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Special Education Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program type:
Major
Teaching Certification
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Become an advocate for equitable and accessible education.
This degree prepares future teachers to implement evidence-based, culturally responsive
and strength-based practices to support diverse student populations with disabilities.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn a Special Education Degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Education with certification in Special Education results in both Early Childhood through Grade 6 and All-Level Special Education certification. Coursework and field experiences orient students to the historical foundations of special education, explore current knowledge of innovative instructional techniques, and prepare future teachers to employ evidence-based practices to support students with disabilities.
As part of the coursework for the Special Education Certification, students will have experiential and practical opportunities in classrooms and communities to enhance the understanding and skills of future teachers. Course topics include:
- Educational Aspects of Exceptional Learners
- Educational Assessments and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners
- Advanced Educational Strategies for Exceptional Learners
- Classroom and Behavioral Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners
- Strategies to Support Diverse Learners in General Education
- Transition Education and Services for Exceptional Learners
Marketable Skills
- Oral and written communication
- Use data and technology
- Organize people, materials, and resources
- Teamwork
- Think critically to solve problems
Special Education Degree Highlights
Coursework and experiences develop critical perspectives and knowledge necessary to
determine students’ strengths and needs, and to individualize the curriculum to accommodate
and modify instruction based on learner characteristics.
Students develop skills to promote positive collaboration with parents and other professionals
to enhance the lives of children and youth with disabilities across their life span.
The program emphasizes strengths-based and culturally responsive practices and is
committed to changing perspectives on “dis”/abilities to prepare future special educators
who intentionally support learners by building learning on what is possible for each
individual.
Experience at elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Extensive field experiences prepare students for their careers.
Experience in a variety of settings - inclusion, pull-out instructions, and self-contained
special education classrooms.
What Can You do With a Special Education Degree?
- Special Education Teacher/Administrator
- Adult Education Teacher
- Teacher/Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Behavioral Analyst
- Art Therapist
- Therapeutic Recreation
Special Education Degree Courses You Could Take
Educational Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Examines a variety of assessment and evaluation strategies that are appropriate for
special and general education settings. Knowledge of basic testing procedures and
terminology as related to the exceptional learner. Interpretation and utilization
of test data in developing individual education plans. Introduction to curriculum-based
assessment.
Advanced Educational Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Advanced educational strategies and interventions that promote academic performance
of exceptional learners across a variety of settings and situations. Includes an emphasis
on instructional use of computers and technology in the classroom.
Classroom and Behavioral Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Approaches to behavioral management of exceptional learners across a variety of educational
settings. Implementation of individualized techniques including applied behavioral
analysis, as well as larger-group strategies, to foster positive behavioral, social
and emotional growth.
Strategies to Support Diverse Learners in General Education (3 hrs)
Examination of the roles of various professionals in the successful inclusion of students
with disabilities in the general education classroom. Focus on consultation models,
practices and principles with an emphasis on collaboration, cooperative learning and
inclusion.
Transition Education and Services for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Transition education and services for individuals with disabilities across the life
span with emphasis on the post-secondary years. Examines the theory and practice of
transition planning from school to community living, post-secondary education and
employment. Legislative history and practical applications of skills such as transition
assessment, job development and job placement are emphasized.
Educational Aspects of Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Overview of the unique physical, cognitive and behavioral needs of exceptional learners.
The teacher’s role in identification and referral procedures and implementation of
effective educational practices as required by federal and state law are examined.
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