Special Education
Minor
About this program
The Minor in Special Education introduces you to the field of inclusive education and the experiences of students with disabilities. You’ll study developmental differences, teaching strategies, and laws that support access to learning. This program complements majors in fields like child development, psychology, liberal studies, and social work. It prepares you to work with diverse learners and gives you a foundation for careers or graduate study in education and related fields.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The Undergraduate Minor in Special Education gives you a clear introduction to the field. It is a strong fit if you are considering teaching or if you want practical skills for supporting diverse learners. Through required and elective courses you explore disability in society, inclusive education and social justice while building knowledge you can use in real settings.
The minor is designed to help you connect learning to action through options such as service learning and community engagement. You will finish with a solid foundation for work in education, human services and advocacy, plus a stronger base for graduate study if you choose that path.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills related to the application of 1) special education legislation/policy and related services, atypical and typical child development; 2) inclusive school practices, diversity in education, and ways to address inequity within school systems (e.g., Universal Design for Learning, capacity building, School-Wide Transformation); and 3) best practices within the field of special education including the use of evidence-based strategies and interventions, partnerships for family and communities, and cultural respectfulness.
- Understand the uniqueness of individuals with disabilities and apply the knowledge and skills related to working with those individuals by focusing on specific skill/topic/disability (e.g. American Sign Language, early intervention, positive behavior supports, autism spectrum, visual impairments, Deaf/ hard of hearing, young children at-risk and with disabilities).