In the B.S. in Special Education Studies program, students become skilled professionals ready to serve in a high-demand profession. They learn to customize learning experiences and use evidence-based practices to meet individual needs and serve with compassion in a variety of roles. This program will build their knowledge base and refine their skills to assess and educate students with mild and moderate disabilities.

After completing this program, students are eligible for a Tier 1 or 2 teaching license in the state of Minnesota. Students may then student teach as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student to be eligible for a MN tier 3 special education teaching license. They will also be able to 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) at the graduate level.

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education Studies 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.

Admission Requirements

The Special Education Studies major will consider applicants who:

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the online, adult undergraduate school.
• 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 Studies major is 53 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.