Special Education
Major
Program Overview
Do you dream of having a rewarding career and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults with disabilities? Special education teachers are experts in helping students with learning, cognitive, physical, emotional, and health challenges reach their potential.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Our special education program balances coursework and real-world experience. Your classes will teach you how to best serve your students with disabilities. You’ll complete a 16-week field experience in a real classroom to put that knowledge into practice. By the time you graduate, you'll be ready to lead your own classroom and begin making a difference in your students' lives. Specialize in elementary or secondary education.
Special Education for Students with Cognitive Impairment
This program will prepare you to work with individuals with intellectual impairments from PreKindergarten to 12th grade. You will learn effective strategies for meeting the academic, social, communication, physical, and transition needs of students with intellectual impairments.
Special Education for Students with Emotional Impairment
This program will prepare you to work with individuals with emotional impairments from PreKindergarten to 12th grade. You will learn effective strategies for meeting the academic, social-emotional and communication needs of students with emotional impairments.
Program Highlights
As a special education major, you'll:
- Complete 300 hours of fieldwork experience at local elementary and high schools.
- Work closely with our community partners, including the Special Olympics of Michigan, or join one of our registered student organizations such as Connections that Count or the Student Council for Exceptional Children.
- Be eligible to apply for several endowed scholarships specifically designated for Special Education majors.
Careers & Outcomes
Our students obtain provisional certification to teach in Michigan elementary or secondary schools, making them attractive candidates for teaching jobs right away.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,350 |
| Middle/High School Teacher | $61,570 |
| Special Education Teacher | $61,820 |
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