Bethel’s B.S. in Special Education - Residency helps students become skilled professionals in a high-demand profession. They learn to customize learning experiences with evidence-based practices in order to meet individual needs and serve with compassion in a variety of roles. This program builds students' knowledge base and refines their skills to assess, plan, and educate students with mild to moderate disabilities. Skills to become a collaborative professional in the field of special education are taught.

Individuals who complete Bethel's B.S. in Special Education, including student teaching, are eligible for a MN tier 3 special education teaching license. They can also add additional licenses to serve students in several disability categories. Bethel offers stackable licenses in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Developmental Disabilities (DD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education will:

• Develop habits of self-directed, lifelong learning in order to navigate the evolving field of special education.  
• Utilize critical thinking and data-based decision making in the implementation of appropriate special education programming.
• Apply ethical principles to the profession of special education.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration skills to use with K-12 public schools, families, and outside agencies.
• Recognize the complexities of a diverse society, historic and current systems that marginalize individuals, and the impact/influence of personal identity in order to provide equitable delivery of special education services.
• Integrate a Christian perspective and personal values with the professional practice of special education.
• Satisfactorily meet required special education state standards.
• Write effectively to communicate with all stakeholders, including an academic audience.

Fieldwork and Licensing Requirements

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) requires all approved ABS programs to include coursework meeting state standards in three categories: Standards of Effective Practice, Special Education Core Skills, and ABS Content Standards. These required standards are addressed in the program coursework. Additionally, PELSB requires teacher candidates to complete a minimum of 100 field placement hours before 12 weeks of student teaching. Bethel's B.S. in Special Education program integrates four unique field experiences throughout the program, and the final semester includes 12 weeks of student teaching. 

If the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) changes any content standards or education standards after a student is admitted into a Bethel education program, the student is responsible to complete and pay for appropriate classes to meet the standard(s) either at Bethel or another college/university.  

Progression and Graduation

Admission Requirements

The Special Education major will consider applicants who:

• Meet the general requirements for admission to adult undergraduate programs.
• Have a combined cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale on previous academic work.
• Have a transcript evaluation completed to determine which, if any, outstanding course requirements or needed credits must be fulfilled.

The required curriculum for the B.S. Special Education, Residency major is 64 credits intended to be taken consecutively throughout the calendar year. ENGL 225R, or an equivalent transfer, is a program prerequisite and must be completed before taking the courses below.

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Elective credits can include credits transferred from prior degrees and institutions.