The Special Education major prepares you to work with individuals with disabilities in various capacities. It is the only undergraduate major housed in the School of Education.
Programs are tailored for students interested in P–12 teaching, disability policy, research, and careers that support individuals with disabilities in community settings. The School of Education works with SPU’s School of Theology to offer programs in Special Education that work in various types of church ministries.
Find out more about this School’s mission, vision, and outcomes.
- A minimum 50–111 credits are required for this major, including 23–77 upper-division credits.
- If you are an incoming student interested in the Special Education major, you are encouraged to indicate your intent upon admission to SPU. Indication of interest does not commit you to the program, but will ensure that you received the advising and information about the Special Education program requirements.
- To become a P–12 certified Washington state teacher, you must complete the Elementary Emphasis with Certification or the Secondary Emphasis with Certification. Please see the Certification Office in the School of Education for more details.
- If you do NOT want to become a P–12 school teacher, choose the Special Education Studiesl Emphasis or Educational Ministry Emphasis.
Teaching track
- The Special Education major with teaching will develop you into a teacher with the knowledge and skills to design and implement appropriate education for students with disabilities.
- You must major in either Special Education: Elementary Emphasis with Certification or Special Education: Secondary Emphasis with Certification.
- The P–12 Special Education Certification requirements for Special Education are maintained by the School of Education certification office and listed by emphasis.
- The Special Education major requirements are maintained by the Special Education Department and program chair.
- If you are a transfer student, you must complete a minimum 15 upper-division credits in Special Education coursework prior to your Internship.
Second endorsement
Washington state requires that teacher candidates pursuing an endorsement in Special Education must also earn a second endorsement in a content area.
Students will work with the certification advisor to develop a “Plan of Study” for earning a second endorsement. Please make an appointment with the certification advisor as soon as possible to begin working on this plan. Students can make appointments by emailing soeinfo@ngskmc-eis.net or at the front SOE office in Peterson Hall 300.
Non-teaching tracks
The non-teaching track in Special Education prepares you to work with individuals with disabilities outside the classroom setting. This major serves three general interest areas:
- If you are pursuing a Special Education degree and plan to work with state, local, or nonprofit agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. This includes direct-service providers and advocacy groups.
- If you wish to work with individuals and families with disabilities in faith-based or church settings.
- If you plan to pursue an advanced degree in special education or related fields (e.g., researchers in special education, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists).
Special Education Studies emphasis
In collaboration with the special education advisor, students are placed in community-based settings working directly with individuals with disabilities, working in agencies that serve students with disabilities, or working alongside professors on research projects dealing with disability issues.
- A minimum 10 practicum credits are required to complete the major.
- This practicum is set up in collaboration with a special education advisor.
- This practicum is not for teacher certification.
Educational Ministry emphasis
Students in this track benefit from a partnership with the School of Education and SPU’s School of Theology. Coursework from both programs provides you with a foundation in both disability studies and educational ministry.
- When you graduate from this program, you are prepared to address disability issues in church and parachurch organizations.
- Internship/Practicum requirements for this emphasis reflect this need, and graduates are prepared to address methods for including all people in worship and church life.
- A minimum 10 practicum credits are required to complete the major.
- The practicum is in collaboration with SPU’s School of Theology.
Apply to the major
Formal admission is usually accomplished during the first or second quarter of your junior year. Or, if you are a transfer student, formal admission is typically accomplished in your second quarter of residence.
Special Education Elementary Emphasis and Secondary Emphasis:
- You must have an overall minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA to be admitted to the Special Education major.
- To qualify for admission to the Special Education: Elementary Emphasis or Secondary Emphasis, you must complete Foundations Quarter, PSY 1180, PSY 2470, and EDSP 3107, and two upper-division SPED courses with a 2.0 GPA (“C”) or better.
- The required internship will be your teaching placement set up by the SOE Placement Office.
- Use the online Major or Minor application to apply for this major.
- Your application must be approved by your faculty advisor, as well as the department chair.
- You must complete the major requirements in effect when you are admitted to the major.
Special Education Studies Emphasis and Educational Ministry Emphasis:
- You must have an overall minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA to be admitted to the Special Education major.
- To qualify for admission to the Special Education: Special Education Studies Emphasis or Educational Ministries Emphasis, you must complete PSY 1180, PSY 2470, and EDSP 3107 with a 2.0 GPA (“C”) or better.
- The Internship and Practicum experiences for the non-teaching tracks are tailored to each student and require advanced planning. Please see your faculty advisor to begin this process. This practicum is not for teacher certification.
- Use the online Major or Minor application to apply for this major.
- Your application must be approved by your faculty advisor, as well as the department chair.
- You must complete the major requirements in effect when you are admitted to the major.