Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Cultivate inclusive learning environments for everyone. With an increased awareness of different learning styles, special education teachers are in high demand.
Inspire diverse learners by earning your Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Michigan-Flint.
- Gain foundational knowledge and pedagogical skills to work with K-12 students with disabilities
- Apply core theory into practice while immersed in the classroom during 600 hours of field experience
- Select from three endorsements, focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, or Emotional Impairment
Accreditation
UM-Flint’s teacher education programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation to offer programs in elementary education, early childhood education, selected secondary education programs, and selected programs that prepare teachers for teaching in all grades.
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Why major in Special Education at UM-Flint?
Gain real-world experience
You’ll complete 600 hours of fieldwork throughout the program, immersing yourself in the classroom environment.
Enjoy flexible learning options
Learn how to work across and within disability categories during part-time, full-time, and even early-college enrollment opportunities for qualified high school students.
Streamlined pathway to certification & endorsements
With a focus on career growth and professional preparedness, this program will guide you to successful teacher certification complemented by essential endorsements.
Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!
UM-Flint students are automatically considered for the Go Blue Guarantee upon admission, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.
Curriculum Overview
Promoting a dynamic learning experience, UM-Flint’s BS in Special Education curriculum takes an integrative approach to prepare you to work with children with and at risk for disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Phase I: Focus
Select two courses exploring topics such as literacy, technology, or techniques for working in area schools.
Phase II: Practical Training
Your courses will be complemented by 180 hours of fieldwork, during which you’ll be placed in a local school one day per week.
Phase III: Methodology & Field Experience
Refine your pedagogical skills and deepen your content and teaching methods. Complete 420 hours of field placement in local schools.
Endorsement Options
Choose from three unique endorsements to receive highly focused training in order to specialize your expertise. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, and Emotional Impairment endorsements help you develop skills to effectively assess and develop individualized teaching methods best suited to meet your students’ needs.
Career Outlook
With the expansion and evolution of the education system, there is an increased awareness of students’ academic, mental, and emotional needs. As a special education teacher, you play an integral role in improving the overall quality of education and demonstrate a strong commitment to providing holistic support to children.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about 37,800 new openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2034.
As of May 2024, the median annual wage for special education teachers was $64,270.
37,800
Job openings each year
$64,270
Median pay
559,500
Currently employed
Admission Requirements
Whether you’re a first-year student or a transfer student, we aim to keep the admissions process simple, saving you time and money. We accept applications on a rolling basis; however, we recommend submitting all application materials at least 1 month before you plan to start your first semester. Review our academic calendars to learn more.
When applying to UM-Flint’s BS in Special Education program, please submit the following:
- A completed online or paper application
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- Review UM-Flint’s complete undergraduate admission requirements.
Have questions about our admissions requirements or application process? Please contact our Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions.flint@umich.edu for more detailed information.
Academic Advisor
Scholarships for Special Education students
We’re committed to creating more funding opportunities so you can earn your U-M degree. While you may qualify for financial assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, you can also apply for UM-Flint scholarships dedicated to education major students. These include:
- Everett L. and Viola E. Bray Scholarship
- James H. and Sara Burnham Memorial Scholarship
- Kathryn Carl Education Scholarship
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Education and Human Services Scholarship
- Edward F. Gwiazdowski Scholarship
- Dale Edward Kildee Education Scholarship
- School of Education & Human Services Alumni Scholarship for Education
- Clarence and Arteka Sevillian Scholarship for Elementary Education Students
- Marian E. Wright Scholarship for Elementary Education Students
- Norma J. Wright-Kendall Scholarship for Elementary Education