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.
| Deliveries | Mostly Online, and Partially Online |
| Locations | Online, and St. Paul |
| Credits | 66 |
| Cost per Credit | $430 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $28,380* |
* These program details and costs are estimated and subject to change. View our program details disclaimer for more information.
Recent News
Bethel Announces New Undergraduate Special Education Programs
October 03, 2018 | 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
OCT 30 2018
Adult Undergraduate and Graduate Info Session
6 p.m. CLC Lobby
Bethel's online and on-campus graduate, certificate, licensure, associate's, and bachelor's programs for working professionals will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel.
Set Yourself Apart
26
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.The program was great and very practical. It really gave me the opportunity to practice the skills learned in classes.
Aldo Cantellano '13Current job: Dean of Students
Bethel provided me with a fantastic education and prepared me for teaching in a school setting. They were understanding, flexible, and creative in scheduling my classes so that I was able to teach full-time while still attending classes 3 hours away.
Derek Bauer '15Current job: Special Education Teacher in Grand Rapids, MN
It’s clear that Bethel students have servants’ hearts and want to use these experiences to truly care for students. And I can’t even quantify the value of the student-faculty rapport, but as an educator, it’s really exciting to see!
Melissa HayesElementary Special Education Director, Anoka-Hennepin
Considering entering the field of special education, I felt that it was extremely important to be prepared for the task that lay ahead of me. Bethel challenged me both intellectually and spiritually and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.
Mary Fleetwood '15Current job: Special Education Teacher
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