Education (BA/BS) Special Education

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Lead through advocacy for all learners

All children can learn. With our exceptional bachelors degrees which emphasize special education, you will learn about the characteristics of mild to severe disabilities, the application of assessments, and the development of diverse learners. You will gain first-hand experience with assistive technologies that you’ll use in your future classroom. As a special education teacher, you will make a difference in the lives of exceptional learners.

Where It Is Offered Commerce, Online

Duration 4 Years

Foreign Language No foreign language credits required

Delivery Blended (50-85% Online), Face-To-Face

Total Credit Hours 120 Hours

Thesis Requirements No thesis required

Special Education (BSIS) :: Big Easy Links

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Special Education teacher interacting with student in a classroom.

Department of Special Education

SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN Special education

Female teacher with elementary age girl at school desk.

Career Readiness

Reinforce your confidence and skills to become an effective special education teacher through field-based experiences in real-world classroom settings.

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Distinguished Faculty

Work with excellent, supportive faculty to cultivate the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work with students of all abilities.

Advice as You Need it

Visit our Mentor Center in the Frank Young Education North building for support and information to help reach your career goals.

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Hands-on Training

Gain experience at the Assistive Technology Lab, designed to assist and empower individuals with disabilities and educate future teachers.

Special Education:: Focus Your Passion

Focus Your Passion

Choose from two special education teaching certification options.

Teacher Certification, EC-6 with Special Education Supplemental

This track prepares you to work primarily with students with disabilities in early childhood through sixth grade classroom settings. Completing this program and passing all TExES exams will prepare you to teach in EC-6 inclusion classes in the state of Texas.

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Special Education

This track prepares you to work with students with disabilities in either EC-6 or 6-12 grade levels. Completing this program and passing all TExES exams certifies you to teach special education in the state of Texas.

View Full Curriculum

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What you will learn

A degree in special education will offer you the opportunity to:

Develop strategies to promote student achievement in language, reading and math.
Gain knowledge about disabling conditions and their effects on learning.
Ascertain how to provide instruction while addressing students’ learning needs.
Administer behavioral assessments, promote behavioral management and develop interventions when needed.

Young woman in classroom with pen and paper.

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Careers

At A&M-Commerce, a degree in special education gives you in-demand skills and knowledge. As a graduate, you will be well prepared for your successful teaching career. In fact, our special education program boasts a nearly 100% employment rate throughout Texas!

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Special education teachers, secondary school

$61,710

Special education teachers, middle school

$61,440

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school

$60,460

Special education teachers, preschool

$60,000

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020

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Potential Employers

Job placement and satisfaction are high in our education program. In fact, regional school districts often seek out our graduates. Check out a few of the school districts where our students have taught. Discover where you belong!

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Featured Courses

Seminar in Assessment and Moderate/Severe Disabilities SPED 449

You will examine current topics in special education, including assistive technology, high leverage practices, family resources, structured TEACCH and research-based behavior management techniques.

Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities SPED 478

You will learn about research-based strategies and techniques for teaching reading and math to students with disabilities. Prerequisites: SPED 346 and SPED 420.

Survey of Exceptionalities SPED 346

You will survey student populations identified with exceptionalities. Attention will be given to the causes and effects of these differences upon the individual’s development.

Issues for Inclusion SPED 480

You will explore academic and social/emotional needs of students with disabilities in field-based inclusive settings. Note: Limited to EC-6 Generalist or 4-8 Content majors only.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

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Course Delivery

Our bachelor’s degree program in special education offers you a flexible way to earn your degree. You may take classes online or face to face. Many of our courses are offered at the main campus in Commerce, at the Mesquite Metroplex campus, at Navarro College, or at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney.

Degree Plans

Special Education, EC-6th Grade

Special Education, 6th Grade-12th Grade

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Student Organizations

Student Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter 211

Student Council for Exceptional Children is a local chapter of the national Council for Exceptional Children. This organization consists of A&M-Commerce students who have an interest in children with special needs and those who are considered gifted and talented. Our goal is to improve educational professional standards and to increase awareness of children with exceptionalities.