Forbes names Webster’s Online Special Education Program as One of the Best in the Country

PHOTO: The faculty of Webster University's School of Education. Its Online Special Education program was named one of the best in the country by Forbes Magazine.

Webster University’s Online Master’s in Special Education in the School of Education was named one of the 10 best in the country by Forbes Magazine. Among the features cited by the magazine were multiple emphases offered in the program that allow students to focus on specific skills.

The recognition comes as the program approaches its 30th anniversary next year.

“Our faculty and staff are incredibly talented and have worked hard to build one of the best programs for special education, and this recognition by a national publication confirms the validity and quality of their work,” said Interim Dean of the School of Education Stephanie Mahfood. “I offer my congratulations to the faculty and staff for helping raise this important program to a national level.”

Forbes used publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education and other government websites, private third-party data sources and accreditation agencies. According to Forbes, they looked at graduation rates, retention rates, average income of graduates 10 years after completing a program, student-to-faculty ratio, accreditation status, affordability, the nonprofit status of the institution and the socio-economic diversity of students.

In its review of Webster’s online Special Education program, the editors noted that most students complete the program in three years, that students have multiple emphases to choose from, and that the program also had a global aspect to it that is not seen at other institutions. The editors also noted that Webster offered a unique area of study – “Socioemotional Development: Children with Special Needs.”

Currently, the Master’s in Special Education offers online emphases in applied behavior analysis and specialized approaches for exceptional learners. The emphasis in mild/moderate disabilities is offered on site. The School of Education also offers initial certification programs in Special Education at the undergraduate and MAT levels. 

The School’s Special Education program was established in 1995. In 2020, the program held a conference for area teachers to discuss the latest research and techniques for teaching students with severe developmental disabilities and autism. 

Visit the School of Education’s website to learn more about its programs.