B.S. Ed. in Special Education and Teaching

 
The B.S.Ed. in Special Education and Teaching prepares undergraduate students to serve as licensed special education teachers in K-12 schools. Students are engaged in academic and professional experiences that help them serve as educators and leaders in schools and community-based settings to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and adults with disabilities.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become licensed special education teachers who work with children with high incidence disabilities, including students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize children and youth academic, social, emotional and transition needs
• Apply classroom and behavior management, and social skills to students with diverse abilities and backgrounds
• Formulate effective and personalized/individualized instruction with their school leadership and instructional teams
• Consult and partner with parents, teachers and administrators to incorporate accommodations and transitions across the child’s educational program
• Teach reading and language, mathematics and other core content areas

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in public and private elementary, middle and high schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with particular focus in urban and high-need areas. Graduates will be capable of working with diverse learners and adapting instructional programs based on the needs of the students and clients. Learn more on our Licensure & Reciprocity page.

Program Highlights

• This program develops high-quality educators with expertise in inclusive public K-12 school environments. This program molds students into professionals who advocate for students to have access to the general curriculum in inclusive education settings.
• Eligible for license to teach in K-12th grade special education classrooms in Virginia upon successful completion of program
• Fulfill mission to mold critically reflective practitioners through:
  • Subject matter knowledge
  • Pedagogical knowledge
  • Data-driven knowledge
  • Knowledge about how people learn
  • Knowledge of differing cultures
  • Knowledge of social context of schooling

Practical Experience

Hands-on and field-based experience throughout the curriculum in all educational levels:

• Elementary school (SEDP 250)
• Middle school (SEDP 350)
• High school (SEDP 450)
• Internship (SEDP 499)
  *Each class requires a minimum of 30 hours where students develop and implement lessons plans in addition to participating in special education-related meetings — for example, an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become licensed special education teachers who work with children with high-incidence disabilities, including students with learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, autism, and intellectual disability.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize children and youth academic, social, emotional and transition needs
• Apply classroom and behavior management, and social skills to teaching students with diverse abilities and backgrounds
• Formulate effective and individualized instruction with their school leadership and instructional teams
• Consult and partner with parents, teachers and administrators to incorporate accommodations and transitions across the child’s educational program
• Teach reading and language, mathematics and other core content areas

VCU BULLETIN INFO

• B.S.Ed. in Special Education and Teaching

PROGRAM BASICS

How to apply: Choose your application type (transfer, freshman, or international)
Semester of entry: Fall, spring
Application deadlines for transfers: Fall, Mar. 15 (preferred); spring, Nov. 1. Rolling admissions all year for all terms.
Application deadlines for freshmen: Fall, Nov. 1 (scholarship consideration), Jan. 15 (regular decision); spring, Nov. 1.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Freshman requirements
• Transfer requirements
• International students
• Common application (freshmen)/VCU application (transfer applicants)​​

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO

• Licensure to program comparison chart

FINANCIAL AID

• VCU Financial Aid Website
• VCU Financial Aid Contact Page
• SOE Scholarships