Frequently Asked Questions

Mild/Moderate Special Education Distance Education Program

Program Questions

Q: How long will the program take?
A: This program includes 2 full years of special education coursework. Students are required to complete their professional education coursework prior to this 2 year commitment, which takes approximately 1/2 year to complete. Students must also fulfill the requirements for admission before being considered for admission and fulfill all of the additional graduation requirements (see requirements for admission) prior to graduating from the program.

Q: How often does the program start?
A: This program begins with professional education courses in January of the odd numbered years. Special Education coursework begins in the Fall of these years. The next cohort group will begin in January 2007.

Q: What special education programs are offered via distance education?
A: Utah State University's Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation offers a variety of licensure programs for distance education students. These include the Mild/Moderate Special Education Distance Education Program, the Collaborative Early Childhood Special Education Program (CECSEP), and Alternative Preparation Special Education Programs (Mild/Moderate and Severe). More information for these programs can be found on the prospective students page of this website.

Q: I already have a teaching degree and would like a special education endorsement. Do I have to complete all of the Mild/Moderate Special Education Program requirements?
A: This special education program is NOT an alternative preparation program. This program is an undergraduate special education program and students must complete all of the special education coursework in order to complete the program. Students will graduate from Utah State University with a B.S. degree in special education with an endorsement in teaching students with mild/moderate disabilities in grades K-12.

Q:  Can I get a severe teaching endorsement and/or license through your program?
A: No. Students who complete this program will receive a B.S. degree in special education with an endorsement in teaching students with mild/moderate disabilities in grades K-12.

Admissions & Applications

Q: What is the first thing I should do if I am interested in this program?
A: First, you should take a look at the admission page of this website and fill out an application for admission. You will also need to send all of your college transcripts to the program advisor (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial analysis of your application). The program advisor can then analyze your transcripts and determine where you stand in your preparation for applying to the program. 

Q: What are the minimum requirements for admission?
A: Information regarding admission can be found on the advisement and the requirements for admission pages of this website.

Q: When are applications and exams due?
A: Applications and exams must be completed before October 1 the year prior to the beginning of the program (applications for the 2007 program are due before October 1, 2006).

Q: Who do I need to contact about taking exams (writing, math, and CIL)?
A: Information regarding each exam can be found on the prospective students page of this website.

Q: If I apply to the special education program, have I automatically applied to Utah State University?
A: NO. The application for the special education program is separate from the application to USU. Students can send paperwork, information, and apply to the special education program at any time, but all students must apply and be accepted to Utah State University before admittance to the program (October 1 the year prior to the beginning of the program). Applications to USU can be found on their website at http://www.usu.edu/admissions . There is an application fee for applying to USU.

Q: When is the selection process completed for the upcoming program and when will I be notified of my status?
A: Selections are made in October after the application deadline. Students can expect to be notified of their standing by November 1.

Q: Can I earn college credit for my experience with students with disabilities?
A: The Special Education Department offers an Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) course, which will allow students to receive credit for time spent working with students with disabilities in a school setting. Students must spend 38 hours in a special education school setting for each university credit they enroll in. Students can NOT receive credit for previous experience or for experience in a general education classroom with students with disabilities. Please contact the program advisor if you would like to know how this course can fit into your program of study.

Q: When are classes taught?
A: A detailed schedule of course work can be found on the program scope and sequence page of this website.

Q: Where are classes offered?
A: Utah State University offers the Mild/Moderate Special Education degree through Distance Education at previously designated extension centers throughout Northern Utah. These extension centers include Brigham City, Davis/Ogden, Roosevelt, Salt Lake City, Tooele, Utah Valley State College, and Vernal. This program is not available at any other USU extension centers or outside of Utah.

Practica & Student Teaching

Q: If I am working in a school can I do my practica and student teaching at my school?
A: No. Practica students are not permitted to coordinate their own practica placements. Students are required to leave their current teaching placements for one hour each day to go to their practica sites and for a full day each day for the semester they student teach. Students must teach in both secondary and elementary placements during their practica and student teaching experiences.

Q: Can I do practica and student teaching on the job?
A: No. Your district will be supportive of you leaving your teaching placement for your practica and student teaching experiences. We highly recommend that students leave their current teaching assignment for their student teaching experience. Internships are rarely accepted and students who apply must meet rigorous requirements. Of those students who meet these rigorous requirements and are accepted for internships, 75% fail student teaching.

Utah State University
Mild/Moderate Special Education Distance Education Program
2865 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-2865
Phone: 435.797.7575 Fax: 435.797.3572