Is Special Education a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Special education is often perceived as a challenging major due to its combination of rigorous academic content and the emotional demands of working with diverse learners.

In the U.S., enrollment in special education programs has increased by 15% over the past decade, highlighting growing interest despite reported difficulties in coursework and practical training. This rise reflects both the need for skilled professionals and awareness of the field's complexity.

This article explores the factors that impact the difficulty of a special education major, including the intensity of course material, expected workload, essential interpersonal skills, and varying individual student experiences. Understanding these elements can help prospective students assess their readiness for the academic and professional challenges ahead.

Key Benefits of Special Education as a Major

Special education develops essential skills like patience and adaptability, helping career changers and full-time workers manage demanding coursework effectively alongside existing responsibilities.
It offers academic and professional growth through practical experience and evidence-based strategies, preparing traditional undergraduates for specialized roles in diverse learning environments.
Students gain confidence in addressing complex challenges, supported by collaborative learning and mentorship, which enhances success rates in this rewarding but rigorous field.

Where Does Special Education Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Special education is not usually ranked among the most difficult college majors in national surveys, which mostly highlight STEM fields like engineering, chemistry, and physics as the toughest due to their complex technical content and heavy math requirements.

Unlike these majors, special education generally involves less analytical and technical coursework but stands out for its significant practicum and fieldwork demands.

For example, some top programs require students to complete 500 or more hours of classroom experience before graduation, making time management and emotional resilience key challenges.

While the coursework may be less likely to lower GPA compared to STEM majors, the workload related to hands-on teaching experience is a substantial component of the program's difficulty.

The perceived challenge of special education varies widely depending on the institution and the student's personal strengths. Some may find the emotional and interpersonal aspects-such as working closely with students with disabilities and adapting teaching methods-especially demanding.

Compared to the hardest majors, which tend to be more technically intense, special education is generally less academically rigorous but more demanding than some social sciences or humanities majors because of its practical requirements.

Ultimately, how hard special education feels depends on one's aptitude for teaching, communication skills, and motivation, highlighting that difficulty is a subjective experience shaped by individual preparation and career goals.

What Factors Make Special Education a Hard Major?

Certain academic and skill-related demands make special education a challenging major for many students. The combination of coursework rigor and practical experience requirements contributes to the complexity of this field of study.

Academic Rigor of Special Education Programs: Programs such as Texas State University's master's require mastering diverse subjects including specialized teaching methods, behavior management, and special education law.
Workload Demands in Special Education Courses: Extensive field-based practicums and clinical experiences require significant time commitments. These supervised teaching opportunities involve working directly with students who have disabilities, demanding emotional resilience and adaptability to diverse classroom situations.
Technical and Analytical Complexity: Students must interpret assessment data, develop individualized education programs (IEPs), and apply evidence-based interventions. Courses like "Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities" require keen analytical skills and precise attention to detail.
Field-Specific Academic Standards: Maintaining a high GPA and meeting rigorous coursework requirements are essential. For example, San José State University mandates a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a grade of B or higher in each course to progress to candidacy, exemplifying the high expectations within the field.

Those interested in complementary credentials might also explore best paying 6 month certifications which can augment practical skills alongside major coursework.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Special Education Major?

Understanding who thrives in special education majors is essential because the demands of the program require specific personal qualities and professional competencies. Recognizing the qualities of a successful special education teacher helps candidates prepare for the challenges involved.

Exceptional Patience and Emotional Resilience: Students with these traits can manage the intensive practicum hours and frequent adjustments required in supporting diverse learners, ensuring they handle stress without burnout.
Creativity in Problem-Solving: This allows students to design individualized lesson plans and flexible teaching strategies that meet each student's unique needs within an ever-changing learning environment.
Adaptability and Flexible Thinking: These skills are vital for students to respond effectively to behavioral and cognitive diversity, helping them adjust teaching approaches as situations evolve.
Strong Interpersonal and Communication Abilities: Success depends on clear collaboration with families, specialists, and students, facilitating better educational outcomes through teamwork and advocacy.
Commitment to Supporting Diverse Learners: Students who are driven by empathy and a passion for inclusion excel by persisting through challenges tied to the rigorous and hands-on curriculum.

Students interested in this field often share backgrounds or interests reflected in the skills needed for special education majors, including experience with various cultures or disabilities and a tolerance for ambiguity.

Despite its challenges, this major suits those willing to invest persistent effort. For those exploring their options, reviewing an easy bachelor's degree comparison can provide useful context.

How Can You Make a Special Education Major Easier?

Many students find special education demanding due to its blend of challenging coursework and hands-on fieldwork. However, adopting targeted strategies can significantly reduce stress and improve success in this major.

Build a Solid Foundation Early: Focus on mastering core concepts like differentiated instruction and behavioral strategies, which simplify advanced topics and practical experiences later on.
Manage Time Effectively: Plan study sessions and assignments using digital calendars or planners, breaking large tasks into smaller steps to maintain steady progress and avoid last-minute pressure.
Engage Actively with Material: Incorporate diverse learning methods such as group discussions, visual tools, and hands-on activities to enhance understanding and memory retention.
Use Academic Support Networks: Take advantage of professors' office hours, peer tutoring, and study groups to clarify difficult concepts and foster collaborative learning.
Connect Theory to Practice: Seek opportunities to observe or volunteer in inclusive classrooms, reinforcing lessons by experiencing real-world applications.

When I spoke with a graduate who majored in special education, she reflected on how overwhelming the workload felt initially, especially balancing field placements with coursework. She explained, "At first, I was juggling everything with no clear plan and felt burnt out quickly."

Through trial and error, she discovered breaking her projects into manageable segments and immersing herself in study groups made a crucial difference. Volunteering in inclusive classrooms gave her confidence, turning abstract theories into practical insights.

She shared, "It wasn't just about studying harder but studying smarter, using every resource and aligning what I learned with real situations." Her journey demonstrates how intentional strategies can transform the challenging special education major into a more achievable and rewarding experience.

Are Admissions to Special Education Programs Competitive?

Admissions to special education programs are generally less competitive compared to more selective majors due to moderate applicant volume and sufficient program availability.

Many universities require only a minimum GPA, often ranging from 2.0 to 2.8, and prerequisite coursework, which helps maintain steady access for applicants. While most schools have open acceptance policies, some top-ranked programs exhibit increased selectivity, making admission more challenging at those institutions.

Selectivity varies based on specific factors including GPA standards-where more competitive schools or honors tracks expect higher grades-and completion of foundational or liberal arts coursework.

Although not mandatory everywhere, relevant volunteer or work experience with individuals with disabilities can enhance an application for selective programs. Student demand for special education is consistent but generally lower than for other education majors, which tends to temper competition across most schools.

When discussing the competitiveness of special education admissions with a professional who graduated from the major, he reflected on the process candidly. "I wasn't sure how tough it would be at first," he said, "but my program expected solid prerequisite courses and some volunteer experience, so I focused on that."

He recalled feeling hopeful but attentive to application details, noting that balancing coursework with hands-on experience proved essential. His journey highlighted the value of preparation without overwhelming pressure around admissions competitiveness.

Is an Online Special Education Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online special education programs are generally not more difficult or easier than traditional on-campus majors, though they do present different experiences that affect study approaches. The rigor and academic standards remain similar, but the format influences how students manage their learning and interactions.

Here's a comparison of online special education degree vs traditional programs on key aspects:

Academic Expectations and Workload: Both formats require a solid understanding of teaching methods, disability law, and individualized education plans (IEPs), with comparable academic demands and student stress levels reported.
Pacing and Flexibility: Online programs offer flexible schedules allowing students to complete assignments at their own pace, while campus programs provide structured timelines and direct access to faculty.
Interaction and Support: On-campus students benefit from face-to-face discussions and spontaneous collaboration, whereas online learners need to be proactive about seeking help, which can sometimes cause a sense of isolation.
Learning Environment: The online format requires strong self-discipline and technical skill navigation, while on-campus students may face challenges such as commuting and fixed class hours.
Unique Challenges: Online students often manage technical issues and time management independently, while traditional students rely more on immediate social and faculty support.

For those exploring programs in this field, understanding the balance of these factors is important, especially if considering different delivery methods. Additionally, some students also research the masters degrees that pay the most when planning their career path after a special education degree.

Choosing between online special education programs and traditional formats depends largely on personal learning styles and circumstances rather than difficulties inherently tied to the major itself.

Are Accelerated Special Education Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated special education programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines and intensive pacing, which require students to absorb and process coursework at a much faster rate.

This accelerated special education program workload often challenges students to retain large volumes of information quickly, increasing the overall difficulty compared to conventional degree paths.

Below is a comparison highlighting the differences between accelerated and traditional special education programs in key areas:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs cover the same breadth of material in 12 to 24 months versus 2-4 years, leading to fewer breaks and a rapid succession of courses.
Workload Management: These programs favor highly organized, self-disciplined students or those with prior college experience, while first-time students may struggle to keep pace.
Academic Expectations and Skill Demands: Both formats maintain high standards, but the accelerated option pressures students to quickly master theoretical and practical skills simultaneously.
Learning Retention and Stress Levels: The intense schedule can elevate stress and impact long-term retention, whereas traditional programs allow more time for reflection and gradual mastery.
Flexibility and Scheduling: Traditional degrees offer better work-life balance and adaptable day-to-day structures; accelerated formats, often online or hybrid, are tightly packed with minimal room for schedule adjustments.

For prospective students weighing traditional vs accelerated special education degree difficulty, exploring accredited colleges online with free application options may offer flexible pathways that accommodate varied learning needs and life circumstances.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Special Education?

Students majoring in special education can often juggle a part-time job, but their success hinges on factors like the intensity of coursework, weekly time commitments, and schedule flexibility.

Academic demands frequently include substantial reading, technical tasks, practicum hours, and labs, totaling around 40 to 50 hours each week. Those who carefully manage credit loads and possess strong study habits have a better chance of balancing work and academics effectively.

Balancing part-time employment alongside special education studies usually requires strategic choices. Students who opt for jobs with evenings, weekends, or remote hours reduce clashes with busy academic schedules.

Because special education involves fluctuating workloads-from intense project phases to practicum responsibilities-some find it manageable when work aligns with their field, while others face challenges during peak academic periods. Ultimately, success depends on how well students navigate both the rigorous curriculum and job flexibility.

What Jobs Do Special Education Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for special education majors vary widely in workload, responsibility, and skill requirements. While some roles closely match the academic and emotional rigor of the major, others challenge graduates in different ways, such as through management or technology.

Special Education Teacher: These teachers work directly with students who have diverse learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They develop individualized lesson plans and manage classroom dynamics, facing high emotional and administrative demands.
Behavior Analyst: Behavior analysts apply Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques to support students, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Their role requires deep analytical skills and patience, making the work demanding but from a clinical standpoint rather than academic.
Instructional Coordinator: Coordinators focus on curriculum development and teacher training to improve accessibility for all learners. The role is management-heavy and seeks systemic change, resulting in a demanding position that is less emotionally taxing compared to direct teaching.
Assistive Technology Specialist: Specialists match adaptive devices and software to student needs, requiring strong problem-solving and innovative skills. The technical nature often means lower emotional demands, so this role may feel less challenging than the broader scope of the degree.
Transition Coordinator: These coordinators assist students with disabilities in preparing for post-high school life, emphasizing planning and interpersonal skills. The role is demanding situationally but usually involves less ongoing intensity than classroom roles.

For those curious about the highest paying special education jobs in the US, understanding which positions combine compensation with demand is key.

Exploring careers in trade school can also provide insight into alternative education pathways offering rewarding opportunities.

Do Special Education Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no clear link between the difficulty of a special education major and higher salaries for graduates. While the major's coursework and fieldwork cultivate important skills, the challenge of the program itself does not directly result in increased pay.

Salary levels tend to reflect market demand and educational attainment more than academic rigor. Employers value the specialized skills developed but reward factors like experience and credentials instead of just the major's complexity.

Several elements influence what special education graduates earn, including location, job title, and experience. States with strong education funding, such as California and New York, often offer salaries above $90,000 in some districts.

Advanced degrees provide a noticeable boost, with master's holders earning a median salary of $62,133 versus $52,622 for bachelor's degree holders. Roles such as lead teachers or curriculum specialists also command higher wages.

According to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for special education teachers was $64,270, reflecting these combined factors.

What Graduates Say About Special Education as Their Major

Shania: "Pursuing special education was definitely challenging given the rigorous coursework and hands-on field experiences, but each obstacle was worth it for the meaningful impact I now have in my classroom. While the average cost of attendance was a concern for me, the financial aid options helped ease the burden, making it a manageable investment in my future. This major truly shaped my passion for inclusive teaching and advocacy. "

Gabrielle: "Special education felt like a tough road at times, especially balancing the emotional demands with academic requirements. Reflecting back, the real-world teaching experiences and deep understanding I gained have profoundly affected my career approach, emphasizing patience and empathy. The tuition fees were on the higher side, but I believe the personal growth and professional opportunities it unlocked made it worthwhile. "

Eleazar: "The difficulty of majoring in special education cannot be understated-it requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. I viewed the cost of attendance as an investment that would pay off through the rewarding careers this field offers. Knowing that my work directly supports diverse learners makes every challenge during the program feel justified. "

Other Things You Should Know About Special Education Degrees

What types of skills are essential to succeed in a Special Education major?

Successful students in special education need strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills. These skills are crucial for working effectively with students who have diverse learning needs and behaviors.

Additionally, organizational skills help manage lesson planning, documentation, and collaboration with other educators and families.

How important is classroom experience in Special Education programs?

Classroom experience is a fundamental component of special education majors. Most programs require supervised fieldwork or student teaching placements to provide practical knowledge in diverse classroom settings.

This hands-on experience helps students apply theories and develop the skills needed to support students with disabilities effectively.

Do Special Education majors need to understand legal and ethical issues?

Yes, understanding legal and ethical issues is critical in special education. Students learn about laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which protects students' rights.

Ethical considerations around confidentiality, inclusion, and advocacy are also emphasized to prepare educators for responsible decision-making.

Is continuing education necessary after earning a degree in Special Education?

Continuing education is often necessary for special education professionals to maintain certifications and stay updated on best practices and legal changes. Many states require ongoing professional development to renew teaching licenses.

Special education trends and techniques also evolve, making lifelong learning important for effectiveness in the field.