Bachelor of Science
Special Education and Literacy Studies
College of Education and Human DevelopmentBachelor of Science in Special Education
Undergraduate programs are available for the preparation of teachers in the areas of emotional impairments/learning disabilities (EI/LD) and cognitive impairments/learning disabilities (CI/LD), at either the elementary or secondary level of special education. Students completing the Bachelor of Science earn a State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Teaching Certificate (K-8) and an endorsement in one of the following areas:
- Emotional Impairments/Learning Disabilities (K-12)
- Cognitive Impairments/Learning Disabilities (K-12)
In addition, all students complete at least one minor, many of them leading to an additional endorsement at either the elementary or secondary level in a specific academic content area.
Curriculum Guide
Special Education Minor Choices (see undergraduate handbook)
Outside the Classroom
Intern Teaching Project in Germany
Student Council for Exceptional Children -Students interested in the field of special education have opportunities to participate in this organization. Check the bulletin board near 3502 Sangren Hall for upcoming meetings and activities.
Career Possibilities
With the Special Education option you will be certified to teach:
- Kindergarten - 12 Special Education in your areas
- Kindergarten - 5 in all subjects
- Grades 6 - 8 in second minor
- Kindergarten - 8 in all subjects when teaching in a self-contained classroom-- one in which the majority of instruction is provided by a single teacher.
Advanced Degrees
For students graduating with a B.S. in Special Education who wish to continue their education, Western Michigan University also offers master's programs in:
- Clinical Teacher
- Master Teacher
- Administration
- Doctorate of Special Education
- Practice of Teaching
- Socio-Cultural Studies of Education
Resource Guide
Resource Links
Special Education resources for career guidance and exploration