Grand Canyon University

This robust and specialized degree program is designed for any individual who seeks an elementary or cross-categorical teaching certificate to teach children with special needs in the K-12 setting.

Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.

Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences.

Teacher candidates must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. Teacher candidates must be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program. Eight weeks of student teaching is completed in a regular education setting and 8 weeks is completed in a resource room, self-contained class, or in a special school for students with disabilities. These special education settings must include at least 3 or more of the following disability categories: mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, physical/health impairments; and they must be completed with a certified special education teacher.

Graduates of this program are prepared to become effective educators in both regular education and special education settings, and to implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students' various learning, behavioral, and social needs.

Master of Education in Special Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).
Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers.
This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not seek a teaching certificate.
Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.
Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.
Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.
Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students' various learning needs.
Participants are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University should they wish to change to the Eligible version of the program prior to the posting of their degree.

Master of Education in Special Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).
Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers.
This cross-categorical degree program is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting, and who seek a teaching certificate. Participants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. In addition, participants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain current information about teacher credentialing programs.
Courses in this state and regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide teacher candidates through observational and practice-based experiences.
Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. The classroom setting must have at least 3 of the 5 following disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, mental retardation, physical impairment, and/or health impairment.
Participants must complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program with a certified special education teacher.
Graduates of the program are prepared to be effective special needs teachers who can implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning needs.

Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation).
Educational reforms and legislation regarding individuals with learning disabilities will contribute to an increased demand for Special Education Teachers with greater expertise and skills.
This next-level degree program is designed for any individual interested in advanced studies in special education who is currently certified to teach special education.
Courses in this regionally accredited program are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. The curriculum provides current best practice strategies for teaching special needs students, along with a broad range of relevant topics, including special education program development, inclusion and collaborative practices, and assistive technology. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences.
Participants must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to effectively work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning requirements of students with special needs.