Education (Special Education), BEd
Launch your path to becoming a K-12 special education teacher through this program, a focused, efficient route that moves you toward the classroom in 90 rather than 120 credit hours.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Education (Special Education), BEd degree description
The 90-credit hour Bachelor of Education program with a concentration in special education offers you an affordable and high-quality pathway to becoming a K-12 special education teacher. Designed to reduce both time and cost compared to traditional 120-credit hour programs, this innovative degree maintains the same teacher certification requirements as traditional bachelor's degree programs, ensuring you have the rigorous academic preparation and professional readiness needed to support students with mild-to-moderate disabilities in inclusive and specialized learning environments. Through rigorous coursework and progressively intensive field experiences, you develop expertise in human development, learning differences and evidence-based instructional strategies.
Central emphases of the program are literacy and numeracy instruction for diverse learners. Coursework includes focused preparation in research-based systematic phonics and evidence-based reading instruction, equipping you to design and deliver differentiated lessons, apply assessment and intervention strategies, and support students with dyslexia and other learning needs. You also learn to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (commonly known as IEPs), integrate assistive and instructional technologies, and use data to guide decision-making. Professional preparation begins early in the program, as you engage in structured classroom experiences guided by experienced special education mentors. These experiences intensify, culminating in a full-time student teaching placement where you assume all responsibilities of a special education teacher.
You can graduate this program ready to create inclusive, supportive and adaptive learning environments that foster academic achievement, independence and social-emotional growth. Upon completion, you earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for an Arizona Standard Professional Mild/Moderate Disabilities Special Education Teaching Certificate (K-12), along with an endorsement in Structured English Immersion, PreK-12, from the Arizona Department of Education. To teach in Arizona public schools, you must also pass the appropriate state educator exams, including the National Evaluation Series or the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
ASU Sync
This program is also offered via ASU Sync for students at Arizona Western College and Gila Community College. ASU Sync enables you to attend live classes remotely via Zoom. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion in real time with faculty and peers. As an ASU Sync student, you must reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program due to state regulations and student teaching placement requirements.
If you have F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program. Students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status are not permitted to complete courses via Sync.
Arizona Western College and Gila Community College students should apply to the West Valley campus and meet with an academic advisor once admitted to schedule classes via ASU Sync.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can find more information about education benefits offered by VA at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Why specialize in special education at ASU?
Built for students who arrive with clear post-graduation goals and little appetite for clinical or exploratory detours, this program keeps your coursework purposeful from day one. As of April 2026, no other college of education in the U.S. offers a 90-credit degree program at the bachelor's level, making this a rare and streamlined choice.
Additional details
Enjoy the full breadth of ASU traditions and resources while connecting with the more intimate Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation community, where you find peers who share your passions and professional interests. Beyond the classroom, plenty of ways to get involved await, from community service and cultural and heritage events to fraternity and sorority life, intramural sports and fitness, Sun Devil traditions, Changemaker Central and much more.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| TEL 317 Instructional Thought and Action: Learning Environment and Management |
| TEL 318 Instructional Thought and Action: Assessment for Learning |
| SPE 321 Classroom and SPE Assessment |
| SPE 323 Effective Practices and Behavior Interventions: Supports for Exceptional Students |
| SPE 411 Special Education History and Law |
| SPE 423 Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Exceptional Needs |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Changing to this major from a 120-credit hour program may affect financial aid awards.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Because of climate change, geopolitical instability or economic factors, the United Nations and other institutions predict that migration will increase globally for the foreseeable future. Learners will migrate to new communities. Increasingly, educators will be asked to meet the needs of students who speak languages other than English and who bring a variety of cultures into classrooms and learning environments. Education students who participate in study abroad programs can prepare for this reality. By engaging in Global Education programs, students can expand their notion of normal schooling and deepen their understanding of how to foster inclusive and inspiring learning environments. Study abroad is possible in this program with careful planning in coordination with an academic advisor.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Professor | 5.9% | $99,080 | Learn more |
| Education Professor | 2.5% | $75,350 | Learn more |
| Elementary Special Education Teacher | -0.4% | $65,120 | Learn more |
| High School Special Education Teacher | -0.2% | $74,260 | Learn more |
| Instructional Specialist | 1.6% | $77,440 | Learn more |
| Kindergarten Special Education Teacher | -0.4% | $65,120 | Learn more |
| Middle School Special Education Teacher | -0.4% | $66,810 | Learn more |
| School Principal | -0.3% | $105,870 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Special Education Generalist | 1.9% | $76,580 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this special education concentration prepares you for
There is a critical market demand for special education teachers in Arizona and beyond. Graduates of this program are poised to find employment in any career that supports learners with disabilities. Common settings include community- and youth-serving organizations, higher education institutions and health-related organizations.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Division for Advancing Educator Preparation
|
AOB 300
ASUeducation@asu.edu
480-965-9995
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
