Special Education Programs
The WSU Special Education Department offers 2 undergraduate majors and one minor.
If you want to be licensed in special education by the State of Minnesota, check out our undergraduate programs.
Majors
Students working towards one license can finish within 4 years, depending on their course load. If you decide to double major, it may take more than 4 years.
Once you’ve been admitted to the Teacher Education program, you’ll take Practicum A where you’ll work with K-12 students.
In this major, you’ll learn how to teach students with disabilities in K–grade 12, including kids with:
- developmental cognitive disabilities
- specific learning disabilities
- emotional and behavioral disorders
- autism spectrum disorders
See required courses for the Academic & Behavioral Strategist major.
Become a teacher for students with developmental cognitive disabilities in K–grade 12.
With this major, you’ll be able to give these students a quality education that meets their unique personal needs.
See required courses for the Developmental Disabilities major.
A transfer pathway major map (PDF) is available to help transfer students plan their courses to earn their Developmental Disabilities degree.
Minor
We also offer a Special Education minor that’s open to students across all majors.
You’ll learn about inclusive educational practices, behavior management strategies, and the laws and policies shaping special education.
This minor is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to support individuals with diverse learning needs.
This program will especially benefit future teachers from all disciplines and even related service majors—like social work, nursing, and criminal justice.
See required courses for the Special Education minor.