Special Education
Bachelor of Arts
Bethel University's special education teachers ensure exceptional outcomes for exceptional students.
The B.A. in Special Education will help you become a skilled professional in a high-demand profession. You’ll learn to customize programs to meet individual needs and serve students with compassion in a variety of roles. This program will build your knowledge base and refine your skills in assessing, supporting, and educating students with mild to moderate disabilities. You'll build a solid, foundational base of knowledge and after completing your B.A., you'll be and be able to add additional licenses to serve students in several disability categories. Bethel offers stackable licenses in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).
Get college credits
At Bethel, your professional, life, military, and past educational experience could count as credits toward your degree. Save time and money. Find out more about how you could qualify for and earn college credits.
Program Option(s)
Special Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education offers a mostly-online format, with occasional face-to-face intensives, allowing adult learners the flexibility to meet requirements on the job and finish their degree efficiently.
| Delivery | Online |
| Location | St. Paul |
| Credits | 66 |
| Tuition per Credit | $430 |
| Estimated Total Tuition | $28,380* |
* These program details and costs are estimated and subject to change. View our program details disclaimer for more information.
Recent News
Exceptional Preparation
February 15, 2021 | 2 p.m.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 16 2021
Refresh & Revitalize: A Gathering for Special Educators
9:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room
An opportunity for special education professionals to experience community, fellowship and professional development.
Set Yourself Apart
30
years licensing special education teachers
95%
Students who pass the MTLE Pedagogy exam
Program Highlights
Experienced Professors
Bethel’s special education professors are leading researchers and practitioners in the field with experience in multiple specialties, bringing personal experience to your learning to make coursework relevant to the real-world classroom.Classroom Experience
During the program, students will complete 120 hours of field experience and 12 weeks of student teaching, while working with experienced mentors who will help them synthesize their learning into practical next steps in their education careers.Student Success
We’re committed to helping adult learners succeed, from admission to graduation. Rather than focusing on the results of one entrance exam for admission, we look for well-rounded people with work experience who can bring diverse perspectives into the classroom. And once you’re here, you’ll be supported by advisors and professors who are caring and ensure that you have everything you need.Flexibility
We know many of our students work full time, have families, and are involved in their community while pursuing a degree. This flexible, mostly-online program allows for students to meet their educational goals while thriving in their careers and other areas of their lives.Christian Environment
At Bethel, we integrate Christian faith and solid values into ideas and practices. You'll work with a group of peers to build practical skills together, but also explore how your values influence the work you do.Practical Experience
This program is designed for adults who want to put their classroom learning into practice immediately. You'll incorporate your real-life work experience into discussions and assignments, learn from a diverse set of peers, and walk away with skills and confidence to thrive in your job.Outcomes
Our B.A. in Special Education program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident, compassionate, successful teacher serving kids, families, and communities.
Skills
Learn how to:
- Understand the educational landscape, building a basis for educational practice
- Effectively teach students with mild to moderate disabilities
- Develop strategies for managing academic and behavioral challenges
- Ethically carry out legal requirements of special education
- Collaborate with parents and colleagues
- Engage with students from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds
- Use a range of technology tools to interpret, evaluate, and apply information
Careers
Our graduates become:
- Excellent candidates for Bethel's M.A. in Education in K-12 program or additional specialty licenses
- Special education teachers in public, private, and charter schools
- Group home directors or administrators
- Paraprofessionals
- Ministry professionals serving students with special needs
- Special Olympics, camp, or recreational program support staff for students with special needs
Employers
Our graduates have gone on to work at:
- Anoka-Hennepin Schools
- Kasson-Mantorville Schools
- Intermediate District #287
- Bemidji Area Schools
- ACR Homes
- St. Paul Public Schools
- Roseville Area Schools
- Minnesota Assocation of Charter Schools
- Ada-Borup School District
- Rochester Public Schools
- Many other districts across the state