The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in special education will prepare you to be a teacher of children and youth with disabilities. As a special education teacher, you can make a substantial impact on the lives of others. You will be in a position to help students celebrate the small victories that will lead to greater success and unlock their full potential.
Teaching special and exceptional learners also means advocating for the students and their particular needs. You’ll have the opportunity to work with other educators, parents, and health professionals to find resources that meet the educational needs of these unique students.
Job Security and Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers is expected to increase 4% by 2024. As the number of special and exceptional learners increases, so will the demand for special education services, making this a versatile career choice with numerous pathways for advancement. In addition, having a specialization in special education will make you a more marketable candidate for other teaching positions.
Admission Requirements
For admission to Teacher Education and Professional Prep I courses, all applicants must:
- Be admitted to UA Little Rock. View the steps to apply.
- Have completed RHET 1311 and RHET 1312 English Composition, ACOM 1300, MATH 1321 or MATH 1302 (see advisor) with a grade of C or greater in each of these courses; and
- Have completed all core requirements with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater or 3.0 in the last 50 hours. Students seeking admission with an associate’s degree designed for transfer should read more about admissions for transfer students.
- Submit passing scores on the ACT or other accepted basic skills exams (see Testing and Admissions Requirements)
Students are required to maintain a 2.7 GPA, with at least a C in all courses specific to the middle childhood program. Read descriptions of the special education courses.
Students who have been admitted to the program must complete a criminal records check, state civil records check, and FBI records check before being placed in the field. The student is responsible for the fees associated with these checks.
Retention Requirements
Students’ professional behaviors, content knowledge, and classroom performance will be evaluated throughout the program. Successful completion of the licensure program is not based solely on the number of course credits, but requires demonstration of specified professional knowledge, skills, and behaviors. While a student may require additional time to meet some performance expectations, the faculty may limit that time and reserves the right to remove a student from the program should appropriate progress not be demonstrated.
Graduation and Educator Licensure Requirements
- Completion of all courses on degree plan with grades as required and passing scores on all required Praxis II and other exams (see Licensure Officer for correct exams to take).
- Entry of all required artifacts into Chalk and Wire and submission of these artifacts for assessment in Chalk and Wire.
- Submission of Graduation Application by announced deadline
- Graduation and Educator Licensure are two separate processes. Please contact the Director of Licensure and Placement for guidance on the Educator Licensure process during the semester you apply for graduation.
