Explore a List of Career Paths and Jobs for a Master’s in Special Education

The job market is booming for passionate educators, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a whopping 7% job growth for special education teachers. That means a stable and growing demand for your expertise. 

More and more qualified special education teachers are needed nationwide. This affects both individuals with disabilities and the entire education system. By pursuing a Master of Arts in Special Education, you can directly address this need and open doorways to an incredible career with advancement opportunities.

This advanced degree in the field of education can serve as your toolkit and next steps in the classroom. You’ll gain essential skills to stand out in the competitive world of education. Ready to make a difference? Explore different jobs for those holding a master’s in special education.

Why Get an MAEd in Special Education?

Today, there are millions of students with diverse learning needs not getting the quality of education they deserve. Earning a master’s with this concentration gives you the ability to meet a growing need and helps you play an important role in improving education for students with learning disabilities.

A master’s in special education isn’t just a qualification. It can equip graduates with the right types of skill sets needed in and out of the classroom. Not only does it benefit those with an interest in teaching in special education, it can also sharpen your skills for leadership positions and further advanced education.

By choosing this path, you’re making a personal commitment to inclusivity and equity in education and beyond, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Looking for next-level training and leadership preparation? The special education program from NMSU Global Campus is here to help you excel.

As the importance of special education grows, so does the earning potential of professionals in this field. Many high-paying leadership positions and specialized roles are available, reflecting the value placed on your expertise.

Intrigued? Let’s explore how a MAEd in Special Education can empower you to make a difference and build a fulfilling career.

Careers With a Master’s in Special Education

As an educator working with students with disabilities, you will encounter dynamic opportunities to help your students learn and develop. There are many approaches to engaging students, helping each succeed academically and socially. Here are some career options that you can explore with an master’s in special education:

Educational Diagnostician

Become a learning detective, meticulously unlocking student potential through personalized learning plans. Your average salary of $79,350 reflects your vital role in every student’s journey.

Program Director

With a background in special education and with leadership skill sets, you can step into a position as a Program Director.  In this position, you will oversee special education programs for compliance and effectiveness to ensure that students receive the care and training they need. Your guidance, with an average salary of $82,520, makes a tangible difference.

Program Manager

Craft the future of learning opportunities! Develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs, often within nonprofit organizations, shaping the lives of countless students. Your program-building expertise is rewarded with an average salary of $67,170.

Special Education Classroom Teacher

Elevate your classroom impact with your master’s degree. Command higher-paying positions, leadership roles, and specialized endorsements, enriching the lives of your students even further. Your transformative journey starts with an average salary of $61,220.

Special Education Instructional Coordinator

Become a teacher’s champion! Provide resources, professional development, and data analysis, empowering them to create thriving learning environments. Your invaluable support is recognized by an average salary of $74,530.

Careers in Special Education Besides Teaching

Sure, everyone knows about the excellent special education teachers working magic in schools. But did you know your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities can unlock a spectrum of fulfilling careers beyond the classroom?

Your master’s in special education isn’t just a key to one door. It opens doors to diverse and impactful roles in several different fields to make a real difference in people’s lives. An MAEd in Special Education can help forge the way to these other career pathways, and with supplemental learning and certifications, you can qualify for a number of different positions.

Ready to discover your perfect fit? Let’s check out some exciting options:

Hospital Based Roles with an MAEd Special Education Background

As mentioned, it’s possible to qualify for other positions outside of the classroom. However, it’s important to understand the certifications and licensing requirements for each state that may fall under these job titles. An MAEd will certainly help get you established, but other areas of study and skill set training can open a world of possibilities for your next job growth opportunity.

• Early Intervention Specialist: You’ll guide young children with disabilities, fostering their development in hospital settings. Collaborate with families to create nurturing environments and nurture early learning skills.

• Occupational Therapist: Leverage your disability expertise to design personalized therapy plans for individuals regaining functional skills after illness or injury. Empower your patients towards independence as they navigate their recovery journey.

• Speech-Language Pathologist: From children born with speech delays to adults recovering from strokes, you’ll assess and treat communication disorders across all ages. Ensure effective communication and self-expression for those who need it most.

• Rehabilitation Counselor: Partner with individuals with disabilities on their medical journeys. Provide vocational counseling, social support, and valuable resources to help them seamlessly reintegrate into their communities and workplaces.

Specialized Roles with a Special Education Background

• Assistive Technology Specialist: Become a tech wizard for inclusion! Evaluate and recommend cutting-edge devices and software, empowering individuals with disabilities to break through barriers and reach their full potential.

• Behavior Analyst: Apply your understanding of behavior to develop and implement intervention plans for individuals with challenging behaviors, promoting positive change and enhancing quality of life.

• Policy Analyst: Be a champion for change at the policy level. Influence legislation, regulations, and programs to guarantee rights and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

• Research Scientist: Join the vanguard of groundbreaking research! Contribute to exploring interventions, developing new technologies, and shaping the future of the unique education field with your expertise.

Advancing in Your Teaching Career

Looking to take your passion for special education to the next level and make an even more significant impact? A master’s degree can be your launchpad to leadership roles, continuous learning, and staying ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving field.

Here’s how it empowers you:

• Leadership: Step into influential roles and contribute meaningfully to shaping and improving special education programs. Make a difference within your school or district.
• Lifelong Learning: Fuel your passion for continuous learning by pursuing professional development opportunities and staying at the forefront of the latest research and methodologies.
• Advanced Expertise: Gain the essential knowledge and skills to become an exceptional educator who truly makes a lasting impact on your students’ lives.

NMSU Global Campus: Master of Arts in Special Education

For those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the field of special education, New Mexico State University (NMSU) Global Campus offers a broad Master of Arts in Special Education program. This online program is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various education roles.

Program Highlights

Tailored Paths Just for You

At NMSU Global Campus, we get that everyone’s journey is unique. That’s why our MAEd in Special Education program offers a variety of pathways. Whether you’re aiming for your first teaching license, eyeing that next career leap, or just honing your teaching skills, we’ve got you covered.

100% Online Flexibility

Say goodbye to the classroom hustle! Life is already busy enough balancing work and family, right? With our fully online coursework, you can kiss those campus commutes goodbye. Study from the comfort of your couch and create a schedule that fits your life like a glove.

Affordable Tuition

We believe in quality education that won’t break the bank. NMSU Global Campus offers competitive tuition rates and scholarship opportunities. Because pursuing your academic dreams shouldn’t mean maxing out your credit card.

Making a difference matters. Special education isn’t just a career path; it’s a commitment to shaping inclusive communities. The Master of Arts in Special Education program at NMSU Global Campus is about setting you up for success, emphasizing excellence in training, and focusing on preparing educators for leadership roles.

This program is a pathway to impact the lives of students with disabilities and advance the field of special education. Consider taking the next step in your career by pursuing a MAEd in Special Education at NMSU Global Campus and make a positive change in this vital field.