Program highlights

• Earn a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate
• Earn a Michigan endorsement in CI
• #3 Best Colleges for Education in Michigan
• Engage in practical classroom experiences
• Prepare to enter a high demand field

What you will learn

You’ll explore the history and philosophy of teaching students with disabilities. Our program combines cutting-edge pedagogy with an in-depth focus on inclusive teaching and inclusive education. We provide many opportunities to put your knowledge and skills into practice. You’ll be ready to be an inclusive teacher with expertise in special education.

Program requirements and curriculum

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for the bachelor’s degree in special education, but you may need as many as 142 depending on your grade band concentrations and how you meet your general education requirements. You can also add Adaptive Physical Education K-12 to your program.

The special education major requires you to complete the following:

• University general education requirements
• A concentration in cognitive impairment
• The required courses for at least one of the following grade band concentrations

Review B.S. in special education program curriculum.

Concentration: Cognitive impairment

In this concentration, you’ll earn 30 credits in topics specific to teaching students with cognitive impairment. You’ll explore everything from supportive environments and transitions to the foundations of inclusive schooling.

Hands-on experience to prepare for your special education career

Prepare to take on your own classroom as soon as you graduate. Our clinical and student teaching requirements give you many opportunities to hone your teaching skills through real-world practice in actual classrooms. You’ll learn from instructors and mentors with years of experience as special educators.  You will translate your learnings into action and get ready to step seamlessly into a fulfilling career.

Careers with a special education degree

A special education major leads to a wide range of rewarding careers from working with children to programs for people with disabilities.  Michigan is facing a critical shortage of special education teachers, putting you in a high-demand field.

Tuition and financial aid

Wayne State University’s tuition and fees are lower than other major research universities in Michigan. With flat-rate tuition, we further help students graduate faster and with less debt.

You can also take advantage of our robust financial aid resources, including private scholarships. Try our net price calculator to estimate your costs and savings at WSU.

Admissions

As a first-year or transfer student, you will be admitted directly to the College of Education at Level 1 status. Once you have completed at least 53 credits of college courses and other requirements, you will apply for College of Education Level 2 standing. Learn more about the application process.

Apply for Wayne State’s B.S. in special education degree

Make the world a better, more inclusive, place as a special education teacher. Our program combines hands-on experience with up-to-date pedagogy and expertise from internationally recognized faculty. Apply today!

• Want to find out more about special education at Wayne State? Request more information
• Eager to get started? Apply now
• Make sure you are on track for graduation - Speak with an academic advisor

Accreditation

CAEP_Accreditation

The College of Education educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).  

Accreditation means that a program meets the standards set by the academic and professional community. It’s a seal of approval indicating that the program prepares new educators to teach effectively.