Special Education: BA,BS
Department: Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department
College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services
About This Degree
Utah State's Department of Special Education and Counseling is consistently ranked among the top 20 education programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Students graduating from USU with a degree in special education are highly sought after by school districts across Utah and the United States. Utah State has a 100% job placement rate for special education graduates, with many students getting hired before they even graduate.
The department offers a number of unique educational and training opportunities for those interested in working with children and youth with disabilities. The program prepares students to work with individuals who have mild, moderate, and severe disabilities, as well as young children with disabilities. Students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with local school districts or on-campus programs.
The special education degree is offered on the Logan Main Campus as a traditional teacher preparation program. It is also offered online across the state for teacher candidates who are working as a para-professional or teacher of record in Utah (OPTT - Online Teacher Preparation Program).
The special education major on the Logan Main Campus is a popular choice for a composite major with Elementary Education (meaning students who graduate can apply for both an Elementary Education or Early Childhood License and a Special Education License).
Students receive a first BS or 2nd BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages. OPTT (Online Practical Teacher Training) can also be taken towards a master's degree.
Emphases (students must choose an emphasis)
- Birth to Age 5 Special Education - Specialize your education by learning to work specifically with young children from birth to age five with disabilities.
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities - Prepare to teach children with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12.
- Severe Disabilities - Prepare to teach children with severe disabilities in grades K-12.
Traditional Teacher Preparation Program is offered on the Logan campus only. The OPTT (Online Practical Teacher Training) is offered online at all locations.
The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services may charge differential tuition for this program. Differential tuition is an added cost per credit for courses in the program. See the last page in the USU Tuition & Payment for more information.
View Potential Careers
With a degree in special education, students may pursue the following careers:
- Public or private school educator
- Adult service provider
- Recreation specialist
- Behavior specialist
- Developmental specialist
- Early intervention provider
Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.
Course Listing (University Catalog)
Logan Main Campus Emphases
- Special Education: Birth to 5 Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Mild/Moderate Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Severe Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Severe/Birth to 5 Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Mild/Moderate and Birth to 5 Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Mild/Moderate & Severe Dual Emphasis - BA, BS
- Special Education: Birth to 5 Emphasis/Early Childhood Education Composite Major - BA, BS
- Special Education: Mild/Moderate Emphasis/Elementary Education Composite - BA, BS
- Special Education: Mild/Moderate Emphasis/Secondary Education Dual - BA, BS
- Special Education: Severe Emphasis/Elementary Education Composite - BA, BS
- Special Education: Severe Emphasis/Secondary Education Dual - BA, BS
Online Practical Teacher Training (offered in Utah only)
Quick Guide
How to Get Started
To view all degrees and programs available at USU, visit Degree Finder. Please note, not all degrees and programs are available at every location. We recommend searching by location unless you intend on relocating. Contact a USU Eastern Campus advisor to verify program availability in your area.
Traditional Teacher Preparation Program is offered on the Logan campus only. The OPTT (Online Practical Teacher Training) is offered online at all locations.
Online classes are not available to USU F-1 and J-1 sponsored students. International students sponsored by USU on a F-1 visa can study at Logan or Price campus and must register for face-to-face classes. International students sponsored by USU on a J-1 visa can study at Logan campus and must register for face-to-face classes.