Become who you’re meant to be. With a B.A. in Blended Elementary and Special Education, you’ll graduate in four years with the qualifications to apply for two Minnesota teaching licenses: elementary education (K-6) and special education: academic and behavioral strategist (ABS). You’ll be equipped to serve all students—those in general education classrooms and those with disabilities—through strong preparation, hands-on experiences, and personalized support. Through practicum placements, student teaching in both settings, and close faculty mentorship, you’ll grow as a compassionate leader ready to make a lasting impact in every student’s life.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
By majoring in blended elementary and special education, you’ll be equipped to support and teach all learners, from those meeting grade-level expectations to students with disabilities who need targeted support. You’ll graduate as a confident, compassionate, and highly qualified educator prepared to make an impact in inclusive classrooms.
A strong base in general and special education methods
Learn best practices in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and behavior support for both general and special education settings. You’ll develop the skills to lead groups of all sizes, use data to inform instruction, and adapt your teaching to meet diverse student needs.
Content knowledge
You’ll build deep expertise in the core subjects taught in elementary schools—language arts, math, social studies, science, and health—while also learning how to adapt content for diverse learners.
Real-world experience
Apply your learning in real classrooms through extensive field placements, tutoring opportunities, a year-long residency, and student teaching in both elementary and special education settings.
Innovative and inclusive teaching methods
Explore creative and flexible ways to teach using the latest technologies and instructional tools. You’ll also practice evidence-based strategies for supporting students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Foundations in developmental and educational psychology
Learn how children grow, learn, and thrive—drawing on key concepts in human development, motivation, personality, and learning theory as you shape your teaching approach.
The tools to serve all students
Gain the empathy, insight, and practical tools to serve students of all backgrounds and abilities. You’ll learn to work closely with families, specialists, and school staff to build inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive.
Skills for any career
Develop strengths in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving—skills that will serve you well in education and any job or graduate program.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Student teaching and classroom experience
From your first day on campus, you’ll have classroom experiences in a wide range of diverse educational settings through our partner schools—including both general and special education environments. You’ll complete a full-time student teaching semester and additional placements that align with your licensure goals. Our strong school partnerships help ensure you find a placement that fits your passions and strengths.
Clubs and activities
You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events that bolster your future as an educator and connect you with your fellow education majors.
Networking and connections
You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, develop your job interviewing skills, and interact directly with potential employers. These include a principal panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a blended elementary and special education degree?
With a blended elementary and special education degree, you’ll be prepared to teach K-6 students in a wide range of settings, including inclusive classrooms and special education environments. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped to serve with compassion, lead with confidence, and make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
Teaching
Most graduates earn Minnesota licensure in both elementary education and special education: academic and behavioral specialist. You’ll be equipped to teach in inclusive K-6 classrooms or serve students with disabilities in specialized settings—locally, nationally, or around the world.
Opportunities in education
Your dual preparation will open doors beyond the classroom. You could pursue roles such as special education coordinator, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, museum educator, or education consultant.
Graduate school and Ed.D. programs
You’ll be well prepared for graduate study in education-related fields, including special education, literacy, counseling, educational leadership, and more. You’ll also have a strong foundation to pursue a principal license, superintendent license, or advanced certifications.
Skills for any career
You’ll gain skills in communication, classroom leadership, collaboration, research, problem solving, and critical thinking—transferable strengths that will serve you well in nearly any career path or graduate program.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.
Become A Bethel Student
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
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