Morehead State University

What you'll study

Coursework balances general education and professional preparation. Typical topics include development and learning differences, differentiated instruction and curriculum adaptation, classroom management for diverse learners, assessment and progress monitoring, behavior support strategies, and legal and ethical issues in special education. The programme also includes field placements and student teaching where you apply methods in real classrooms under supervision.

Entry requirements

Admission expects completion of secondary education or equivalent and meeting the university's undergraduate admissions criteria. Candidates should be prepared to meet any additional requirements for teacher education such as background checks, health clearances, and passing specified skills or content assessments when required by the state or institution. Maintaining a minimum GPA and successful performance in practicum placements are commonly necessary to progress to student teaching.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly pursue careers as special education teachers in elementary and secondary schools, inclusion specialists, resource room instructors, or paraeducator supervisors. With additional certification or graduate study they may move into roles such as behavior analysts, transition coordinators, curriculum developers for special needs programmes, or educational diagnosticians. Employment options also exist in nonprofit organizations, early intervention programmes, and education support services.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students in special education programmes may be eligible for scholarships, grants, or loan-forgiveness schemes targeted at teacher candidates, particularly those committing to work in high-need schools or underserved communities. Look for institutional scholarships for education majors, state teacher recruitment incentives, and federal aid; also explore funding tied to field placement stipends or alternative certification pathways that include financial support.