Exceptional students need exceptional teachers

It takes a special person with a special passion to help individuals with special needs gain the opportunities they deserve in life. In this program, you can expect to be challenged and feel fulfilled as you take coursework and engage in real-life experiences. This program leads to a Wisconsin teaching license in K-12 cross categorical special education.

Credits122-132
Program Format

Courses are primarily in classrooms on campus. There are a few online only courses.

Financial Aid

The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.

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Program Overview

The special education program has a strong liberal arts foundation with a Christian emphasis. Education coursework and fieldwork experiences begin freshman year. We offer a public education track, a Lutheran teacher diploma track, and a Christian teacher certification. The special education program is accredited and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Job openings in this field are plentiful, as this is a high-need certification area nationally.

What to Expect

In addition to coursework, you’ll experience firsthand the blessing and challenge of working with special needs children in an actual, real-world setting. You’ll be grounded in a deep understanding of child and adolescent development in mind, body, and spirit, as well as the range of exceptionalities. You’ll work to master content knowledge in addition to a wide range of instructional strategies and learner accommodations. You’ll develop skills in classroom management, curricular design and assessment, and engagement and collaboration with other educators and school stakeholders.

Students who desire licensure in another state must contact their state department of education for details about whether or not this coursework will meet state requirements.

Concentrations / Specializations

You may add an optional 12 credit concentration to specialize further. Choose from the following to add to your degree in special education.

  • Compassion Care
  • K-9 English Education
  • K-9 Mathematics Education
  • K-9 Mathematics Education
  • K-9 Social Studies Education
  • Theology

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