Special Education Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education
Shape the Lives of Your Students with an Elementary and Special Education Degree
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education and Special Education degree offered by Grand Canyon University is designed for future teachers interested in working with children in both the general education elementary and special education classroom setting. This dual degree program includes coursework that can prepare future educators to teach in elementary settings, as well as coursework that is required of special education teachers working with mild to moderate disabilities in the K-12 setting.
Both pedagogical knowledge and special education-specific content make up the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education degree. The program can prepare you to work with students in an elementary setting, as well as students with mild to moderate disabilities in K-12 settings, through implementing individualized educational plans to accommodate students’ various learning, behavioral and social needs. Through this robust licensure program, you can gain a well-rounded elementary education background.
Earn a Dual Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education Degree from GCU
Qualified elementary and special education teachers are valued, as diagnosis and identification for students with exceptionalities are being identified earlier.1 As a future teacher enrolled in this bachelor’s program at GCU, you have the opportunity to navigate the changing landscape of special education laws and procedures.
Support given by the knowledgeable GCU teaching staff within the elementary education and special education degree program can make this bachelor’s degree stand apart from others. Special education-specific courses are taught by faculty in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities and other physical and cognitive impairments.
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Skills You’ll Develop During an Elementary Education and Special Education Degree Program
Both elementary and special education teachers need a high level of knowledge when it comes to supporting their students. During this elementary education and special education degree program, you will learn about implementing best practices, including specialized instruction, modification and accommodations needed to advocate for and teach your students.
As a future educator in the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education degree program at GCU, you will study:
- Assessment
- Developmentally appropriate pedagogy
- Accommodation and modification strategies
- Classroom management
- Collaboration with general elementary education teachers (mainstreaming support)
- Adapting learning for the least restrictive environment
- Personalized learning strategies for student achievement
You will complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the elementary education and special education degree program. The first eight weeks of student teaching take place in a general education setting. The second eight weeks are completed in an inclusion classroom, resource room or self-contained classroom, serving students with mild to moderate disabilities. That student teaching experience must be done under the supervision of a certified special educator.
Upon graduation, you may qualify for a teaching certificate. Additional testing, practicum hours or experience may be required to attain elementary or special education teaching licensure.
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $455 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
Career Paths for Elementary and Special Education Teachers
Most elementary, middle and high schools are constantly looking for qualified elementary and special education teachers. With a bachelor’s in elementary education and special education, you may be able to find work as a:
- Special education teacher (preschool)
- Special education teacher (kindergarten)
- Special education teacher (elementary school)
- Special education teacher (middle school)
- Special education teacher (secondary school)
- Teaching assistant (special education)
Work Environments Where Elementary and Special Education Teachers Can Apply Their Skills
Elementary and special educators work in a variety of educational settings. These include school settings as well as in private educational programs. With this on-campus or online elementary and special education degree from GCU, you might work within:
- Elementary classrooms
- Middle or high school classrooms designated for students with exceptionalities
- Private education centers
- Social service agencies
- District offices
- Educational technology companies
Elementary students and students with exceptionalities deserve teachers with excellent pedagogical backgrounds to teach and advocate for them. If you are up for all the challenges and rewards that come along with being an elementary or special education teacher, then sign up for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education Degree at GCU today. Your future students are waiting.
Elementary Education and Special Education Degree FAQs
You will typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an education or special education focus to become a special education teacher. Along with a degree, you will also need to gain experience hours in the classroom. This may be included as part of your bachelor’s program and is required for certification. Lastly, you will need to review your specific state’s certification or licensure requirements needed to obtain licensure before you begin teaching. Requirements will vary by state and institution.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teachers have a median annual wage of $61,820 as of May 2021.2 While the number of months may vary depending on the type of organization you’re working in, a special education teacher typically will work a 10-month school year and have a two-month vacation in the summer.3 This can be appealing for those looking to stray away from a traditional year-round work schedule.
In an online program, you can gain knowledge and teaching skills needed to be a special education teacher through a format that is flexible for adult learners. Online bachelor’s programs are designed for those who may not be able to attend in-person classes but want to dedicate themselves to further career opportunities.
An online bachelor’s in special education degree can deliver the same curriculum as a traditional on-campus program. Accreditation is a key indicator of online program quality. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), so you can feel confident that your program delivers the highest standard of education. You can learn more about the College of Education accreditation by visiting its Accreditation page.
Aside from having an appropriate bachelor’s degree in special education, you will need valid licensure and credentials to become an SDC teacher. Requirements of SDC teacher positions may vary by state and may be reserved for more moderate to severe settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school level across the U.S. is highest in West Virginia, Louisiana, New Jersey and Kentucky, while states including California, Indiana, Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida rank at the lowest levels of special education teacher employment.4
If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022, Oct. 4). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Special Education Teachers Job Outlook. Retrieved on July 21, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Special Education Teachers as of May 2021, retrieved on July 6, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as special education teachers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 Retrieved from IResearchNet, Career Research, Special Education Teacher Career, in September 2022
4 Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021, 25- 2052 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School, in September 2022
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey how children and early adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. Teacher candidates explore the implications of growth and development for designing and implementing appropriate and challenging learning experiences. This survey of the theories and research related to how children and young adolescents grow and learn allows teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning experiences that take into consideration students' developmental levels, prior experiences, interests, and culture. Upon completion of this course, teacher candidates will have reflected on personal values and biases and established professional learning goals that reflect codes of ethics, professional standards practices, and relevant laws and policies related to the field of education. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Core Courses
Course Description
Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on learning theories to identify and design culturally responsive lessons and a variety of assessments that effectively engage and assess diverse learners. Teacher candidates will apply the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical development of children and young adolescents to design and modify instruction and a variety of assessments. Focus is placed on strategies that support learners in self-reflection, goal setting, and identifying quality work. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This is the first in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include set theory, functions, numeration systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, decimals, and percents, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates examine how to establish and maintain inclusive and collaborative learning environments that promote positive and safe relationships, active engagement, high expectations, and equity for all students. Teacher candidates focus on expanding students' ability to collaborate and communicate through multiple modes and forms of communication. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates study how to teach a diverse population of students by examining the foundations and dimensions of social justice in education, social constructs, privilege, prejudice, and oppression with the goal of becoming culturally competent educators.
Course Description
This is the second in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include elementary probability, data analysis, descriptive statistics, geometry of shapes in two and three dimensions, congruence and similarity, measurement, and geometric transformations, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MAT-150.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to investigate culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment procedures and tools. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge regarding the use of multiple methods of assessment and data-sources for eligibility and educational decisions for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Focus is placed on building effective partnerships with all stakeholders and applying ethical guidelines, legal policies, and effective conflict resolution strategies when determining eligibility for special education. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SPD-208.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. Collaboration with all stakeholders when designing literacy instruction to meet the needs of specific learners is examined. The science surrounding reading instruction is explored and put into practice with this foundational knowledge. Additionally, teacher candidates use a variety of data to reflect on teaching practices, inform instruction, and improve student learning. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: ELM-211.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine typical and atypical language development and associated disabilities and disorders. Emphasis is placed on creating appropriate, meaningful learning experience that support progression towards measurable outcomes and IEP goals. Teacher candidates investigate the use of various assistive technologies, modifications, and accommodations to support and enhance the communication and learning of students with exceptionalities and explore effective practices for modeling these for colleagues. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SPD-208.
Course Description
This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey professional ethical principles, professional practice standards, law and regulations that guide special educators. Teacher candidates examine how to advocate for the profession in a variety of ways, including collaborating with all stakeholders to support students’ needs in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and accommodating the general education curriculum to address the individual learning needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on creating a developmentally appropriate and least restrictive environment that includes effective routines and procedures for students with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MMS-300.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will build an evidence-based foundation for teaching science standards including research on the ways students learn science effectively through creating real-world connections that motivate students, promote cross-curricular skills and inquiry, and extend learning locally and globally. Teacher candidates will examine and implement inquiry-based instructional strategies for teaching science lessons about physical science, earth and space science, life science, and health that integrate the science standards and practices. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and digital literacy to promote learner development, achievement, and well-being. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: ELM-211.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students, including individuals with mild to moderate disabilities and other exceptionalities, to develop understanding and connections within the major concepts and procedures that define number and quantity, algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics and probability and to build higher-order skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. From this foundational knowledge, teacher candidates select, adapt, and use research-based methodologies and interventions in academic and specialized mathematics curricula to plan specially designed instruction that advances the learning of all students, including students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on using multiple assessments that ethically and equitably measure students' prior knowledge and growth and can be used to plan mathematics instruction. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-211.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine case management practices and strategies and a transition process that will lead to students meeting short and long-term goals. Legal and instructional requirements, analyzing data, and documentation of students’ progress as part of case management and transition planning are examined. Teacher candidates investigate collaboration with general education teachers and paraprofessionals, including when modifying the general education curriculum and planning specially designed instruction that meets the learning needs of students with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MMS-300.
Course Description
Teacher candidates analyze and evaluate data and behavioral interventions to determine how to create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive face-to-face and virtual learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination. Teacher candidates focus on behavior management, functional behavior assessments, adaptive behaviors, positive behavior interventions and supports, behavior improvement plans, and school-based systems of intervention for students with and without exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with general education teachers to meet the needs of all students in the inclusive classroom. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisites: ELM-251 and MMS-300.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore and modify a variety of instructional strategies and curriculum used to meet individualized listening, speaking, reading, and writing goals. Teacher candidates design instruction that is explicit and systematic, including flexible and focused grouping to support diverse learners, and provide students with exceptionalities with multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge and skills in English Language Arts. Emphasis is placed on supporting students’ face-to-face and virtual collaboration skills. In addition, disabilities, such as dyslexia, are reviewed to understand how they affect the acquisition of reading skills and how they vary in presentation and degree. Teacher candidates select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions in academic and specialized curricula to advance the learning, motivation, and engagement for all students, including those with mild to moderate disabilities, with attention focused on reading. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-316.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students to independently and collaboratively develop a deep understanding of the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the study of social studies. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on promoting elementary students' abilities to critically analyze and make informed decisions that consider multiple perspectives as citizens of a culturally diverse local and global society. Teacher candidates will integrate the performing and visual arts as primary media for communication, creativity, and engagement among elementary students. Additionally, advocacy for students, families, schools, and the community to strengthen the learning environment, promote student success, and demonstrate leadership is explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: ELM-211.
Course Description
Session A is the first of two 8-week sessions of the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course includes an 8-week full-time student teaching experience in a K-12 special education mild to moderate classroom where teacher candidates engage in experiences that include practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Performance Template related to special education services. The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
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* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.