Online Education (bachelor-degree Special-education)

By Author: John Srob
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Special education programs are designed for children who are mentally, physically or psychologically handicapped. These children have special requirements which cannot be met in a traditional classroom environment. Special education involves the use of different techniques of teaching which are particularly designed to meet the needs of the handicapped students. Those who are patient and enjoy working with children may choose to enroll in a Bachelor of special education degree to take the first step towards becoming a special education teacher.

Special education teachers change the world, or at the very least, they feel like they do. Nearly 85 percent of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in special education say their job makes the world a better place, and special education ranks second among the top 10 majors that change the world, according to a survey by PayScale, an online salary database.

Coursework

Example courses

Classroom and behavior management









Typical and atypical language development



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Introduction to applied behavioral analysis









Functional living skills for persons with disabilities









Consulting with parents and professionals

An online bachelor’s degree in special education includes courses such as teaching children with autism spectrum disorder and instruction of individuals with mild disabilities.

Special education teachers often work closely with a small group of students, and the success of those students typically requires consistency between their home and school lives. Online special education programs offer courses that instruct prospective teachers how to collaborate not only with parents, but also with other professionals who work with the student.

Most programs include a student teaching component, so online students must log some classroom hours. Graduates also need to earn a teaching license from the state where they plan to work.

The Bachelor of Science Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies degree serves to provide a foundation of education that can assist a student in becoming a teacher candidate in a graduate education program. The program also provides theories and methodology of Christian education that will assist those who will work in Christian schools, churches, and the home. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible for a teaching certificate from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) by submitting the form below. And it will prepare you for our MAT licensure program in special education.

Bachelor's degrees in special education are best suited for new undergraduate students, substitute teachers, school paraprofessionals and others in the field who'd like to move into special education. Programs help students develop a background in liberal arts before equipping them with the theoretical, practical and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach students with special needs. Students learn how to evaluate and assess special needs students as well as manage a special needs classroom.

Most programs focus on educating students on common types of mental illness and learning disabilities. Program candidates also learn psychological and disciplinary techniques needed to handle misbehaving or troubled students. Most programs culminate with in-class training, which often takes the form of student teaching, assistant teaching or a teaching practicum.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants must have at least a high school diploma to be considered for admission. Most admissions committees will also request ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Program Coursework
Coursework in these programs combines theoretical and hands-on learning, which often takes place in special education classrooms. Coursework usually consists of classes in pedagogy and psychology. Here are some classes that might appear in the curriculum:

Psychological disorders
Common learning disabilities
Developmental and social abnormalities
Classroom management
Special education curriculum development
Special education teaching techniques
Behavioral problems in special education
Ethics and teaching

Continuing Education
Graduates with this degree must be licensed in order to practice as special education teachers. Licenses are granted either by state education boards or licensing committees. Licensure requirements vary by state. Additionally, some states require only a bachelor's degree in order to practice in this field, while others require a master's degree. Master's degrees in special education offer advanced pedagogical training and more specific training in common disorders. Master's degree programs also tend to focus on research.

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