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Special Education Concentration in Education
A special education concentration prepares students to work with learners who have disabilities or exceptionalities. It builds on the education program core and adds courses focused on individualized instruction, legal frameworks, and inclusive teaching strategies.
Quick Answers
What is a special education concentration in education?
A special education concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that prepares you to teach students with disabilities across a range of settings.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover disability categories, IEP development, behavior management, assistive technology, and inclusive instruction.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Teaching students with disabilities and exceptionalities
- Key career: According to the BLS, Elementary School Teachers earned a median annual wage of $63,970 (May 2025)
- Related career: According to the BLS, Educational Counselors earned a median annual wage of $64,330 (May 2025)
- Job outlook: Elementary Teachers: 91,000 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Disability Categories and Characteristics | Overview of learning disabilities, autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, and more |
| IEP Development and Implementation | Writing, implementing, and monitoring individualized education programs |
| Behavior Management Strategies | Positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) for students with disabilities |
| Assistive Technology | Tools and devices that support learning for students with varying needs |
| Inclusive Instruction | Co-teaching models and strategies for supporting students in general education classrooms |
| Assessment for Special Populations | Formal and informal assessment methods adapted for students with disabilities |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Special education is commonly offered as a bachelor’s concentration. Educators serving inclusive classrooms often pair it with the elementary education concentration, while those moving toward program oversight may explore educational leadership.
Next Steps
- See how this specialization is delivered in our online education format guide.
- Browse online colleges offering education programs.
- Considering a related field? Explore the counseling program.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.