With a special education major, you’ll gain the skills to become an educator who pursues exceptional outcomes for students with disabilities.
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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 elementary education, you’ll become a skilled teacher and lifelong learner equipped to adapt to changing trends in education. We highly stress the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.
A strong base as an academic behavioral strategist
You’ll gain the tools to effectively teach students with mild to moderate disabilities. And you’ll develop strategies for managing academic and behavioral challenges in the classroom.
Strong teaching skills
You’ll be well-versed in teaching methods, develop an understanding of the educational landscape, and build a strong foundation in educational best practices.
Equipped for collaboration
You’ll grow into an educator who can collaborate with parents, families, and colleagues as you pursue success for your students.
Procedures and legal requirements
You’ll learn to ethically carry out the legal requirements and school procedures related to students with disabilities.
Innovative teaching methods
You’ll learn to use evolving teaching technology and tools to interpret, evaluate, and apply information. And you’ll be equipped to continue utilizing new methods and technology during your career.
The tools to serve all students
And you’ll learn the tools to engage with students from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
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 numerous opportunities to put educational theory and best practices in K-12 into practice in special education classrooms through field experience and student teaching. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom.
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.
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.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a special education degree?
With a special education degree, you’ll be equipped to serve students with disabilities in a variety of school settings. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be prepared for a life of purpose in the classroom and beyond.
Serve as an academic behavioral strategist
You’ll be equipped to serve students with compassion as a special education teacher or paraprofessional in public, private, and charter schools.
Opportunities in education
You’ll also be equipped for a wide variety of education roles. You could be a curriculum coordinator, instructional designer, museum educator, training specialist, public policy coordinator, or analyst.
Graduate school and Ed.D. programs
You’ll be prepared to pursue further certifications, licenses, and graduate programs to better serve students and earn higher wages. You can go on to pursue a principal license, a superintendent license, and other administrative roles.
Serve outside schools
You’ll also be able to work as a ministry professional serving students; a social service professional; an educational director at parks, museums, and community education programs; a policy and advocacy lobbyist, or as a group home director or administrator.
Skills for any career
You’ll develop strong skills in writing, verbal and nonverbal communication, presentation, research, organization, evaluation, creative problem solving, and process improvement—skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.
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 will learn from professors passionate about serving students with disabilities well. And as our professors seek new and innovative teaching techniques, they’ll model how you can do the same in your career.
Becky Carlson
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator
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
Apply now
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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