Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Special Education

If you want to help children and teens with physical, emotional, and developmental challenges grow intellectually and socially, consider earning a bachelor's degree in special education.

Marian University's special education program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Why choose special education?

Most special education teachers work with children who have difficulty learning in traditional classroom environments because their needs are different from their peers. Others work with students who are academically gifted or exceptional and require more advanced, rigorous lessons than their peers.

The common denominator is that special education teachers interact on a personal level with students, parents, and families who have mild to moderate special needs. They provide individualized educational plans, interventions, and supports that are custom-designed for their students. They also help address behavioral, emotional, or physical challenges to academic success experienced by children. These challenges may include:

• Learning disabilities.
• Medical conditions that make communication difficult.
• Behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Physical disabilities.

What will you study?

In addition to required and core courses on topics like educational theory, concepts, and methodologies, you will explore nontraditional teaching methods to deliver high-quality teaching and learning outcomes for students with special learning needs. You'll learn about:

• Collaborating with parents, school administrators, and others to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for children requiring special education.
• Creating the least restrictive learning environment possible, including evaluating the amount of time students should spend in traditional classrooms or special-education settings each day.
• Formal and informal assessment methodologies
• Selecting, implementing, and evaluating the most appropriate type, frequency, duration, and location for accommodations and special learning services to be provided. 

Sample Four-Year Plan and Checklist

Special Education & Master's of Arts in Teaching