The Bachelor’s in Special Education and Teaching at Augustana University prepares students to teach and support learners with diverse needs across early childhood and K–12 settings. It suits prospective teachers who want a liberal-arts grounding combined with practicum experience and state licensure preparation for work in inclusive and specialised educational settings.
What you'll study
The programme combines a liberal arts foundation with specialised coursework in special education and professional teacher preparation. Across four years you will study child and adolescent development, foundations of education, and instructional design alongside targeted special education subjects.
- Foundations of Education – history and philosophy of education, classroom management, and ethical practice.
- Developmental Psychology – typical and atypical development from early childhood through adolescence, with implications for instruction.
- Assessment and Evaluation – formative and summative assessment, diagnostic tools, and progress monitoring for learners with disabilities.
- Instructional Strategies – differentiated instruction, curriculum modification, and evidence-based approaches for literacy, numeracy and communication.
- Behaviour Support and Classroom Management – positive behaviour support, functional behaviour assessment, and strategies for creating inclusive classroom environments.
- Special Education Law and Policy – legal rights, Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs), 504 plans and compliance with state and federal legislation.
- Assistive Technology and Accessibility – tools and adaptations to support learning, communication and participation.
- Collaboration and Family Engagement – partnering with families, multidisciplinary teams and community agencies.
- Practicum and Student Teaching – supervised placements in local schools that progress from observation to full-time student teaching under a certified mentor.
The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning: coursework is integrated with field experiences in inclusive classrooms and specialised settings. Students typically complete a capstone student-teaching semester and compile a professional portfolio for licensure.
Entry requirements
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet Augustana University's general undergraduate admission standards. Typical requirements include a satisfactory academic record, a personal statement or essay describing interest in teaching, and letters of recommendation.
- Meeting state teacher licensure requirements is essential; applicants should be prepared for additional steps such as background checks and health requirements (for example, immunisation records) prior to field placements.
- Some coursework or tests demonstrating basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics may be required as part of admission to the teacher education sequence.
- Admission to student teaching generally requires completion of prescribed coursework, a minimum GPA as set by the education department, and approval from faculty advisors.
- International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university policy.
Career prospects
Graduates are prepared for state licensure to teach students with disabilities and often pursue roles across public and private education sectors. Common career paths include:
- Special education teacher in early childhood, elementary, middle or high school settings
- Inclusion specialist or resource-room teacher supporting mainstream classrooms
- Behaviour interventionist or classroom behavioural support provider
- Transition coordinator or vocational specialist supporting post-school outcomes
- Educational paraprofessional, instructional coach or curriculum developer with a specialisation in accessibility
- Further study leading to a Master’s in Education, educational leadership, school psychology or related fields
Graduates also find roles in non-school settings such as community agencies, early intervention programmes and advocacy organisations that support individuals with disabilities.
Why study at Augustana University
Augustana offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefits students preparing for the nuanced demands of special education. The education faculty bring practical K–12 experience and work closely with students on practicum placements in the region, allowing early and sustained engagement with local school districts.
- Strong emphasis on experiential learning: structured field placements build from observation to full-time student teaching under certified mentors.
- Integrated support for licensure: advising, portfolio development and preparation for state requirements are part of the programme.
- Interdisciplinary opportunities: access to allied departments—psychology, communication sciences and rehabilitation studies—broadens understanding of learner needs.
- Community connections: partnerships with local schools and service organisations provide diverse practicum settings and networking opportunities.
Students leave the programme with practical experience, a professional portfolio and the pedagogical knowledge required to support diverse learners in inclusive and specialised settings.
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