Special Education PK-12 BS

Major: Special Education PK-12
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits:181.0
Co-op Options: No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.1001
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-2051; 25-2055; 25-2056; 20-2057; 25-2058

About the Program

Special educators are in a unique position to support diverse young learners to develop social, emotional, academic, and life skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The role of the special educator is challenging and rewarding and requires extensive knowledge and practical experience and insight into their learners’ unique abilities and challenges. Drexel’s BS in Special Education offers students the opportunity to develop professional knowledge and skills to assist these learners in a full- or part-time online option.

The courses address the Pennsylvania General Standards for Special Education and the competencies and standards outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Most courses include a fieldwork component that helps the student apply the skills and content learned in the classroom to real world educational environments. Clearances and field placement applications must be submitted before participating in coursework with classroom-based field components. 

The program requires that candidates have a B average (3.0 GPA) in content courses needed for teacher certification. These requirements must be satisfied for Drexel to recommend the candidates for teacher certification upon graduation and/or be considered to have completed the program. 

Additional Information

More information is available at the School of Education's website.

Admission Requirements

• HS Diploma or GED (in last 2 years) plus transcript
• SAT/ACT score no more than 5 years old

Degree Requirements

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

Program Level Outcomes

• Use multiple reliable and valid methods to assess student strengths and needs and make instructional recommendations based on assessment data. 
• Demonstrate collaborative partnerships with stakeholders (including educational team members, family members and students) in the development, implementation and assessment of individualized educational plans and goals. 
• Create and support inclusive learning environments where all learners are welcomed, challenged and held to high expectations. 
• Demonstrate competency with the legal requirements as well as ethical and professional standards that undergird the practice of Special Education. 
• Exhibit competence in selecting and executing evidence-based behavioral, instructional, and technology strategies to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities.