Each state has its own certification and licensing requirements for teachers and other professionals in the special education field. While many opportunities in this field of work only require a bachelor’s in special education, quite a few now require candidates to have a master’s degree or earn one in the first five years of teaching. A master’s degree in special education is worth the investment because it allows you to qualify for a higher level of licensure, provides more job placement opportunities, and allows you to teach a wider variety of students.