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Home > Academics > Academic Programs > Special Education (BS)

Special Education (BS) Program Overview

Special education teachers prepare all students to learn, regardless of ability or other special needs. A special education degree prepares you to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in K-12 education today. Special education majors study all four major subjects: English, math, science, and social studies in addition to learning how to teach. They also develop techniques for teaching and assessing students with special needs, including gifted learners, in preparation for licensure.

BU’s Unique Program

Bluefield University provides a Christ-centered approach that prepares servant leaders to make a difference in the classroom. The School of Education faculty makes every effort to know you as a person. With their help, you’ll design creative lessons and learn how to reach challenged students. You will begin to complete valuable classroom observations early in your education courses to help prepare you for the student teaching semester.

Are you ready to learn how you can change lives with a special education degree? Complete our information request form today and schedule a campus visit.

The Academic Catalog is the student’s guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The Teacher Education Handbook is the guide to all of the policies and procedures for students entering the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

The Student Teaching Handbook is the primary resource for all students in the culminating experience of the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: June 28, 2023 (Online)
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BS)
General Education (53 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors

  • Invitation to Inquiry
  • Character Formation
  • Civic & Global Response
  • Personal Wellness & Activity
  • Intro to the Writing Process (3 Credits)
  • Argumentative & Analytical Writing (3 Credits)
  • Biblical Perspectives (3 Credits)
  • World Civilizations I & II (6 Credits)
  • 2000 Level Literature Course (3 Credits)
  • College Algebra I (3 Credits)
  • Mathematics for Elementary & Special Education Teachers OR College Algebra II (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (3 Credits)
  • General Biology & Lab (4 Credits)
  • Intro to the Physical Sciences & Lab (4 Credits)
Core Requirements (37-38 Credits)
  • Modern English Grammar
  • History of the English Language
  • Literature of Children & Adolescents
  • Regional & Ethnic Literature
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Mathematics of Finance
  • Intro to Statistics
  • General Chemistry or Chemistry Culture
  • Human Biology & Lab or Human Anatomy & Physiology & Lab
  • United States History
  • History of Virginia
  • (Choose 1)
    • American Government & Politics
    • State & Local Government
    • History of American Government & Politics
Professional Education (29 Credits)
  • Human Growth & Development for Educators
  • Foundations of Education
  • Intro to Instructional Media & Technology
  • Reading & Language Arts
  • Diagnostic & Remedial Reading
  • Intro to the Exceptional Child
  • Methods in Teaching PreK-6 Mathematics
  • Assessment & Evaluation in Special Education
  • Teaching Students with Disabilities for Success in the General Curriculum
  • Collaboration & Transition for Students with Disabilities
Field Experiences (15 Credits)
  • Dynamic Learning Environments
    • (Must be taken prior to Student Teaching)
  • Student Teaching
    • (Taken in the final semester)
Required Testing (2 Tests)
  • Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment
  • Reading for Virginia Educators: Elementary & Special Education
Total Credits: 135

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Special Education Teacher K-12
Special Education Teacher's Assistant
Special Education Program Coordinator
Speech Education Consultant
Early Intervention Special Educator

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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