About Special Education Degrees

The Special Education Combined License prepares you to teach students in any K-12 special education setting. This is a high- need area with excellent job prospects throughout Utah and other states. 

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Explore Our Special Education Degrees

Mar 1st for fall
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Special Education - Mild/Moderate/Severe, B.S.

The Special Education Combined License prepares you to teach students in any K-12 special education setting. This is a high- need area with excellent job prospects throughout Utah and other states.  

Why Choose Special Education at UVU?

Career-Ready Training

Gain hands-on classroom experience through early field placements, student teaching, and real-world lesson planning.

Stackable Credentials

Seamlessly progress from initial licensure to advanced endorsements, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced educators and school leaders dedicated to mentoring the next generation of teachers.

UVU’s School of Education provided me with the opportunity to pursue my special education degree, which certified me to work in a variety of school settings and with different students. I love that I was able to develop personal relationships with professors like Dr. Odongo and Professor Burton, and value the mentoring and education they provided to me and my peers. I was provided with practical experiences every semester in local school districts to actively apply teaching principles I was taught and learn from working individuals in the field of education. I would recommend UVU School of Education’s unique special education degree because it has allowed me to achieve my personal teaching philosophy, network with local school districts, and fulfill my dream of working with students with disabilities.
 
- Amberly Nielsen, Senior, Special Education

Faculty and Staff

UVU’s special education facultycombineyears ofteacher educationand K-12 special educationexperience to prepare you to becomea special education teacher.

Explore: Education Faculty and Staff

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School of Education advisors

Advisors

Advisors in the School of Education foster an inclusive partnership empowering students by co-creating clear plans for success. Through personalized guidance and connections to campus resources, advisors help students overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the self-direction they need to succeed in their future careers in education.

Explore: Education Advisors

Career opportunities with a special education degree

Licensure in Special Education opens up the following opportunities:

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

Be a Elementary School Teacher

Inspire young learners by creating engaging classroom experiences that build strong academic and social foundations.

Be a Special Education Teacher

Empower students with diverse learning needs through individualized instruction and meaningful support.

Be a Early Childhood Center Director

Guide nurturing, high‑quality early learning environments through effective leadership and program oversight.

Be a Instructional Coach

Elevate teaching quality by mentoring educators and supporting effective classroom practices across a school.

Be a Educational Administrator

Lead schools and programs with vision, collaboration, and a commitment to high‑quality learning for all students.

Be a Curriculum Specialist

Shape learning outcomes by designing and refining curriculum materials that bring instructional goals to life.

Be a Education Consultant/Specialist

Support schools and organizations by providing expert guidance that enhances instruction, programs, and student success.

Be a Corporate Trainer

Facilitate professional growth in business settings by designing and delivering impactful learning experiences for adult learners.

Be a Nonprofit Youth Program Director

Strengthen community impact by leading programs that support youth development, enrichment, and educational opportunity.

12%

of the Top 50 Most Affordable Elementary Education Programs in the Nation


24%

of our Elementary Education students are First Gen students

Median Salary for Utah K–6 Teachers: $58,200

Student Resources

UVU offers a wide range of student resources designed to support your success, from academic advising and tutoring to wellness services, accessibility support, and personalized guidance through the Student Success Center. Whether you’re exploring programs in the School of Education or navigating your academic journey, these resources connect you with the tools, support systems, and campus experts that help you thrive at every step.

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Need Credentials? We've Got You Covered

UVU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing that our programs prepare effective, continuously growing educators and meet rigorous national standards. This accreditation affirms UVU’s strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and high‑impact teaching practices that support future educators in building meaningful, well‑prepared careers. As a UVU School of Education student, you can be confident that your training meets the highest professional benchmarks and is designed to help you thrive in today’s dynamic educational landscape.

Learn about: Accreditation

Start Your Special Ed Journey

Take the first step toward teaching and inspiring students with hands-on, practice-based training.

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