• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Special Education

    Special Education Courses Online

    Study special education for supporting students with disabilities. Learn about instructional strategies, individualized education plans, and inclusive practices.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Special Education Course Catalog

    • A

      Aptly

      Introduction to Accessibility and Universal Design

      Skills you'll gain: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Video Production, Educational Materials, Instructional Design, Disabilities, Learning Strategies, User Centered Design, Technical Documentation, Technical Writing, Law, Regulation, and Compliance

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Dartmouth College

      Introduction to Environmental Science

      Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Water Resources, Environmental Policy, Biology, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, Land Management, Nutrition and Diet, Electric Power Systems, Nutrition Education, Systems Thinking, Natural Resource Management, Social Studies, Physics, Human Development, Physical Science

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      344 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health

      Skills you'll gain: Verbal Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Communication, Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Communications, Concision, Patient Education And Counseling, Health Policy, Persuasive Communication, Diversity Awareness

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      122 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Virtual Teacher Final Project

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Instructional Design, Instructional Strategies, Course Development, Developing Training Materials, Curriculum Development, Learning Management Systems, Blended Learning, Education Software and Technology, Ability To Meet Deadlines

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      224 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • S

      Stanford University

      Essentials of Palliative Care

      Skills you'll gain: Hospice, Psychosocial Assessments, Primary Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Cultural Sensitivity, Care Management, Nursing and Patient Care, Communication, Empathy, Active Listening, Stress Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      88 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • L

      Lund University

      European Business Law: Competing in Europe

      Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Legal Writing, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Case Law, Compliance Management, Business Strategy, Commercial Laws, Competitive Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions, Advocacy, Brand Strategy, Procurement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      297 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Peking University

      社会调查与研究方法 (上)Methodologies in Social Research (Part I)

      Skills you'll gain: Research Methodologies, Surveys, Research Design, Experimentation, Research, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Data Collection, Qualitative Research, Sociology, Sample Size Determination, Probability & Statistics, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      50 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Principles of Leadership: Leading Oneself

      Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Personal Development, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Stress Management, Mental Concentration, Self-Motivation, Persistence, Productivity, Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindedness, Time Management, Initiative and Leadership, Personal Attributes, Decision Making, Cognitive flexibility, Leadership, Positivity, Accountability, Critical Thinking

      Build toward a degree

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      98 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Instructor Network

      Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

      Skills you'll gain: Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Empathy, Leadership Development, Personal Development, Leadership, Self-Awareness, Professional Development, Adaptability, Relationship Building, Team Management, Self-Discipline, Communication, Active Listening, Stress Management, Decision Making, Mindfulness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      98 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of New Mexico

      International Business II

      Skills you'll gain: International Finance, Entrepreneurship, Global Marketing, Business Management, New Business Development, Business, Organizational Structure, Workforce Management, Organizational Strategy, Economics, Market Dynamics, Cultural Diversity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      788 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Chronic Diseases, Public Health, Health Care, Data Analysis, Health Systems, Health Informatics, Continuous Monitoring, Technical Communication, Anomaly Detection, Infectious Diseases, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Data Ethics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      375 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Minnesota

      Guided Imagery

      Skills you'll gain: Treatment Planning, Music, Education Software and Technology, Mindfulness, Creativity, Self-Awareness, Stress Management, Patient Education And Counseling, Clinical Research, Verbal Communication Skills, Mental Health Therapies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      217 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Special Education learners also search

    Education
    E-learning
    Educational Technology
    Online Education
    Public Policy
    Systems Thinking
    Logic
    Library
    1…495051…159

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular special education courses

    • Introduction to Accessibility and Universal Design: Aptly
    • Introduction to Environmental Science: Dartmouth College
    • Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health: University of Michigan
    • Virtual Teacher Final Project: University of California, Irvine
    • Essentials of Palliative Care: Stanford University
    • European Business Law: Competing in Europe: Lund University
    • 社会调查与研究方法 (上)Methodologies in Social Research (Part I): Peking University
    • Principles of Leadership: Leading Oneself: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Coursera Instructor Network
    • International Business II: University of New Mexico

    Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education

    Special Education is the practice of teaching students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. It’s often applied to teaching those with intellectual, mental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and learning disabilities. It also applies to teaching students with special talents or abilities.

    In an education climate where just 17 percent of general-education teachers feel “very well prepared” to teach children with issues like ADHD and dyslexia, the need for quality Special Education skills and knowledge is very important. Teachers who focus on Special Education play an important role in advancing the confidence and success of special-needs students.‎

    There are a wide variety of opportunities available for learners interested in Special Education, from teaching to jobs in healthcare and government. Some roles include Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, Special Education Program Coordinator, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, Early Intervention Special Educator, Lobbyist, and related specializations.‎

    Courses on Special Education offered through Coursera provide learners with fundamental information on how various common disabilities affect areas of learning, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD); hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities; ADHD and other learning disabilities; and more.

    Lessons in these courses are administered via lectures, readings, quizzes, reflections, and discussions.‎

    An interest in people with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities is the main prerequisite to starting to learn special education. Many people who want to work in special education already have some experience in the field of education, whether they've worked as a teacher, teaching assistant, or daycare worker. You can also gain some experience by volunteering to work with children, particularly children who have special needs. Special education teachers and specialists typically work with children of all ages, ranging from preschool through high school.‎

    People who work in special education need to be patient and even-tempered. Because you'll be working with children or adults with special needs, they may be slower or quicker than average to accomplish tasks. Creativity is also important. Children with special needs may not do well with traditional teaching methods, so you'll need to find unique ways to deliver information. You'll also need to be compassionate and accepting since you'll be working with people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Like any type of teacher or person who works with children, you'll need to be organized, intuitive, and able to adapt to any situation. It's also important to have a calming presence. Many children, including those with special needs, are overwhelmed by the classroom environment and being away from home. Those who work in a school environment need to be willing to collaborate with a team as well. You'll be working with other teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents to make sure all children receive the best possible education.‎

    Anyone who wants to work with people with special needs and is interested in working in a school setting may be suited to learn about special education. Even if you have a child in your own family with special needs, learning about special education may help you better understand them and even help them advance despite any disabilities. If you've ever thought about becoming an advocate for people with special needs, learning special education and applying it to your career or volunteer work can help you go further. If you're already a teacher or teaching assistant, and you're looking for a way to specialize or advance your career, learning special education can help add new skills to your resume and potentially find more advanced jobs in your field.‎

    Online Special Education courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Special Education skills. Choose from a wide range of Special Education courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Special Education, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok