Special Education
Special Education Degree at USF
Your Special Education degree is the beginning of a rewarding career in teaching. Quality is important at the University of Sioux Falls (USF) in South Dakota, so all of the education degree programs we offer are fully accredited. The Special Education major is designed to be paired with the Elementary Education major. In addition, our Special Education graduates receive their state teaching licenses and begin working as teachers in a variety of schools. If teaching is your calling, the Fredrikson School of Education administrators and faculty will foster a servant-leadership mindset that will serve your future learners well.
Whether you want to work in a Christian school or plan to serve God in your community in other ways, you’ll find the Christian foundation of your USF education degree program meaningful. The truth is that many students, and their families, need teachers who truly care and live Christ’s teachings through their compassion, patience and action – all with the reputation of an accredited Christian university behind you.
Reasons to Earn Your Degree in Special Education
When you study Special Education on USF’s campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you’ll find servant leaders and mentors among USF’s education faculty. Your USF professors will help you learn and thrive alongside other education degree program students, as a true Christian community of educators.
When you major in Special Education at USF, you’ll be prepared for your own classroom and whatever career decisions you make in the future:
- Teaching skills for immediate placement
- Content knowledge, professionalism, diversity, specialty training and field experience
- Ability to work as an evaluator, collaborator, researcher, manager, cognitive mediator and servant leader in the classroom
View CEC Standards followed for Special Education Licensure
Special Education Degree
The Special Education program is NOT designed as a stand-alone plan of study. Students can pair it with an Elementary Education major. Courses totaling 33 semester hours cover the major requirements for Special Education.
View a four-year sample degree plan for Elementary Education and Special Education.
Careers for Those With Degrees in Education
USF’s Special Education graduates are well-prepared for the classroom, and the opportunities to work with children are numerous. In addition, a teaching degree from USF is a perfect foundation for graduate work, which will allow you to pursue other careers such as:
- Guidance Counselor
- Instructional Coach
- K-12 School Principal
- K-12 Reading Specialist
- K-12 School Superintendent
- K-12 Technology Education
- School Librarian
- School Psychologist
Additional Resources for Special Education Degree Students at USF
USF gives you opportunities beyond earning your bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
Writing Center
The USF Writing Center allows students to develop as writers and to benefit from the training and experience provided by the Writing Center staff. English majors also serve as paid tutors in the Writing Center.
See details now.Student Life
Find a place to belong. Be part of the USF and Sioux Falls community through student organizations.
Explore residential life.Center for Professional Development
Learn more about the Center for Professional Development at USF. Training, seminars, certificates and more!
Learn MoreCampus Ministries
Put Culture for Service in action during your time on USF’s campus in Sioux Falls.
Get started.Next Steps
Want to know what it's really like to be a Cougar? Visit campus and discover for yourself USF's academic, spiritual and social community.
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