Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education

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Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Inspire Children with Unique Needs with an Online B.Ed. in Special Education

Do you need special education licensure but can’t make a traditional teaching program work for your busy lifestyle? Liberty’s 100% online Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education can give you the training and teacher preparation you need.

All of our School of Education initial and advanced licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accreditation means that your coursework and training will meet high standards of excellence that demonstrate your value as a professional.

Liberty’s mission is to Train Champions for Christ. We fulfill this mission by training educators who pursue excellence and Christlike compassion in teaching. You can join educators like these with your teacher’s license, approved by the Virginia Dept. of Education and provided through this program. Liberty’s B.Ed. in Special Education is one of only a few 100% online teacher preparation programs – and the only one in Virginia. Earn your teaching license from the comfort of your home or office!

Through this program, you will study essential learning theory and best practices that will equip you to help students with special needs thrive. With our program’s practicum and student teaching hours, you will get hands-on experience as you apply your studies in a classroom in your area.

Liberty University offers detailed information about the educational requirements for licensure programs. To see if this program aligns with your state, you can research requirements here: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/

Not interested in licensure? Check out our bachelor’s degree in special education interdisciplinary studies!

What Will You Study in the B.Ed. in Special Education?

  • Learner development and the differences in how students learn
  • How to create an effective learning environment
  • Expertise in special education teaching and learning
  • Teaching materials and curriculum for special needs students
  • An evidence-based approach to theory and best practices to assess, plan, and teach individuals with special needs

The B.Ed. in Special Education can provide you with essential learning theory and teaching best practices that will equip you to help special needs students. With a mix of 100% online studies and hands-on training through your practicum and student teaching, you will learn how to apply your skills and knowledge to the classroom.

Potential Careers for B.Ed. in Special Education Graduates

  • Homeschool teacher
  • Ministry teacher
  • Special education consultant
  • Special education curriculum coordinator
  • Special education teacher

Benefits of Our B.Ed. in Special Education

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
  • The B.Ed. in Special Education licensure-track program is approved by the VDOE for teacher preparation. This approval means that you can complete your licensure requirements within the program for the state of Virginia and apply for reciprocity in another state if desired.
  • This is one of the only teacher licensure programs in the nation that is 100% online!
  • Pursuing our online Bachelor of Education licensure-tracks may make you eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant.
  • You can complete this B.Ed. in Special Education program in as little as 3.5 years!

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

  • Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/retirees
  • Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
  • Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
  • Potential college credit for military training

These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

120

Credit Hours

Available Online

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Jun 23, 2025

Accreditation

CAEP

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

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Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

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