Bachelor of Science in Special Education

OVERVIEW

The Special Education major meets a critical need for teachers wishing to work with students with disabilities. Upon completion of this degree students will be certified to teach children with mild disabilities in grades K-12. They will also be able to consult with other teachers, parents and children.

Special Education continues to be a critical shortage area as designated by the Federal Government. Therefore, students who choose to teach in special education are eligible for total loan forgiveness. This makes a Special Education degree from Saint Joseph’s College individualized and affordable!

Students who become certified in special education at Saint Joseph’s College also complete the entire elementary education program. Regulations require special educators to not only collaborate with general education teachers, but to provide content instruction that is academically demanding and pedagogically sound. Therefore, this dual training provides greater accountability and allows  flexibility when seeking employment opportunities upon graduation.

At a Glance

  • Rigorous curriculum and on-site classroom experience ensures that students are prepared to handle the particular demands of special education.
  • Students can earn dual certification in special education and elementary education, making them more desirable hires to future employers.
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CURRICULUM

Full-time student teaching is the culminating event for seniors in education. This experience provides an extensive on-site, 15-week opportunity to work with a certified special educator and practice the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom setting. Additionally, students may elect to student teach for 7 weeks in elementary education and 8 weeks in special education to become dual certified.

SOME OF OUR FACULTY

Kathleen Clements
Kathleen ClementsChair, Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Teacher Education
EdD, Northcentral University, Arizona
MS, University of Houston, Clear Lake
BA, Boston College

Learn more about Kassy

Kevin Mahoney
Kevin MahoneyAssistant Professor
EdD, Northeastern University
MSED, Lesley University
BS, Providence College

Learn more about Kevin

Patricia Waters
Patricia WatersAssistant Professor of Education
PhD, University of Rochester
MS, Pace University
BA, University of Rochester

Learn more about Patricia

STUDENT STORIES

Ashley Hussey
Ashley HusseyClass of 2017
“The best thing about being a special education major and the education program is the experience that you get in the classroom through practicums and internships. They very much prepare us for student teaching and for becoming a teacher.”
Michaela Lothrop
Michaela LothropClass of 2018
“Special education chose me. I wanted to work with children who were misunderstood, or cast aside because they were not like other students. I hope in my career to help parents understand their child’s learning challenges and deficits and help fellow teachers bridge the learning gaps within their inclusionary rooms.”
Natalie Landry
Natalie LandryClass of 2018
“What makes the B.S. in Special Education program at Saint Joseph’s College different from other schools? Our professors not only teach us how to teach, they invest in their students and show us quality teaching. I’m proud to go to SJC!”

CAREER MOVES

Explore how to utilize a degree in special education and begin a rewarding career.

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