Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major

Develop impactful instructional strategies for working with students who have mild to severe disabilities with the Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) in 51�Թ��’s This 123-credit undergraduate degree emphasizes effective special education teaching skills and effective practices so students are prepared for certification as educators in prekindergarten or kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms.

The in the College of Education and Human Development equips teachers with a deep understanding of the sociocultural context of education, high-impact instructional practices and empirically supported, preventative approaches to providing equitable education to children with disabilities.

The program is grounded in the college and the university’s mission by

advocating inclusive practices in schools and society,
emphasizing preventative approaches to support improved teaching and learning,
promoting evidence-based practice and effective implementation in the classroom, and
recognizing and improving the impact of sociocultural factors on the education of children with disabilities.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) program develop experience in

assessing learning and behavior through a variety of modalities, and using data to inform instructional practices and individualized interventions;
identifying, adapting and using evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities;
identifying professional organizations and pedagogical resources to use in learning, and participating in and contributing to the professional teaching community;
summarizing major theories about development and learning across the lifespan and defining how they apply to teaching practice; and
summarizing the organizational structure of schools and the broader political and social contexts of schooling as related to learners, including the legal and ethical framework within which special education operates.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification

The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major program adheres to recent changes in the . Effective January 2021, students may obtain a certification in special education without first being certified in another area. The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major prepares students to complete the for certification as special education teachers.

Field Experience

Over the course of several semesters and prior to student teaching, Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major students participate in fieldwork opportunities and develop insight into practices that meet the needs of all learners.

As required by the , special education students must complete fieldwork in addition to a 12-week, full-time student teaching assignment to earn their degree.

Learn more about the field experience opportunities available to you during your time in the Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major program.

Classes & Curriculum

Classes you are likely to take include

Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support,
Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities, and
Family and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Special Education.

Learn more about Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) courses.

Teacher Certification

This program prepares you to successfully complete , allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. .

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51�Թ��’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science in Education offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advisors will guide you in navigating the curriculum and selecting the appropriate coursework to achieve your academic and professional goals. College of Education and Human Development students are encouraged to see an academic advisor every semester.

Program Contact

Jason Travers, associate professor, is the faculty program coordinator for the Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major.
Email: j [click-for-email]

Enrollment Management

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: [click-for-email]

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. It also presents opportunities to give back to the community, either locally or globally. Explore the opportunities available through organizations such as

, an organization that provides education and healthcare services to communities in North Philadelphia and overseas;
, which works to celebrate and disseminate education about black culture at 51�Թ�� and in Philadelphia’s wider urban community;
, a group that provides students with leadership opportunities and a chance to effect change;
, a kindergarten through grade five after-school program that focuses on homework, as well as academic, emotional and social support;
, a national early education organization that trains students to work with preschool children in low-income neighborhoods;
, which promotes academic excellence and a network for those who are committed to teaching;
, an organization that supports prisoner education by training volunteers to provide weekly tutoring sessions to inmates in four correctional facilities in Philadelphia;
, a group that assists children and adults in the greater Philadelphia area with advising, tutoring and other kinds of support in overcoming learning challenges;
, which increases esteem for educational professions among teacher candidates, constructively affects the process of teacher education and represents students regarding these issues; and
, a literacy center near 51�Թ��’s Main Campus where students can engage in literacy service work.

Accreditation

The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major program is approved as a teacher certification program by the .

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