Cost & earnings at Benedictine University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Education graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 412 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor in Special Education and Teaching at Benedictine University prepares students to work with learners who have diverse needs across early childhood, elementary and secondary settings. It suits students who want a practical, classroom-focused programme combining coursework in inclusive pedagogy, assessment and behaviour support with extended school-based practicum and preparation for state licensure.
This bachelor’s programme blends foundational education theory with specialised training in supporting students with disabilities. Coursework typically covers child and adolescent development, inclusive instructional strategies, assessment and progress monitoring, behaviour intervention and positive support, individualized education programme (IEP) development, assistive technology, and legal and ethical issues in special education.
The curriculum is organised around a sequence of content and professional coursework across general and special education. Early semesters develop core knowledge in human development, learning theory, and instructional design. Intermediate courses focus on differentiated instruction, curriculum adaptation, assessment for special needs, and literacy and numeracy interventions. Advanced study emphasises classroom management, transition planning, collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams, and advanced assessment methods.
Clinical experiences are integral: candidates complete tiered field experiences that increase in responsibility, culminating in a full-time student-teaching placement under the supervision of both a university supervisor and a certified mentor teacher. Many students also complete a capstone project or practicum that demonstrates competence in planning, delivering and assessing instruction for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining commitment to teaching and working with learners with special needs, and one or more letters of recommendation. Successful applicants normally demonstrate solid academic preparation and relevant experience, such as volunteer work or employment with children or young adults.
Because the programme leads to teacher licensure, candidates must meet the state’s professional requirements for clinical placements and certification. This commonly includes background checks, clearance for working with children, required health screenings or immunisations, and compliance with any state testing or performance assessments used in teacher preparation. Transfer students should provide college transcripts; some prior coursework in education, psychology or child development may be required or recommended.
Graduates are prepared for roles in public and private schools as special education teachers, resource-room instructors, inclusion support teachers or intervention specialists working across early childhood, elementary and secondary settings. Many alumni move on to positions such as behaviour support specialist, transition coordinator, instructional coach specialising in inclusion, or special education case manager.
With additional postgraduate qualifications or certification, graduates can pursue careers as educational diagnosticians, applied behaviour analysts, or leaders in special education administration and policy. Others combine classroom experience with roles in non-profit organisations, early intervention programmes, or private therapy and educational services supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Benedictine University offers a teacher education environment with small class sizes and a focus on practical, field-based learning. The programme emphasises hands-on experience through structured partnerships with local schools, enabling sustained practicum placements and close mentoring by experienced classroom teachers.
The university’s teacher preparation emphasises reflective practice, collaboration and ethical service to diverse communities. Students benefit from faculty with classroom and special education expertise, resources that support assessment and assistive technology training, and guidance in meeting state licensure requirements. For students seeking a programme that combines classroom skills, specialised knowledge and extensive school-based experience, Benedictine provides a pathways into a range of special education careers.
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