Special Education

Overview

The Special Education program of the Utah State University is designed to develop and improve teaching skills in the classroom as well as to develop the skills of those who work with individuals with disabilities in community-based settings. Participants include school personnel and others involved in education-related activities across a variety of community, work, and clinical settings.

With the MEd, students can also receive an Administrative/Supervisory Concentration, and with the MS, students can opt to complete coursework that leads to national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

• MEd with Administrative/Supervisory Concentration: This is designed for individuals pursuing administrative or supervisory positions in the public school system. The program combines the special education focuses on refining school practices in instruction and management, legal requirements, and cultural and linguistic diversity with the knowledge and competencies of the Administrative/Supervisory Concentration program.
• MS with National Board Certified Behavior Analysis: This is a three-year MS sequence that prepares individuals as behavior specialists. Participants complete the coursework necessary to sit for the National Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam (individuals already possessing a master's degree can apply to take only BCBA-preparation courses). Students gain valuable clinical and research experience that strengthens their professional skills and prepares them for further graduate study.

The EdS is designed for advanced graduate students seeking instruction beyond a master’s degree. Programs are individually planned to address specific student needs.

Career Options

In the special education programs, teachers are trained to teach special education or general education students. They can choose to become:

• Classroom teachers

• Supervisors

• Mentors

Students in the MS program are also given the groundwork to pursue a doctoral degree, which gives them the opportunity to become professors or administrators in either higher education or at a state level.

With the Administrative/Supervisory License, students can serve in educational administrative positions as principals or superintendents.

With the National Board Certified Behavior Analysis qualification, students can become a certified behavior analyst and work in schools, clinics, or private practices.