Undergraduate (BS)

At an undergraduate level, the Department offers a B.S. degree in Special Education. It is the largest Special Education Licensure program among universities and colleges in Utah. The mission of the program is to prepare teachers in one of three areas:
1) teachers of students with Mild/Moderate disabilities:
2) teachers of students with Severe disabilities:
3) teachers of young children with disabilities (Early Childhood).

Completion of the Mild/Moderate or Severe emphasis areas allows graduates to teach students with disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12). Completion of the Early Childhood emphasis areas qualifies graduates to teach children with disabilities from birth to five.

The Program produces teachers of the highest quality who meet the national knowledge and skill standards described by the Council for Exceptional Children. Our goal is to produce teachers with state-of-art knowledge and skills who are committed to engaging in professional activities that benefit individuals with exceptional learning needs and their families.

Students may also certify as dual teaching majors. That is, in addition to a K-12 certification in Special Education they may also certify to teach:

• Elementary education


• Preschool special education
• Secondary education

The undergraduate program combines didactic courses with practica. This provides a variety of first-hand classroom experience with students of all ages and abilities. It also enables graduates to practice different teaching techniques in several subjects.

1. Candidates will conduct instructional and other professional activities consistent with a core knowledge base that includes the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of Special Education.
2. Candidates will acquire knowledge of the similarities and differences among the cognitive, physical, cultural, social, and emotional needs of individuals with and without exceptional learning needs.
3. Candidates will demonstrate an in depth understanding of the assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
4. Candidates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the development and implementation of instructional programs for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
5. Candidates will demonstrate how to plan and manage a learning environment that utilizes research-based practice for teaching and management.
6. Candidates will apply the appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and procedural safeguards needed when managing student behavior and developing programs to meet the social of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
7. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of and, as needed, demonstrate strategies for collaborating with students, families, school and community personnel in designing and implementing programs for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
8. Candidates will demonstrate professionalism in their interactions with faculty and school personnel, and, as a part of their preparation program, engage in professional activities.