Special Education Online Program

Bachelor of Science
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Department of Human Movement Studies & Special Education

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Degree completion

For students with some college credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward this degree

Full degree

A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
120 credit hours total

Why ODU for Special Education?

In this program, you will learn from faculty who have direct and current school-based special education experience, and you'll be supported with career mentoring from former school professionals.

You can choose from two special education majors: general curriculum or adapted curriculum.

General Curriculum K-12 prepares you to teach children with mild disabilities.
Adapted Curriculum K-12 prepares you to teach children with moderate to severe or multiple disabilities.

You will also complete extensive field work and a teacher candidate internship, which will provide opportunities to apply your knowledge of teaching under supervision in the school setting.

When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in special education. You also will be eligible for Virginia teacher licensure with endorsement in either general or adapted curriculum. If you want to be licensed in a different state, we encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying.

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If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).

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Transform Your Career with ODUGlobal

At ODUGlobal, our programs empower future educational leaders to make a difference in their communities. Our graduates are stepping into leadership roles, ready to make a difference with passion and purpose.

With ODUGlobal’s support, you too can achieve your professional dreams and contribute to the transformation of education.

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Program Information

Minimum

30 Credit Hours

Total

120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This bachelor’s program requires 120 total credit hours.

This online program includes a student teaching internship, which requires a clearance background check.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine if you have credits that will transfer or to start an application.

Clearance Background Check for Teacher Candidates

Explore Programs of Study in the Catalog

Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Minimum

30 Credit Hours

Total

120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This bachelor’s program requires 120 total credit hours.

This online program includes a student teaching internship, which requires a clearance background check.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine if you have credits that will transfer or to start an application.

Clearance Background Check for Teacher Candidates

Explore Programs of Study in the Catalog

Ranked

Best Online Bachelor's in Special Education, 2024 - Intelligent.com

Ranked

Best Online Special Education Degree Programs, 2025 - OnlineU.com

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost

In-state Virginia Residents

$408 per credit hour*

Out-of-State Students

$439 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.

Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are.

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Special Education

Teaching: Primary, Elementary, Secondary
With additional training, experience, and/or education: Principal, Superintendent, Media/Library/Information Services, Curriculum Supervision, Subject Area Supervision

Note for students in Washington State from the Student Achievement Council: "Eligibility for initial education certification in Washington is based on completion of a state approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Virginia and is authorized for field placements in Washington by the Professional Educators Standards Board. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/archive/outofstate for more information. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for teacher advancement."

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Growth

N/A%

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Growth

N/A%

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Growth

-0.9%

Median Salary

$66,600

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Growth

-0.6%

Median Salary

$66,620

Education Enrollment Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Missy Magerkorth

Enrollment Coordinator

1-800-968-2638

educationonline@odu.edu

Courtney Allunario

Enrollment Coordinator

1-800-968-2638

educationonline@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program is available completely online, which means you can apply to ODU as a freshman.

Already have college credits? Before you apply, our enrollment team can provide a free transfer evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to ODU.

For this special education program, additional assessments for licensure are required once admitted to the University.

Get Guaranteed Admission to ODU

ODU has partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy.

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.

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Special Education Online Program

Why ODU for Special Education?