates from this degree program were employed or receiving further education within four months of graduation.

2. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

UT Austin is a legendary research institution with over 51,000 learners. It is repeatedly rated for its teaching and affordability. UT Austin’s master’s degree program with a concentration in early childhood special education readies graduates to be scholars in the field. This degree program is intended to be finished over one calendar year of full-time enrollment (fall, spring, and summer sessions).

3. University of Georgia, Athens, GA

UGA has an extensive master’s degree program in special education, with several distinct degree types and concentrations to select from. An MEd degree is suitable for learners going into research or education policy. The MAT degree is primarily for teachers to get licensure.

4. University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

The University of San Diego is a private Roman Catholic research institution that was established in 1949. USD’s master’s in education degree is intended to teach learners how to work with learners who have mild to moderate disabilities from kindergarten to age 22. Teaching candidates can select either a several (elementary) or single (secondary) subject credentials plus the education specialist credentials.

5. Boston University,Boston, MA

BU’s MEd in Special Education degree readies learners for a career that is in high demand. This degree program has one-on-one mentorship, where a faculty member will help learners select a specific set of classes to match their career objectives.

6. Minot State University, Minot, ND

For people seeking state licensure in North Dakota, an MS at Minot State in special education may be a good choice. Although this degree program is technically not 100 percent online, the majority of the core prerequisites are delivered online.

7. Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

As a top-rated degree program, Syracuse’s MS in early childhood special education degree will prepare future teachers to work effectively with children who have special needs. Learners can take this degree program either full time or part time.

8. University of Washington at Seattle, Seattle, WA

In UW’s MEd in early childhood special education degree program, learners get teaching experience by working in an array of settings. Learners in the past have finished their fieldwork experience in a variety of settings such as preschools, kindergartens, or in birth-to-three programs.

9. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Mizzou has an MEd and an MA degree in special education to prepare future leaders in the field. Assistantships and fellowships are available for qualifying learners at the graduate level to help pay for tuition.

10. University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

UVM’s MEd in special education degree has pathways for learners to receive state licensure to teach learners with special needs. For learners who meet the prerequisites, additional endorsements may be earned, such as the intensive special education teacher licensure.