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Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) – B.A.

Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education and Special Education Degree Dual teaching licensure: elementary education (K–8) and special education (K–12).

Make a difference to those who need it most. Earn this online degree and be qualified for extra impact with two teaching licenses. Earn both your elementary education and special education teaching licenses.

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WGU’s Teachers College was named the best value in teacher education by the National Council on Teacher Quality—among 1,100 programs nationwide.

National Council on Teacher Quality Best Value Award

This dual teacher licensure degree program prepares you for elementary ed and K–12 special ed teaching certification.

This elementary education and special education degree program will ensure you're ready to impact students, classrooms, and your community. You'll be prepared to teach students with a range of disabilities (from mild to moderate) and learning needs. This elementary education and special education degree program equips you with the skills you need to connect to diverse learners, helping them thrive. This bachelor’s program prepares you for teaching certification in both special education (K–12) and elementary education in states where dual teaching licensure is available.

In this elementary education and special education degree program, you'll do your coursework online but have Demonstration Teaching opportunities that give you classroom experience. When you earn your teaching degree online from WGU you become a credentialed expert, ready to help students with different learning styles and needs.

Students will take eight professional core courses in this special education teacher degree that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These eight professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.

Note: This is a dual licensure program in special ed and elementary ed. If your state offers a single license in K–12 special education, you might also want to consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) program. An Enrollment Counselor can help you decide which program is right for you.

62% of graduates finish within

42 months

Prepare for two teaching licenses in less time. WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
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Tuition per 6-month term is

$3,475

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost earning your teaching degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
See how time is money

On average, students transfer

28 credits

Your associate’s degree or previous college may waive some courses through transfer. We review your transcripts for transfer credits.
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Tuition as of August 1, 2021.

Prepare to have a crucial impact on students, classrooms, and communities.

Graduates of this respected special education teacher degree program work in a variety of school settings, including inclusionary K–12 classrooms, self-contained classrooms, or resource rooms. You may also serve as a teacher of record (K–8) and teach all basic subjects in an elementary school classroom. No matter what you choose to do with this degree program, you're sure to make an impact on education. (Grade level eligibility will depend on your state’s corresponding license).

Learn more about grads' careers
A highly relevant elementary and special ed curriculum developed by education experts.

Earning a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education prepares you with the content knowledge and effective teaching skills to become a special education instructor for students with mild to moderate disabilities.

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This special education program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These experts know exactly what it takes for a graduate to qualify for a teacher’s license and be successful in a career teaching elementary school students.
Why WGU?

Discover why special education teachers love WGU:

You aren't on your own. WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you set up your Demonstration Teaching, learn about teaching certification in your state, and more. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexible schedule. Students choose WGU for their online special education degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

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Key Subject Areas

Discover which courses you will take in this special education degree program:

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education

Behavioral Support Strategies for K-12 Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities

Assessment in Special Education

Collaborating with Partners for Student Success

Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities

Elementary Science Methods

Elementary Reading Methods and Interventions

Language Arts Instruction and Intervention

Elementary Disciplinary Literacy

Children’s Literature

Elementary Mathematics Methods

See all courses
A Valuable Degree

Administrators and peers alike will see the value in your degree:

Strong alumni network. When you enroll in an online special education degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 8,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2019 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Two teaching licenses. This unique degree program prepares you for both an elementary education teaching certification and a special education certification in states where dual teaching licensure is required.

See how we do it
A supported, personalized experience.

WGU is different from other online universities—in the best possible ways! Take a look at what we mean:

Faculty Learning Assessment In-Classroom Experience Alumni Support

Faculty

SUPPORTING YOU: Faculty focused on students.

An entire team of faculty members has one goal in mind: your success. Your Program Mentor is your individually assigned faculty member, providing regular program guidance and instruction from the day you start, to the day you graduate. In addition, Course Instructors provide regular, subject-matter instruction and support, typically one-on-one, throughout each course you take.

Learning

YOUR ROADMAP: A personalized learning plan.

Your program is made up of a series of courses, each a personalized journey toward subject mastery. A preassessment provides insight into what you already know. You’ll then learn what you still need to learn, using online learning resources—available 24/7—along with one-on-one or cohort-based faculty instruction.

Assessment

PROVE IT: Show you know your stuff.

WGU measures learning, not time, so each course in your program culminates in an assessment—a test, paper, project, or presentation that allows you to prove what you know. As soon as you’re ready, you take the assessment. Take proctored exams from the comfort of your own home—via webcam, any time of day!

In-Classroom Experience

REAL-WORLD: Experience in a classroom.

Most of your program will be completed online but all teacher licensure programs—and many graduate-level programs for already-licensed teachers—also include the opportunity to observe and practice in a K–12 classroom setting. We’ll help you set everything up at a school near you.

Alumni Support

ALWAYS a Night Owl.

Continued support after you graduate includes many opportunities for professional development and enrichment, career support, and networking. WGU Night Owls may be independent learners, but they also become highly engaged in our active alumni community through apps, groups, and events.

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The accreditation you need, plus industry respect and recognition.

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

Accredited

The WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Additionally, the teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.

Respected

“After graduating from WGU, and through all the rigor and quality of instruction that I received in the educational field, I was awarded Hawaii District Teacher of the Year in 2012.”
Amoreena Nestman
M.A. Teaching – Elementary Education

Recognized

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) in 2017 placed WGU’s Teachers College in the top 1% nationwide for the quality of its secondary teacher-preparation programs. This follows several other NCTQ recognitions, including the nation’s #1 best value for teacher education in 2015.

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

Our programs check the right boxes. If this degree is your goal, get started toward becoming a student today—programs start the first of each month.

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When we say affordable, we mean it.

$3,475

Tuition per 6-month term

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+$295

Resource and Program Fees

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=$3,770

TOTAL PER TERM

+$65

One-time application fee

Apply FREE this week

Tuition rate effective August 1, 2021. $295 per-term fees include Resource Fee of $145 (covers all e-books and learning resources, saving you hundreds per term) and Program Fee of $150 (covers costs of supervised field experiences).
Control the cost of your program: Our tuition links cost to time.

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Flat-rate tuition of $3,770 per term links cost to time.

By charging per 6-month term rather than per credit hour—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or can learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

Adjust the time and see your costs change

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There's help if you need it.

Financial aid is available.

WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.

View more about financial aid.

WGU students borrow less than half the national average.*

Our goal: You graduate with little or no debt.

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2019 (among those who borrowed) was less than half the national average. WGU’s three-pronged approach to keeping your debt low and your return on investment quick: One, provide useful information and advice on responsible borrowing before enrollment. Two, keep tuition low while you're enrolled. And three, offer degree programs that lead to better-paying jobs after graduation.

Read about our Responsible Borrowing Initiative.

*WGU data: 2019 Annual Report. National data: The Institute for College Access & Success and Student Loan Hero.

Online Degree Cost Comparison

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WGU

Earn your bachelor's degree for about half what you'd pay at another university.

Low tuition and the ability to accelerate combine to make WGU a more affordable option than most other schools—online as well as traditional. When you compare apples to apples, WGU offers a rigorous curriculum with competitive post-graduation results, but at as little as half the cost—or even less.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 57% the national average, compared to national rates reported by IPEDS. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU B.S. Nursing Prelicensure program. Learn more about WGU's tuition and how it compares.

Other universities bury you in unexpected costs. Not WGU.

Click to explore the extra costs:

Tuition Books

Parking Gas

Library / resource fees Babysitter every week for
nighttime classes

WGU

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Traditional
4 year school

This demonstration shows how various costs—including official fees and incidental costs of attending school—can add up in different learning environments. It's meant as an illustration only.

Scholarships make our already-low tuition even more affordable.

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Here are a few you may be eligible to apply for:

$4,000

Become a Teacher Scholarship

$2,000

Community College Partner Scholarship

$2,500

K–12 Partner Scholarship

The affordable, flexible programs offered at WGU put high-quality education within your reach. Start working toward your future.

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Curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the things employers want you to know.

Program consists of:
46 Courses
Total

An unofficial estimated 14 courses are fulfilled by your associate degree leaving 32 courses.
I have an associate degree What about transfer credits?

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to ensure your degree is proof you really know your stuff.

Every course focuses on a set of clearly defined competencies that you must prove you’ve learned—through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s Bachelor of Arts Special Education and Elementary Education curriculum.

It’s all about real-world relevance, so every moment you spend studying is time well spent. That means what you’re learning in your degree program will be directly applicable when you’re employed as a special-ed teacher.

Courses fulfilled by your associate's degree.

This is an unofficial estimate of your transferable credits. You may receive more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.

Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate's degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.

Mathematics for Elementary Educators I Mathematics for Elementary Educators II Mathematics for Elementary Educators III English Composition I Introduction to Humanities English Composition II Survey of World History Health, Fitness, and Wellness Introduction to Communication Survey of United States History Integrated Physical Sciences American Politics and the US Constitution Natural Science Lab Introduction to Biology

Courses in this program.

This program comprises the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

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Professional Core

The School as a Community of Care

The School as a Community of Care is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to meet the social and emotional needs of learners, taking into account theories and philosophical perspectives on child and adolescent development and learning. Candidates learn to effectively collaborate with parents, families, caregivers, and other community stakeholders in each child's education, to build a strong foundation for academic and personal success. Emphasis is placed on family engagement as candidates gain knowledge of individual, cultural, and community assets that can be used to facilitate learner growth and development, as well as understand mental health and emotional differences among learners that may necessitate leveraging additional resources to support students' wellbeing. Issues of youth mental health, substance abuse, suicide awareness and prevention, and abuse within families will be addressed as will the importance of parent involvement. Candidates will engage in seven hours of preclinical experiences, which include visual observations of learning environments that involve parents and families in their children's' education while supporting the social and emotional learning (SEL) needs of learners and an interview with an educational professional to explore topics related to parent involvement, youth mental health issues, and professional responsibilities to ensure student wellbeing. Additionally, crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents course.

Fundamentals of Diverse Learners

Fundamentals of Diverse Learners is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to consider and address the wide range of learning needs in the classrooms of today. This course teaches candidates to identify and support the needs of diverse populations of learners, including, for example, students with disabilities (INCLUDING DYSLEXIA), English language learners, and gifted and talented students. Practical strategies for differentiating instruction while creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment are explored. This course helps candidates develop skills for partnering with parents and advocating for all students, particularly those impacted by provisions of IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Multitiered systems of supports are addressed to prepare candidates for their future classrooms as they seek to select appropriate instructional practices and interventions to best serve their students. Candidates will engage in four hours of preclinical experiences that includes a simulated teaching experience in which skills learned can be applied. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the School as a Community of Care course.

Managing Engaging Learning Environments

Managing Engaging Learning Environments is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to establish and contribute to safe and productive learning environments that support the success of all learners by ensuring student engagement and motivation for learning. Candidates will learn strategies, such as incorporating consistent routines and expectations, to provide positive behavior supports, increase learner motivation, promote active learning and self-direction, and ensure a safe and productive classroom setting that fosters a sense of community through collaborative educational practices. The course will culminate in evidence-based, practical application of current strategies, theories, or philosophical perspectives related to motivating and engaging all students in a learning community. Candidates will engage in seven hours of preclinical experiences that include both virtual observations of classroom settings and time in a simulated classroom environment where theory can be put into practice. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Fundamentals of Diverse Learners course.

Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and standards-aligned lessons that meet the needs of all learners. Candidates will learn to analyze learner needs based on a variety of inputs, including their state P–12 standards, assessment results, and knowledge of learner differences. This course will help candidates design, deliver, and modify instruction in accordance to needs and educational requirements. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that include virtual classroom observations. They also will record a short teaching segment, allowing for authentic teaching experience. Crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for continued development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Managing Engaging Learning Environments course.

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning is a key component of WGU's professional core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to incorporate technology into their classroom practices in ways that improve teaching and learning. The ISTE standards will form the basis for their practice. The material will teach candidates to critically evaluate software and hardware options that may positively impact the classroom environment, while also increasing their awareness of ethical usage and considerations related to equity, access to technology, and appropriate use of technology by P–12 students. Assistive technologies to meet the needs of a diverse learner population also will be taught in this course. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experience that include virtual observations of classroom practices incorporating technology to support educational goals. Crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Assessing Impact on Student Learning course.

Educational Foundations

Educational Foundations is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. The course provides candidates with early classroom experience where they observe multiple school settings at three different levels of schooling and interview an educator to learn how state standards and various legal and ethical issues affect classrooms today. The course also provides candidates with opportunities to gain foundational knowledge about what it means to be a teacher in the current educational context while exploring their future role within the larger landscape of historical and cultural influences. This course ensures candidates have a firm grasp on important issues affecting educators including state standards-based curriculum, legal and ethical requirements affecting educational opportunities, and professionalism, preparing them for subsequent coursework within the Professional Core and their content area major courses. Five preclinical hours are interwoven throughout this course, and cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are introduced for further development throughout the candidate’s programs.

Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents

Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents is a key component of WGU’s Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to support classroom practices grounded in research-validated principles from the areas of educational psychology and child/adolescent development. Candidates will be introduced to learning theories that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the diverse populations of students with whom they will interact. This course addresses theories of human development, spanning early childhood through adolescence, and candidates completing this course will be able to explain and analyze the guiding perspectives on linguistic, physical, cognitive, and social development. This course will also cover appropriate instructional and assessment strategies to support student learning and development. Candidates will engage in four hours of virtual classroom observations related to issues in educational psychology and learner development. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Educational Foundations course.

Assessing Impact on Student Learning

Assessing Impact on Student Learning is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course equips candidates to evaluate student learning and their own professional practice, ensuring candidates are prepared to ensure all learners' success. In this course, candidates learn multiple methods of assessment to ensure they are able to implement a balanced approach to assessment while monitoring their students’ progress. Assessments types such as formative, summative, standardized, and common assessments are addressed so candidates understand their purposes and can apply them within the context of a lesson to determine impact on learning. Data literacy skills are taught to ensure candidates interpret and analyze individual and classroom data and apply their knowledge in ways that support academic success. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that include virtual classroom observations. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment course.

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Demonstration Teaching

Professional Portfolio

Professional Portfolio requires candidates to create an online teaching portfolio that demonstrates professional beliefs, growth, and effective teaching practices from the Demonstration Teaching experience. The portfolio includes reflective essays (educational beliefs, professional growth, and collaboration with stakeholders) and professional artifacts (resume and artifacts with commentary on academic language, systems of student support, education technology, and professional communication with families) developed and acquired during Demonstration Teaching.

Teacher Performance Assessment in Elementary and Special Education

The Teacher Performance Assessment is a culmination of the wide variety of skills learned during your time in the Teachers College at WGU. In order to be a competent and independent classroom teacher, you will showcase a collection of your content, planning, instructional, and reflective skills in this professional assessment.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education, Obs 1 and 2

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education, Obs 3 and Midterm

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education, Obs 4 and 5

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education, Obs 6 and Final

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary and Special Education involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Cohort Seminar in Special Education

Cohort Seminar in Special Education provides mentoring and supports teacher candidates during their demonstration teaching period by providing weekly collaboration and instruction related to the demonstration teaching experience. It facilitates their demonstration of competence in becoming reflective practitioners, adhering to ethical standards, practicing inclusion in a diverse classroom, exploring community resources, building collegial and collaborative relationships with teachers, and considering leadership and supervisory skills.

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General Education

Mathematics for Elementary Educators I

Mathematics for Elementary Educators I guides preservice elementary teachers in an investigation of number systems, place value, number theory, and ratio and proportion. This is the first course in a three-course sequence.  There are no prerequisites for this course.

Mathematics for Elementary Educators II

Mathematics for Elementary Educators II engages preservice elementary school teachers in mathematical practices of algebraic reasoning. This course explores important algebraic topics such as patterns, expressions and equations, linear equations, inequalities, and functions. This is the second course in a three-course sequence. 

Mathematics for Elementary Educators III

Mathematics for Elementary Educators III engages preservice elementary teachers in important concepts in geometry, measurement, data analysis and statistics, and probability. This is the third course in a three-course sequence. 

English Composition I

English Composition I introduces candidates to the types of writing and thinking that are valued in college and beyond. Candidates will practice writing in several genres with emphasis placed on writing and revising academic arguments. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary. Composition I is a foundational course designed to help candidates prepare for success at the college level. There are no prerequisites for English Composition I.

Introduction to Humanities

This introductory humanities course allows candidates to practice essential writing, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to engage in civic and professional interactions as mature, informed adults. Whether through studying literature, visual and performing arts, or philosophy, all humanities courses stress the need to form reasoned, analytical, and articulate responses to cultural and creative works. Studying a wide variety of creative works allows candidates to more effectively enter the global community with a broad and enlightened perspective.

English Composition II

English Composition II introduces candidates to the types of research and writing that are valued in college and beyond. Candidates will practice writing, with emphasis placed on research, writing, and revising an academic argument. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary. Composition II is a foundational course designed to help candidates prepare for success at the college level. Composition I is the prerequisite for Composition II.

Survey of World History

Through a thematic approach, this course explores the history of human societies over 5,000 years. Candidates examine political and social structures, religious beliefs, economic systems, and patterns in trade, as well as many cultural attributes that came to distinguish different societies around the globe over time. Special attention is given to relationships between these societies and the way geographic and environmental factors influence human development.

Health, Fitness, and Wellness

Health, Fitness, and Wellness focuses on the importance and foundations of good health and physical fitness—particularly for children and adolescents—addressing health, nutrition, fitness, and substance use and abuse.

Introduction to Communication

This introductory communication course allows candidates to become familiar with the fundamental communication theories and practices necessary to engage in healthy professional and personal relationships. Candidates will survey human communication on multiple levels and critically apply the theoretical grounding of the course to interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public presentational contexts. The course also encourages candidates to consider the influence of language, perception, culture, and media on their daily communicative interactions. In addition to theory, candidates will engage in the application of effective communication skills through systematically preparing and delivering an oral presentation. By practicing these fundamental skills in human communication, candidates become more competent communicators as they develop more flexible, useful, and discriminatory communicative practices in a variety of contexts. Note: There are references within this video to Taskstream. If Taskstream is not part of your student experience, please disregard, and locate your task(s) within your course.

Survey of United States History

This course presents a broad and thematic survey of U.S. history from European colonization to the mid-twentieth century. Students will explore how historical events and major themes in American history have affected a diverse population.

Integrated Physical Sciences

This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical, everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.

American Politics and the US Constitution

American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

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General Science Content

Natural Science Lab

This course gives you an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. You will design and carry out an experiment to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data.

Introduction to Biology

This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the environment.

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Special Education

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education prepares candidates to practice within ethical and legal guidelines in day-to-day teaching, stakeholder interactions, and other complex situations. This course provides an overview of the professional ethics and standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which guide candidates to act in a professionally conscientious manner. Candidates will explore the legal foundations and case laws related to special education to gain understanding of how legislation influences teaching and learning. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Fundamentals of Diverse Learners OR Fundamentals of Diversity, Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners.

Behavioral Support Strategies for K-12 Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities

Behavioral Support Strategies for K–12 Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities prepares candidates to work effectively with students exhibiting behavior in the classroom that is below age and cultural norms. This course provides an overview of behavior disorders and their causes, as well as appropriate research-based intervention strategies, including positive behavior intervention and supports, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), applied behavior analysis, replacement behavior and reward strategies, culturally responsive practices, and data collection and assessment methods. After completing this course candidates emerge prepared to strategize and recommend adjustments to the learning environment that support positive behavior and student success in the classroom and beyond. This course also examines behavioral assessment and analysis, including the creation of functional behavior assessment (FBA) and the creation and monitoring of behavioral improvement plans (BIP) in an authentic learning environment. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Fundamentals of Diverse Learners or Fundamentals of Diversity Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners, Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education, and Managing Engaging Learning Environments or Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation.

Assessment in Special Education

Assessment in Special Education prepares candidates to use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions about the student and the learning environment. This course is designed to help provide an understanding of how assessment data is used during screening in multitiered systems of support (MTSS), the eligibility process, the evaluation process, progress monitoring, and data-based instructional decision making. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education and Assessing Impact on Student Learning OR Educational Assessment.

Collaborating with Partners for Student Success

Collaborating with Partners for Student Success prepares candidates to apply team processes and communication strategies to collaborate in a culturally responsive manner with families, paraeducators, and other professionals (within the school, other educational settings, and the community) to plan programs and access services for students with exceptionalities and their families. The course introduces ways to enhance parental involvement and family engagement while teaching families and students advocacy throughout the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition planning processes. This course also focuses on the components of the IEP and how the practice of effective communication and collaboration skills is key to the program's development and implementation. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that includes a simulated collaborative experience in which skills learned can be applied. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practices for Special Education OR Fundamentals of Diversity, Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners, and Assessment in Special Education.

Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities

Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities introduces candidates to a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance the learning of students with exceptionalities. The course focuses specifically on strategies for intensifying and individualizing instructional interventions; making instructional decisions based on progress-monitoring data; collaborating with general education teachers and paraeducators; teaching to mastery; promoting generalization of learning; and teaching students with exceptionalities how to use self-assessment, problem solving, and other cognitive strategies to organize critical content and meet their needs. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment course OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Special Education.

Instructional Strategies and Technologies for Elementary Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionali

Instructional Strategies and Technologies for Elementary Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities prepares candidates to use evidence-based instructional practices appropriate for elementary students receiving special education services. The course includes cognitive and metacognitive strategies that elementary students can use to acquire new content knowledge and generalize skills across learning environments. It also provides opportunities for candidates to incorporate intensive instructional strategies and practice making accommodations to elementary math and English language arts lesson plans based on learner characteristics, performance data, and individualized education program (IEP) goals. In addition to discussing how to make appropriate accommodations, the course teaches candidates how to assess student learning through progress monitoring and apply intensive interventions when warranted. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities.

Instructional Strategies and Technologies for Secondary Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalit

Instructional Strategies and Technologies for Secondary Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities prepares candidates to use evidence-based instructional practices appropriate for use with secondary students receiving special education services. Strategies taught in this course focus on intensive instruction and making accommodations to secondary lesson plans in order to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance acquisition of age-appropriate secondary content across academic disciplines. This course also promotes the achievement of Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition goals for independent living and career preparation through demonstration of strategies that increase students' self-awareness, self-regulation, self-management, self-control, and self-esteem. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities.

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Elementary Education Methods

Elementary Science Methods

Elementary Science Methods helps students learn how to implement effective science instruction in the elementary classroom. Topics include processes of science, science inquiry, science learning environments, instructional strategies for science, differentiating instruction for science, assessing science understanding, technology for science instruction, standards-based science instruction, integrating science across the curriculum, and science beyond the classroom. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Elementary Reading Methods and Interventions

Elementary Reading Methods and Interventions provides candidates with an in-depth look at best practices for developing reading and writing skills. Course content examines the stages of literacy development, balanced literacy approaches, differentiation, technology integration, literacy assessment, and the comprehensive response to intervention (RTI) model used to identify and address the needs of learners who struggle with reading comprehension. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Language Arts Instruction and Intervention

Language Arts Instruction and Intervention helps students learn how to implement effective language arts instruction and intervention in the elementary classroom. Topics include written and spoken English, expanding students' knowledge, literature rich environments, differentiated instruction, technology for reading and writing, assessment strategies for reading and writing, and strategies for developing academic language. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Elementary Physical Education and Health Methods

Elementary Physical Education and Health Methods helps students learn how to implement effective physical and health education instruction in the elementary classroom. Topics include healthy lifestyles, student safety, student nutrition, physical education, differentiated instruction for physical and health education, physical education across the curriculum, and public policy in health and physical education. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Elementary Disciplinary Literacy

Elementary Disciplinary Literacy examines teaching strategies designed to help learners in grades K–6 develop the literacy skills necessary to read, write, and think critically while engaging content in different academic disciplines. Course content highlights strategies to help learners distinguish between the unique characteristics of informational texts while improving comprehension and writing proficiency across the curriculum. Strategies to encourage inquiry and cultivate skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity also are addressed. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Elementary Social Studies Methods

Elementary Social Studies Methods helps students learn how to implement effective social studies instruction in the elementary classroom. Topics include social studies themes, promoting cultural diversity, integrated social studies across the curriculum, social studies learning environments, assessing social studies understanding, differentiated instruction for social studies, technology for social studies instruction, and standards-based social studies instruction. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Methods

Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Methods helps students learn how to implement effective visual and performing arts instruction in the elementary classroom. Topics include integrating arts across the curriculum, music education, visual arts, dance and movement, dramatic arts, differentiating instruction for visual and performing arts, and promoting cultural diversity through visual and performing arts instruction. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Children’s Literature

Children's Literature is an introduction to and exploration of children's literature. Students will consider and analyze children's literature as a lens through which to view the world. Students will experience multiple genres, historical perspectives, cultural representations, and current applications in the field of children's literature. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

Elementary Mathematics Methods

Elementary Mathematics Methods helps students learn how to implement effective math instruction in the elementary classroom. Topics include differentiated math instruction, mathematical communication, mathematical tools for instruction, assessing math understanding, integrating math across the curriculum, critical thinking development, standards-based mathematics instruction, and mathematical models and representation. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary or Special Education.

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Pre-Clinical Experiences

Preclinical Experiences in Elementary and Special Education

Preclinical Experiences in Elementary and Special Education provides students the opportunity to observe and participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences in order to develop the skills and confidence necessary to be an effective teacher. Students will reflect on and document the 75 hours of in-classroom observation and experience in their performance assessments. Prior to entering the classroom for the observations, students will be required to meet several requirements including a cleared background check, passing scores on the state or WGU required basic skills exam and a completed resume.
Plan to work hard: Program requirements and expectations.
The B.A. Special Education and Elementary Education program is a mostly online program, with some in-classroom requirements. You will complete your courses by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 12 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units.)

The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, who can explain requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.

Request info from an Enrollment Counselor.
Download the Program Guide.

State-specific licensure requirements: Each state in the U.S. has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree program at WGU. Teacher licensure requirements vary depending on state laws and may include a number of factors, such as:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program

Submission of transcripts

Completion and clearance of a background check

Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests

Learn more about your path to teacher licensure.
Special requirements for this program.

Preclinical Experiences. Participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences through at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation.

Demonstration Teaching. To help you prepare to work in classrooms, this program includes a student teaching component (we call it Demonstration Teaching, or DT). DT is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks during which you will be hosted by an experienced teacher and observed by a Clinical Supervisor. Your host teacher will evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards. Learn more.

Professional Portfolio. Your portfolio will include your resume and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and Demonstration Teaching.
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Top-quality curriculum developed with guidance from industry leaders and academic experts.

To ensure our degree programs are consistent with the needs and demands of today’s workplace, we develop our courses with input from councils of nationally recognized experts. These council members offer guidance on key competencies to be expected from successful WGU graduates.
A different way to learn: Degree programs designed to fit your life—and all the demands on your time.

At WGU, we understand that you’ve got professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a flexible approach to higher education. You’ll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Expect to be challenged, to work hard, and to put in the hours needed. But WGU enables you to complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.

"For nontraditional students who have jobs, who have families, it is an excellent way to go. I had every bit of support I needed. I think WGU has every advantage." Genevieve Prahasto
B.A. Special Education (K–12)

Designed for aspiring special-ed teachers.

Whether you’re a para-educator, you're changing careers, or you're just getting started on the path to teaching, WGU’s B.A. Special Education and Elementary Education degree program is ideal for anyone ready to become a special-ed teacher with the flexibility to teach elementary ed. You’ll build solid professional credentials designed to prepare you for career growth and advancement.

WGU degree programs are specifically designed for working adults. This program is affordable (with no hidden fees), do-able (study whenever and wherever you can), and practical (coursework is current and relevant, leading to licensure).

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

How it helps you

Efficient

Save time and money by focusing efforts where they matter most.

How much do you already know? How fast can you learn? WGU’s adult students come from different professional backgrounds with varying levels of knowledge and experience. Competency-based education allows you to take the most efficient path to complete your studies.

Flexible

Learn on your own terms.

What works best for you? No two students are alike—especially working adult students. Students come to school knowing different things, they learn at different speeds, and they have different amounts of time to spend studying. Competency-based education lets you prioritize where to spend your valuable time. While you will be required to maintain a base level of consistent progress through your program, WGU is designed to empower you to maximize your personal schedule by allowing you to build a study plan that fits into your life—not one that requires you to rearrange it.

Relevant

Feel confident knowing you’re learning real-world skills.

Will employers recognize your skills? Employers look for candidates who measure up to the demands of today’s diverse classroom environments. WGU maintains close ties to established education leaders, and we incorporate their firsthand perspective into our industry-relevant curriculum.

Finish courses by proving what you know, when you’re ready.

With competency-based education at WGU, success is measured by actual learning, not class time. You advance by demonstrating that you've mastered the course subject matter—whether you learned it through your study at WGU or picked up that knowledge through years of work experience.

Your progress through a course is driven by you.

How quickly you learn

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The time you devote to studying

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How much previous knowledge you bring

Your experience pays at WGU.

Why start from square one when you could already be well on your way to a degree?

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A special education degree opens doors to your own classroom and beyond.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment of special education teachers in the United States to grow by more than 14,000 from 2019 to 2029. Once you have completed your B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education, you'll be ready to fill this needed role in your school district. With your new skills, knowledge, and in-classroom experience, you will be set up for a rewarding teaching career.

The number of teaching positions for all special education teachers in the United States is expected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
WGU has alumni teaching in schools across the country.

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
Inclusionary K–12 classrooms

Middle/junior high schools

High schools

Private and charter schools
An impressive class of graduates.

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:
Gates Millennium Scholars

Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology

Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award

Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award

Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
Explore teaching careers.

Get info on a special-ed teacher's salary, job outlook, work environment, and more.

More about careers
WGU is a university committed to producing successful grads.

The ultimate test of your degree's value is whether it helps you become an outstanding employee and advance your career. Our happy grads—and their happy employers—confirm that WGU is the path to that kind of degree.
Happy employers

Happy grads

They're Prepared.

Employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.

They Perform.

Employers rated WGU graduates' job performance as very good or excellent.

They Wow.

Employers said their WGU graduates have exceeded their expectations.

They're Confident.

Graduates said the majority of their coursework was related to their jobs.

They're Working.

Graduates are working full-time.

They're Satisfied.

Graduates said their degrees were worth the cost of their education.

Source: 2018 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers; 2018 Harris Poll Online survey of 1,374 new college graduates nationwide compared with survey of 1,147 WGU graduates; Gallup-Purdue Index 2018
“My degree from WGU has allowed me to help both special-needs students and their families, and I've felt well prepared since day one on the job.” Miranda Good
B.A. Special Education (K–12)

Close the gap between you and your dreams.

Online degree programs start every month.

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Your bachelor's degree is attainable—start by applying for admission today.

Next Possible Start

Start dates are the 1st of every month. Meet requirements by the 15th to start next month. Discuss steps and deadlines with your Enrollment Counselor.
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Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
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Get your questions answered and take the next step: Talk to an Enrollment Counselor.

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Your Enrollment Counselor is there to help you make an informed decision.
The first step toward change can be the hardest—we get it. Your "welcoming committee" at WGU is made up of Enrollment Counselors, Admissions Specialists, and faculty members. Your initial interactions at WGU will be guided by an Enrollment Counselor who specializes in the programs you're interested in.

Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need:

Get your cost and admissions criteria questions answered.

Assess WGU's fit with your career goals.

Get started toward enrollment!

Contact an Enrollment Counselor.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.
Admission requirements unique to this degree.

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Demonstration Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.

View general admissions requirements

Making an informed admission decision.

WGU seeks to admit individuals who have the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program … and graduate. The admission process is designed to help you and the university reach an informed decision about your likelihood of success.

At WGU we want you to graduate, not just enroll. Consequently, not every applicant is admitted because not every individual has the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program.
Common questions on this program:
What grades will I be able to teach?

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

How long is Demonstration (student) Teaching?

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Demonstration Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. DT is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

How do I set up my Demonstration Teaching?

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through their Demonstration Teaching.

Can I use my own classroom for the Demonstration Teaching placement?

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Will this program lead to a teaching license in my state?

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

Is special education a good major?

A degree in special education can help ensure you are uniquely qualified to work with all kinds of learners, especially those who need additional help and support in the classroom. A special education degree program is a great option if you have a passion for helping unique learners.

What major do you need to be a special education teacher?

If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, you'll likely need a degree in special education. This degree will give you specific skills and training to work with unique learners in a variety of classroom settings. It will also prepare you for specific special education teaching licensure.
How do I get certified in special education?

Each state has unique requirements for getting certified in special education teaching. For most states you'll be required to:

Earn a bachelor's degree in special education

Do student teaching inside a classroom

Pass state licensing exams

Pass a background check
What does it mean to be in special education?

Special education is a classroom setting designed to help students with disabilities be able to learn.
Programs begin the 1st of any month.

New students can begin their first term at the beginning of any month. So you can start when you’re ready, rather than rushing (or waiting) for fall or spring enrollment. There's no need to wait!

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School can fit into your life—start now toward the future you want.

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