The Elementary Special Education (SPEL) program is a unique program that provides students with training both in elementary education as well as special education methods and prepares graduates to be both special education teachers and general education teachers who have the knowledge and skills to work with students with diverse learning needs.
Students graduate from this program with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education earning teaching licensure in both Elementary (grades kindergarten-six) and Special Education (grade K-age 22).
Students can enter the program in their junior year after taking integrated curriculum and prerequisite courses in their freshman and sophomore years. The program is very transfer friendly with minimal prerequisites required. Upon graduation students will be in high demand given their unique training to work with students with a variety of learning needs.
Students take elementary and special education methods courses and participate in field experiences in both types of settings. They also gain experience working with students with and without disabilities including those with mild to severe/profound disabilities.
Courses are taught by both elementary and special education faculty. Students are combined with those from other majors in all of their courses providing a rich and diverse learning experience. In their final term, students will student teach in both special and general education settings at the elementary level.
Recommended Course Sequence
Explore course offerings for the Elementary Special Education Program in the 2026-2027 catalog. Please note that one unit of credit equals four semester hours.
Fall Term
- ENG 105 Composition I
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Spring Term
- EDU 104 Cultural Foundations of Education in the United States
- ENG 106 Composition II
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Fall Term
- EDU 223 Education of PK-12 Learners with Exceptionalities
- MTH 325 Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Spring Term
- EDU 311 Educational Psychology (prerequisites: ENG 106, EDU 104)
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Fall Term
- ELM 314 K-12 Literacy Instructional Strategies and Interventions
- ELM 341 Primary Classroom Methods in Elementary Mathematics, Science and Social Science
- SPE 300 Intro to Curriculum. Planning and Instruction
- SPE 338 Characteristics of Learners with Exceptionalities
- SPE 434 Curriculum, Assessment, Instructional Strategies for Learners with High Incidence Disabilities
Spring Term
- ELM 372 Methods and Materials for Literacy Learners in Diverse Intermediate and Middle-Level Classrooms
- ELM 382 Intermediate Classroom Methods in Elementary Mathematics, Science and Social Science
- SPE 350 Curriculum, Instruction and Assistive Technology
- SPE 438 Curriculum, Assessment, Instructional Strategies for Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
- TEL 317 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Learners
Fall Term
- SPE 435 The Learning Environment/Positive Behavior Support
- SPE 440 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
- SPE 442 Remediation, Understanding & Applying Mathematics
- SPE 450 Special Education Practicum: Collaboration and Professional Practice
Spring Term
- SPE 458 Student Teaching in Special Education
- ELM 451 Student Teaching in Elementary Education
Get Started
Completing Elementary Special Education Prerequisites at a Community College
Planning to complete the program’s prerequisites at a community college prior to transferring? Use the advising sheets below to determine which courses you need to enroll in at the community college of your choice so you are prepared to apply to the SPE program.