2026 General Education vs. Special Education: Explaining the Difference

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

General Education and Special Education both aim to provide quality learning experiences but differ in their approach and focus. General Education offers a broad curriculum designed for most students, including subjects like math, science, and humanities. Special Education, however, tailors instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, using individualized strategies and supports.

Both pathways share the goal of fostering student growth and success, yet Special Education requires specific training and legal knowledge that General Education does not. This article will explore these distinctions and overlaps, helping readers understand program requirements and choose the appropriate academic path in 2024.

Key Points About Pursuing a General Education vs. Special Education

General Education programs typically have broader curricula and shorter durations, with average tuition around $20,000 yearly, while Special Education programs often require specialized training and longer study periods.
Career outcomes in General Education offer diverse roles in various fields, whereas Special Education careers focus on supporting students with disabilities, often with higher job stability but modest salary growth.
Special Education demands certification in many states, adding time and cost, while General Education qualifications are more standardized and widely recognized across teaching roles.

What are general education programs?

General Education programs serve as the essential foundation for most bachelor's degree students in the US, covering around 31 credit hours and often making up close to half of the credits needed to graduate. These programs aim to build key skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving across various academic fields.

The curriculum includes core areas like English composition, mathematics, natural sciences, history, humanities, and social sciences. Many schools also require courses addressing health and diversity to support broader interpersonal and cultural understanding.

Rather than a separate stage, General Education courses are integrated throughout a four-year undergraduate journey. Students usually must earn at least a "C" grade to fulfill these requirements. Institutions provide flexibility, allowing students to select courses within broad categories that suit their interests.

Admission into these programs is automatic upon starting any bachelor's degree, as they are mandatory for all undergraduates regardless of major choice.

What are special education programs?

Special Education programs cater to students with disabilities through customized instruction and support tailored to their unique learning needs. These programs adapt curricula based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), emphasizing core academic subjects like math, reading, science, and social studies alongside crucial social, behavioral, and life skills.

Typically available from preschool through high school, these services are designed to help students advance academically while integrating with their peers whenever appropriate.

Admission into these programs involves a thorough evaluation to verify eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This process requires documentation of a qualifying disability and clear evidence demonstrating the need for specialized education services.

master's degree in special education.png

What are the similarities between general education programs and special education programs?

General Education and Special Education programs in the United States share foundational characteristics, focusing on student development and academic achievement. Despite serving different student populations, both aim to equip learners with essential skills for future success.

Both programs exhibit strong general education and special education similarities that support equitable learning experiences. Key points of overlap highlight how these systems align in structure and objectives:

Shared curriculum focus: Both programs emphasize core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies to build fundamental knowledge for all students.
Consistent learning structure: They follow similar academic calendars and are organized by grade levels, with lessons delivered by qualified educators using various teaching methods.
Aligned program duration: Students typically spend equivalent amounts of time in elementary, middle, and high school, ensuring comparable progression toward graduation.
Admission criteria: Both are part of the public education system, enrolling students based on age and residency, though special education includes additional eligibility evaluations.
Focus on holistic growth: Each program encourages social and emotional development and promotes collaboration among teachers, families, and support staff for student success.

These special education general education curriculum overlap areas reflect a commitment to providing quality education tailored to diverse student needs. For students exploring accelerated learning options, accelerated courses may offer additional opportunities within these frameworks.

What are the differences between general education programs and special education programs?

General Education and Special Education are two distinct schooling pathways, each designed to meet the needs of different student groups. General Education addresses students with typical learning capabilities, while Special Education focuses on those with disabilities or developmental challenges. These programs differ significantly in their approach, teaching style, and classroom settings.

Student Population: General Education serves most students without major disabilities, while Special Education supports learners with disabilities through tailored instruction and support from early childhood to adolescence.
Curriculum Structure: General Education follows a standardized set of academic subjects like math and science, aligning with state requirements. Special Education provides customized curricula based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), often focusing on life skills and vocational training.
Teaching Approaches: General Education uses uniform lessons delivered to the whole class, encouraging independent work and group activities. Special Education features personalized, intensive teaching with frequent feedback, using varied instructional methods and additional tools to support learning.
Classroom Size: General classrooms typically hold between 15 and 25 students, whereas Special Education classes are smaller, often fewer than 10 students, to ensure more focused attention.
Learning Environment: Special Education classrooms are specially adapted with quiet areas, modified sensory settings, and assistive technologies like screen readers, designed to cater to individual student needs, unlike the more traditional setup of General Education classrooms.

What skills do you gain from general education programs vs special education programs?

Understanding the skills developed in general education vs special education helps clarify how each program prepares students for their futures. Both programs emphasize essential skills but differ in their focus and application. Exploring social and communication skills in general education and special education programs reveals these distinctions.

Skill Outcomes for General Education Programs

Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information and solve problems, a skill highly valued across industries.
Communication and collaboration: Developed through group projects and presentations, these skills are essential for workplace success.
Technology literacy: Competency in productivity software and online research, reflecting the digital skills required for 92% of jobs today.

Skill Outcomes for Special Education Programs

Assistive technologies: Use of tools like screen readers or communication devices that enable access to digital content and participation in modern workplaces.
Life skills: Includes self-advocacy, time management, and independent living, which foster autonomy and successful adult transitions.
Social-emotional learning (SEL): Skills such as self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making that support mental health and relationships.

General education builds broad, transferable technical skills, while special education offers personalized practical skills. These tailored competencies empower students to overcome barriers and thrive in work and life.

For students exploring advanced options, finding the easiest doctorate degree to get can be an important step in continuing their education and career development.

Which is more difficult, general education programs or special education programs?

Determining which is more challenging-General Education Programs or Special Education programs-depends greatly on individual strengths and learning preferences. Both paths present unique demands that shape their difficulty level. Understanding these differences is key for students exploring their options in education.

When examining academic rigor, the contrast becomes clear: general education involves a broad curriculum with diverse coursework designed for larger groups, while special education centers on individualized plans tailored to meet the distinct needs of students with disabilities.

The difficulty in general education programs often arises from managing this wide range of subjects and standardized testing, which demands consistent performance across various disciplines. This diversity of requirements explains much of the variation in difficulty perception.

Special education challenges stem from personalized assessment methods and the necessity to adjust instructional approaches, which requires flexibility and specialized knowledge. While the workload in general education tends to be more structured, special education demands adaptability to accommodate individual learning paces.

Additionally, research intensity in special education frequently focuses on targeted strategies for learning improvement, differentiating it from broader research efforts.

For those considering further academic pursuits, exploring the most affordable online phd programs can provide pathways aligning with personal educational goals.

What are the career outcomes for general education programs vs special education programs?

The career outcomes for graduates of General Education programs and Special Education programs share some similarities but differ significantly in job roles, demand, and salary potential. Both fields offer stable employment opportunities, yet special education careers tend to provide higher salaries and diverse workplace settings.

Career Outcomes for General Education Programs

Graduates with a general education degree job opportunities primarily in public education, where the majority of K-12 teachers are employed across the U.S. The teaching field is expected to grow about 4% through 2032, reflecting steady demand. Median salaries typically range from $61,000 to $63,000 annually, with administrative roles offering higher pay.

Classroom Teacher: Educates students in elementary, middle, or high school settings, focusing on core subjects.
Education Administrator: Manages school operations and supports academic programs as principals or coordinators.
Curriculum Developer: Designs instructional materials and coursework for schools or educational publishers.

Career Outcomes for Special Education Programs

Demand for special education graduates remains strong due to critical shortages in qualified professionals. Special education roles present stable job growth with about 33,500 annual openings and typically offer higher salaries than general education, especially in leadership or specialized positions.

Special Education Teacher: Provides tailored instruction to students with diverse learning needs in public or private schools.
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst: Implements behavior intervention plans and supports students with behavioral challenges.
Educational Diagnostician: Assesses learning difficulties and recommends appropriate educational strategies and accommodations.

Career advancement in special education can lead to Director or Coordinator roles with median salaries exceeding $110,000. For those seeking further credentials, opportunities extend into policy, consulting, and corporate education fields. Some professionals pursue an 1 year phd to accelerate leadership prospects within education.

How much does it cost to pursue general education programs vs special education programs?

The expense of obtaining credentials in General Education versus Special Education mainly differs in the school environment rather than the degree itself. Most aspiring teachers enroll in standard education programs with specializations, rather than completely separate degrees.

For General Education, students generally complete a bachelor's degree in education. Public universities typically charge between $10,000 and $15,000 annually for in-state tuition. In contrast, private colleges often demand $30,000 to $50,000 per year for comparable programs. Financial aid and scholarships are usually available to help offset these costs, depending on the institution.

Special Education certification usually builds on the same foundational bachelor's degree but requires extra coursework and practical training. Some candidates opt for a master's degree in Special Education after finishing their bachelor's, which can add between $15,000 and $40,000 to their overall education costs based on the type of school attended.

Online programs for both general and special education credentials are becoming more common, often costing 10-20% less than traditional on-campus options while still mandating necessary hands-on teaching experience.

It's important to note that the major cost differences occur at the school system level rather than in teacher preparation. For example, annual spending per Pennsylvania K-12 student averages $22,000, but students in Special Education with intensive needs can cost districts over $82,000.

Meanwhile, federal funding covers only about 14% of the actual expenses associated with Special Education services, leaving districts to manage significant budget gaps.

How to Choose Between General Education Programs and Special Education Programs

Choosing between general education and special education programs involves weighing several important factors aligned with your career goals and personal strengths. Understanding these factors can help clarify your best path as you explore teaching careers.

Career goals: General education teachers handle classrooms of 15-25 students across broad subjects, while special education focuses on smaller groups with individualized support.
Interest in curriculum design: General education follows state-mandated curricula; special education demands customized lesson plans based on Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Personal preferences for student interaction: General education involves less direct intervention whereas special education requires intensive one-on-one engagement and continuous progress monitoring.
Learning style preferences: General education favors lecture and group discussion formats, while special education relies on differentiated instruction and assistive technologies.
Adaptability and classroom environment tolerance: Special education teachers adjust strategies frequently and often work in modified environments suited for diverse needs, unlike more standardized general classrooms.

When considering factors to consider when selecting general or special education, choose special education if you are passionate about tailored instructional approaches and intensive student support. Opt for general education if you prefer teaching larger, diverse groups with a consistent curriculum.

Exploring options such as dual graduate degree programs can provide versatile career opportunities combining both fields effectively.

What Graduates Say About Their Degrees in General Education Programs and Special Education Programs

Baker: "The General Education program challenged me more than I expected, especially the interdisciplinary projects that incorporated science, humanities, and math. These unique learning opportunities helped me develop a flexible mindset and problem-solving skills that have been invaluable in my current role in education administration. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their academic foundation while preparing for diverse careers."

Matthias: "As a Special Education program graduate, I found the hands-on training with real-world classroom environments to be deeply rewarding. Navigating the complexities of individualized education plans and behavioral interventions gave me confidence and competence that led to numerous job offers shortly after graduation. The program's alignment with the increasing demand for special educators in public schools made a significant impact on my career trajectory."

Wesley: "Choosing the General Education program was a strategic decision to enhance my teaching credentials and expand my career opportunities beyond traditional classrooms. The curriculum's emphasis on both theory and practical application prepared me to work confidently in corporate training settings and education technology firms. Since graduating, my income has steadily grown, reflecting the strong industry outlook in educational consulting and support services."

Other Things You Should Know About General Education Programs & Special Education Programs

Can students in special education also participate in general education classes?

Yes, many students in special education can participate in general education classes either full-time or part-time depending on their needs. This inclusion often depends on the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines accommodations and support services to help them succeed alongside their peers. Inclusion aims to promote social interaction and access to the general curriculum.

What role do parents play in deciding between general and special education?

Parents are vital in the decision-making process when choosing between general and special education settings. They collaborate with educators and specialists to evaluate the child's strengths and challenges, help develop the IEP, and advocate for appropriate services. Parental involvement ensures the chosen educational program aligns with the child's needs and goals.

How does the transition from high school to adulthood differ for general and special education students?

In 2026, special education students often have individualized transition plans focusing on life skills, vocational training, and post-secondary education. General education students typically follow standard academic and career pathways, with less emphasis on tailored support. Both approaches aim to equip students for adulthood, but special education provides added guidance.

Are there standardized tests required for students in both general and special education?

Most states require standardized testing for all students, but accommodations or alternate assessments may be provided for students in special education. These modifications ensure fair evaluation of the student's abilities without compromising test integrity. The goal is to measure progress while accounting for individual learning needs and challenges.