Program Overview
Special Education
Program Type
B.S.
Est. Time to Complete
4 Years
School
School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Delivery Mode
On Campus
Earn your teaching certificate and support students with special needs.
Every student is unique. Sometimes, these individual differences require the care and attention of a compassionate professional. As an educator trained at York College of Pennsylvania, you develop the skills to meet these students where they’re at and support their academic growth.
Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Special Education degree program (PreK-grade 12) empowers you to teach special needs students in both separate and inclusive learning environments. We go beyond traditional instruction, offering you support through faculty mentorship, classroom experiences, and guidance from a special education teacher in a local district.
About the Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Key Courses
Requirements
York College’s holistic Special Education degree program curriculum combines foundational education courses with general education classes and electives. This curriculum helps you develop the knowledge and competencies to teach students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Through classes covering literacy and language, teaching instruction, methodology, and educational technology, you deepen your understanding and appreciation of individual learner differences. Ultimately, our comprehensive curriculum ensures you can provide the best support to a diverse population of students.
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education 4+1 Program
As a Special Education major, you may pursue the 4+1 B.S. and M.Ed. program. This opportunity allows you to earn both a bachelor's degree in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis in as few as five years, saving you time and helping you reach your goals faster.
Career Opportunities & Benefits
Career Preparation
York College thoroughly prepares you for a career in the field by providing you with a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and specialized skills.
Through your studies as a Special Education major, you gain an in-depth understanding of various types of disabilities, including learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. This knowledge is crucial for recognizing and addressing the unique educational needs of each student.
You can enter the workforce as a special education teacher, intervention specialist, or in other related roles in which you can make a positive impact on the lives of students. Moreover, real-world experience in the classroom and guidance from our Career Development Center helps ensure you successfully forge your professional path after graduation.
Special Ed Teacher Salary Outlook
The demand for educators who can effectively manage a classroom and engage with students of varying abilities remains steady. While the national median annual salary is $65,910, the earning potential for special education teachers is $83,630 in Pennsylvania — much higher than in many other states.
Internships & Work Experience
Field Experiences & Student Teaching
One of the best ways to learn is to put your knowledge into practice in a real-world setting. During your time in the Special Education program, you can do just that. Field experiences begin as early as your sophomore year, and you complete 12 credits of student teaching during the spring semester of your senior year.
Mentorship & Community
Learn From Experts in Education
The dedicated professors at York College and the experienced clinical supervisors you meet during your student teaching semester are pivotal in your journey as a Special Education major. These professionals impart knowledge and offer mentorship throughout your coursework and field experiences.
Connect With Local Schools and Organizations
York College of Pennsylvania maintains strong connections within the educational landscape, encompassing a broad spectrum of schools, including public, charter, and various educational organizations dedicated to community outreach and technology.
This network benefits current students and alums of the B.A. in Special Education degree program, providing invaluable links to educational institutions in the area. These connections are a solid foundation for student teaching roles, career opportunities, and academic pursuits.
Clubs and Professional Organizations
In addition to student teaching, students in the Special Education program have many unique opportunities to broaden their learning beyond the classroom. Engaging with student organizations and clubs such as the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Psychology Club enriches a focus on advocacy, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement.
High-Demand Skills
Skills You Develop as a Special Education Major
Earning a bachelor's degree in Special Education at York College equips you with a wide range of abilities applicable to many educational settings. These abilities enable you to become an effective teacher who supports the academic, social, and emotional development of students with special needs.
With a Special Education degree from York, you possess critical competencies in:
- Instructional strategy, design, and implementation
- Educational pedagogy and methodology
- Behavior management
- Assessment and evaluation
- Differentiated instruction
- Collaboration and communication
- Knowledge of different types of disabilities, their characteristics, impacts, and strategies for support
Special Education Courses
Our curriculum is comprehensive, building the foundational knowledge that empowers you to go beyond the basics and holistically support your students.
Course Name | Course Code | Credits
- Foundations of Education | EDU 200 | 3 Credits
- Early Field Experience | SPE 201 | 2 Credits
- Diagnostic Reading and Instruction | ECH 310 | 3 Credits
- Evidence Based Instruction for Students with High Incidence Disabilities | SPE 303 | 3 Credits
- Transitions and Career Development in Special Education | SPE 351 | 3 Credits
Careers in Special Education
With a Special Education degree from York, you can lead in the education field, including as a:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- Education Advisor for a Government Agency
- Transition Coach
Meet the Faculty
- Molly E. Milam, Ph.D., BCBA-D
- Associate Professor of Education
- Director, Graduate and Professional Programs
- School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
- Kimberly Kode Sutton, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
- Chair, Department of Education
- School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Related Programs
- Early Elementary Special Education
- In this dual program at York College, you’ll complete a double major in Early Elementary Education and Special Education. As you learn about educational theory and gain hands-on practice, you’ll develop an appreciation for the differences your future students may bring to the classroom. And you’ll build the skills needed to support each of them, including those with special needs and English language learners.
- Middle Level Education
- As a Middle Level Education major at York College, you graduate professionally certified to teach grades 4-8 and have the opportunity to specialize in a core subject: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Science. Relationships with faculty and experience working in real schools establish your confidence in educating and managing your own classroom.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (M.Ed.)
- York College offers a 4+1 program, allowing you to graduate with both a bachelor's degree in Special Education and a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in as few as five years.
- YCP's online Master of Education (MEd) degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) prepares you with the skills and training to effectively address the different learning needs of all students. Using an evidence-based therapeutic approach and established ABA principles, you'll gain real-world experience and complete a verified course sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.