Special education BS and ABS licensure
Earn your degree and teaching license in four years
Become an expert at meeting students’ needs by providing individualized instruction to students with disabilities in grade K through age 21. The program leads to an Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) teaching license, which qualifies you to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in the following areas:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Developmental disabilities
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Other health disabilities
What to expect
- Elementary, middle, and high schools
- 18-21 transition programs
- Social service agencies
- Get more information on careers in special education.
Interested in making a difference in the field of special education, but don’t want to be a teacher?
Check out our foundations of special education for schools and society degree.
View a sample plan of classes or a complete list of program requirements.
Coursework includes educational and child psychology and academic and behavior interventions using research-based practices
Gain experience working with students with a variety of disabilities through elementary and secondary practicum placements
Your BS coursework can be applied to advanced licenses in early childhood special education (ECSE) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). Should you choose to apply for your master of education (MEd) degree, additional requirements for these advanced licenses will be fulfilled as part of your master's coursework.
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Tuition and Financial Aid page for information on tuition.
Financial aid
TEACH Grants
TEACH Grants are part of a federal program to provide financial support to students who will teach in a high need area at a low-income school for at least four years. Application information is available from Onestop on their grants and waivers page.
Scholarships
Special education scholarships, fellowships, and awards
Incoming first-year students who are interested in special education are automatically considered for the Campbell Scholarship for Education. Visit the Office of Admissions scholarships page for more information on this and additional CEHD scholarships available to incoming first-year students.
Learn more about teaching scholarships available to undergraduates in the College of Education and Human Development.
Faculty
Robert Henery
Lecturer
Amy Kunkel
Assistant teaching professor, special education licensure coordinator, ABS program lead
Jennifer McComas
Head special education emotional behavioral disorders licensure and MEd program