Special Education and Teaching, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Special Education and Teaching, Other.: The DTI for this program is 55.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Special Education and Teaching, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $45637) to the average debt ($25279) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Special Education and Teaching, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 55.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Special Education and Teaching, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($45637) against the typical student debt ($25279), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Special Education and Teaching, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $45637, with grads carrying about $25279 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.55—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 34843 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Special Education and Teaching, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Special Education and Teaching, Other (CIP 13.1099) is a specialized category within the field of education focused on the instruction of students with diverse learning, physical, emotional, or behavioral needs. While many special education programs focus on specific categories—such as autism, hearing impairments, or learning disabilities—the "Other" designation covers innovative, multi-categorical, or emerging programs that do not fit into a single traditional box. These programs often emphasize inclusive practices, assistive technology, and the transition of students with disabilities into adulthood.
This degree is ideal for students who possess immense patience, a high degree of empathy, and a desire to create equitable learning environments for those who face significant barriers to traditional education. It is a path for problem-solvers who see potential where others see limitations.
What Is a Special Education and Teaching (Other) Degree?
A Special Education and Teaching (Other) degree focuses on the pedagogical strategies and legal frameworks required to support students with unique educational needs. This may include programs that train teachers for "twice-exceptional" students (those who are gifted but also have a disability), students with rare genetic conditions, or those requiring highly specialized behavioral interventions. These programs are often interdisciplinary, combining elements of psychology, medicine, and social work.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train educators to work with students who have multiple or complex disabilities
- Develop specialists in inclusive classroom design and adaptive curriculum
- Address the growing need for transition specialists who help students move from school to the workforce
- Provide expertise in using assistive technology to bridge learning gaps
This structure emphasizes individualization, legal compliance, and compassionate advocacy.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn how to modify standard educational content to meet the specific functional and cognitive levels of their students.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Write and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Adapt lesson plans for diverse cognitive and physical abilities
- Utilize Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other behavioral management techniques
- Collaborate with parents, therapists, and medical professionals
- Master the legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Implement assistive technologies such as speech-to-text or sensory tools
These skills are essential for protecting the rights of students and ensuring they receive a free and appropriate public education.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program's specific focus, students may study:
- Foundations of special education law and ethics
- Human development and the psychology of exceptionality
- Classroom management for students with emotional and behavioral disorders
- Assessment and diagnosis of learning disabilities
- Transition planning for post-secondary life and career
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Instructional strategies for non-verbal or low-functioning students
- Collaboration and consultation in inclusive settings
This coursework ensures that graduates are prepared for both the emotional and administrative demands of the job.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Special Education and Teaching (Other) degree leads to careers that are both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Common job roles include:
- Special Education Teacher (K-12)
- Learning Support Specialist
- Transition Coordinator or Case Manager
- Behavioral Interventionist or Analyst
- Inclusion Specialist
- Early Intervention Specialist (working with infants and toddlers)
- Educational Consultant for disability advocacy groups
- Private Tutor or Coach for students with special needs
Many graduates choose to work in public school systems, but others find roles in private clinics or community-based organizations.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in this field find employment in a wide range of settings dedicated to human development:
- Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools
- Specialized schools for students with severe disabilities
- Residential treatment facilities and group homes
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Early childhood intervention programs
- Non-profit organizations focused on disability rights
- State and local government agencies
- Virtual or home-based education services
These environments require professionals who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in special education are often slightly higher than those in general education due to the specialized training required.
- Special Education Teachers at the K-12 level typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000, depending on the state and district.
- Behavioral Analysts and Specialists often earn between $60,000 and $90,000 in clinical or private settings.
- Early Interventionists may earn between $45,000 and $65,000.
- Directors of Special Education or high-level administrators can earn well over $100,000.
Many school districts also offer "stipends" or hiring bonuses for special education teachers because they are considered high-need, "shortage" positions.
Is This Degree Hard?
The coursework is manageable, but the clinical practice and student teaching components can be intense. The "difficulty" of this degree lies in the paperwork and the emotional resilience required. Special education involves a significant amount of legal documentation and data tracking, which requires high attention to detail.
Success in this field requires someone who can celebrate small victories and remain calm under pressure.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are available at every level of higher education:
- Bachelor’s degrees are the standard path for initial teacher certification.
- Master’s degrees are very common for those who want to specialize or increase their salary.
- Doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) focus on research, policy-making, and training future teachers.
Because there is a nationwide shortage of special education teachers, many programs offer accelerated certification paths or "residency" models where you can earn a salary while completing your degree.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Have a passion for social justice and advocacy
- Enjoy working one-on-one or in small groups
- Are patient and can handle unpredictable situations
- Like "detective work"—finding the specific tool or method that helps a student finally "get it"
- Are organized and comfortable with legal or technical documentation
- Want a career with extremely high job security
It is the right path for those who want to be a lifeline for families and a champion for students who are often overlooked.
How to Prepare in High School
You can start preparing for a career in special education by:
- Volunteering for the Special Olympics or similar organizations
- Working as a peer buddy for students in your school's special education department
- Taking classes in Psychology or Child Development
- Learning basic American Sign Language (ASL) or researching assistive apps
- Observing a special education classroom to understand the daily routine
You do not need prior expertise to start. A heart for service, an adaptable mindset, and the belief that every child can learn are the most important qualities for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor