Florida International University

What you'll study

This programme combines theory and hands-on practice to develop skills for teaching students with mild to moderate and/or significant disabilities across early childhood, primary and secondary settings. Core study areas include assessment and diagnosis, individualised instruction, curriculum adaptation, behaviour support, and collaborative practice with families and other professionals. You will learn strategies for literacy and numeracy instruction, positive behaviour interventions, assistive and instructional technologies, and differentiation in inclusive classrooms.

• Foundations of special education and historical/legal perspectives
• Assessment, progress monitoring and instructional planning
• Behaviour analysis and classroom management for diverse learners
• Curriculum design and differentiated instructional methods
• Literacy instruction and intervention strategies
• Assistive technology and accessibility in learning
• Family engagement, multicultural competence and community partnerships
• Practicum placements and a culminating student teaching experience

The degree sequence typically includes general education requirements, specialised courses in special education, methods courses for subject-area teaching, supervised fieldwork in local classrooms, and a full-term student teaching placement. Coursework emphasises evidence-based practices, reflective teaching, and preparation for professional certification processes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include a competitive high school record with coursework in English and mathematics, and satisfactory scores from any required admissions assessments. Transfer applicants must meet the university's transfer admissions criteria and usually present a college transcript with a minimum cumulative GPA.

Because the programme leads to classroom practicum and licensure pathways, admitted students must satisfy professional clearance requirements such as background screening, health documentation (for example immunisations or TB screening) and any state-mandated checks before beginning field placements. Prospective students should also be prepared to meet Florida Department of Education requirements for teacher certification, which may include passing state examinations and completing prescribed certification steps after graduation.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue roles in public and private schools as special education teachers, inclusion teachers, or intervention specialists serving students with a range of needs. Other common career paths include classroom paraprofessional leading to certificated roles, transition and vocational support coordinator, behaviour support specialist, literacy interventionist, and educational consultant or advocate in non-profit and community organisations.

With additional graduate study or certification, alumni may move into specialised areas such as applied behaviour analysis, autism specialist roles, school administration, or higher-level district positions in program coordination, curriculum design and professional development. The programme also provides a foundation for postgraduate routes into counselling, school psychology and research in inclusive education.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU’s College of Education offers an education grounded in an urban, multicultural environment, providing abundant opportunities for clinical placements across Miami‑Dade County schools and community agencies. Students benefit from faculty who have classroom and research expertise in special education, strong partnerships with local districts, and access to applied learning through practicum and student teaching experiences.

FIU’s location and diverse student population support development of culturally responsive teaching practices and bilingual education experience where relevant. The programme emphasises preparation for licensure and employment through supervised fieldwork, ongoing faculty mentorship, and links to local schools that facilitate transition from study to professional practice.