Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Working with children with exceptionalities is more than a career choice, it's a calling to serve children, families and communities. We can help you answer that calling through our Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Academic Behavior Strategist (ABS) Teacher Licensure Program that addresses the widespread national and state critical teacher shortage areas in special education.
Why Study Special Education at St. Thomas?
- At St. Thomas, we prepare educators with strong teaching skills through evidence-based, culturally sustaining and high-leverage practice-based coursework that leads to a license and a degree.
- Become part of a supportive network of fellow students, alumni and faculty that will inspire and sustain you throughout your career.
- Learn from expert faculty closely connected with the PreK-21 classroom who are here to help you shape your path to your own classroom.
Program Overview
Course Requirements
Fieldwork is coupled with wide-ranging coursework from fundamentals of special education to educational assessment and evaluation, language and literacy, behavior analysis and intervention, and academic interventions. A concentration or minor is strongly recommended in one our more of the following areas:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Teacher Education
Four-Year Plan
Our faculty are here to develop your four-year plan catered to your personal and professional goals. Your advisor will help you select courses and build a plan that works for you.
Degree Awarded
Student Teaching
Your teaching experience begins as early as your first education course. We support you as you develop your teaching skills. Throughout your student teaching, you’ll have regularly scheduled seminars with faculty and peers. The mentorship you receive will ensure your student teaching experience meets your needs and facilitates your growth, both personally and professionally.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Fieldwork is coupled with wide-ranging coursework from fundamentals of special education to educational assessment and evaluation, language and literacy, behavior analysis and intervention, and academic interventions. A concentration or minor is strongly recommended in one our more of the following areas:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Teacher Education
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Our faculty are here to develop your four-year plan catered to your personal and professional goals. Your advisor will help you select courses and build a plan that works for you.
Degree Awarded
Degree Awarded
Student Teaching
Student Teaching
Your teaching experience begins as early as your first education course. We support you as you develop your teaching skills. Throughout your student teaching, you’ll have regularly scheduled seminars with faculty and peers. The mentorship you receive will ensure your student teaching experience meets your needs and facilitates your growth, both personally and professionally.
Faculty with Real-World Experience
Dr. L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan
Dr. Todd Busch
Dr. Shelley Neilsen Gatti
Dr. Bonnie Ingelin
Possible Careers
Elementary, Secondary, or Transition (18-21) Special Education Teacher
Special Education Coach or Consultant
Preschool Teacher
Educational Interventionist
Career Building
Field Experiences and Student Teaching
Diverse field experiences in public, private, parochial and charter schools where we have deep relationships help you gain confidence in your teaching. Your teaching experience begins as early as your first education course and continues throughout the program. In year four, you’ll have a semester-long student teaching experience in a single classroom setting.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.