Special Education (Online)
Degree-Completion Program
Special Education licensure offers rich career opportunities for current and prospective teachers. The special education teaching program at 91探花 introduces teacher candidates to a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will support their career choices in both public and private settings.
Special Education licensure offers rich career opportunities for current and prospective teachers. The special education teaching program at 91探花 introduces teacher candidates to a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will support their career choices in both public and private settings.
Ready to get started?
BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: August 2025
Ready to get started?
BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: August 2025
Why 91探花?
Becoming a special education teacher requires more than classroom lectures and textbook instruction. At Lees-91探花, the BA or BS in Special Education curriculum is experience based and taught by instructors who are seasoned public and private school teachers. Each instructor brings their hard-earned knowledge and expertise from personal and professional experiences to our teacher candidates. Beginning with the first semester of the program, teacher candidates will complete tutoring hours in local public schools, working with actual elementary, middle, and high-school students. Internship hours will teach candidates to manage a classroom, plan and teach successful lessons, and experience what it takes to be a teacher. A full 16 weeks of student teaching during the last semester senior year places students as the lead teacher for a minimum of 40 full days, with tasks including before- and after-school responsibilities; reviewing, writing and implementing IEPs for their identified students; parent conferences; and the many other roles of a special education teacher.Why do I need a bachelor’s degree in Special Education?
Why do I need a bachelor’s degree in Special Education?
A Special Education K–12 bachelor’s degree is a gateway to incredible career opportunities and personal satisfaction. Qualified and passionate teachers are currently in high demand across the country and worldwide. Personal satisfaction comes from a deep knowing that a child’s life is enhanced by the bond between a child and a dedicated, compassionate teacher. A bachelor’s degree opens the doorway to more choices and opportunities.
A Special Education K–12 bachelor’s degree is a gateway to incredible career opportunities and personal satisfaction. Qualified and passionate teachers are currently in high demand across the country and worldwide. Personal satisfaction comes from a deep knowing that a child’s life is enhanced by the bond between a child and a dedicated, compassionate teacher. A bachelor’s degree opens the doorway to more choices and opportunities.
Upon completion of the General Education curriculum (required for all Lees-91探花 students), teacher candidates will apply to the School of Education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Special Education requires students to successfully complete 18 hours of Special Education courses over three semesters followed by one semester of student teaching. The courses include instruction in general teaching methodology as well as instruction specific to working with exceptional students.
Upon completion of the General Education curriculum (required for all Lees-91探花 students), teacher candidates will apply to the School of Education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Special Education requires students to successfully complete 18 hours of Special Education courses over three semesters followed by one semester of student teaching. The courses include instruction in general teaching methodology as well as instruction specific to working with exceptional students.
Course Map
The degree program can be completed in eight sessions, or four semesters. Each session lasts eight weeks. One of the benefits of this program is that you can start with any session—you don’t need to wait until August. Below is one possible course path for the program.
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Year One
Courses offered each semester (all courses are 3 credit hours)
Fall (August–December)
- Managing Environment for Diverse Learners (EDU 324)
- Reflective Teaching/Classroom Management (EDU 325)
- Foundations of Reading Methods I (EDU 330)
- Math Foundations I (EDU 332)
- Educational Psychology (WI) (EDU 321)
- Math Foundations II (EDU 333)
- Foundations of Reading Methods II (EDU 331)
- Assessment and Collaboration (SPE 313)
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Summer Session
Courses offered each term (all courses are 3 credit hours)
Summer (May–July)
- Computer/Media Applications in the Classroom (EDU 381)
- Behaviors (SPE 414)
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Year Two
Courses offered each semester
Fall (August–December)
- Students with Reading Difficulties (SPE 402—3 credit hours)
- K–6 EC Methods (SPE 404—3 credit hours)
- 7–12 EC Methods (SPE 405—3 credit hours)
- Field Experience and Seminar (EDU 473—4 credit hours)
- Directed Student Teaching and Seminar (EDU 491—12 credit hours)
- Senior Research/Impact on Student Learning Project (EDU 499—4 credit hours)
Community College Partners
We set up our programs to make coming to Lees-91探花 for a bachelor’s degree as straightforward as possible. For students who earned an associate degree at one of our partner colleges, getting here is even easier. Graduates from these colleges receive guaranteed admission to Lees-91探花, are eligible for tuition discounts, and are considered to have finished their general education requirements.
Didn’t attend a partner college? Set up a free transcript review to identify which college credits will carry over. Contact us at onlineadmissions@lmc.edu.
Career Opportunities
A bachelor's degree in Special Education prepares you to teach and advocate for children with exceptionalities or pursue further education that will allow you to progress your career.
Public schools
Private schools
Online schools
International schools
Homeschool families
Elementary, middle, and high school teachers
Advocacy organizations
Government agencies
School operation
Distance Learning at Surry Community College
A seated cohort for Special Education is offered at Surry Community College in Dobson, North Carolina. Those who prefer a traditional seated classroom experience but are unable to commute to Banner Elk can get a Lees-91探花-quality education at a familiar location.
Students who start their education at Surry Community College save money on the first two years of their degree, then can choose to spend the next two years finishing their degree on the same campus. This is a great option for students who want to interact with peers, engage in class discussions, and have real-time access to the Lees-91探花 faculty member without relocating.
Contact
Nancy Gryder
Program Coordinator of Special Education, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
grydern@lmc.edu
828.898.8775