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Bachelor of Science

Special Education K-12 Generalist (B.S.)

The Special Education program prepares students to work with individuals with special needs from kindergarten through age 21. Teacher candidates will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of skills during multiple supervised practicum teaching experiences within partnered schools before beginning their student teaching experience.
Special Education K-12 students have a discussion in class.

Special Education K-12 Introduction

Teacher candidates entering the Special Education K–12 program gain real-world preparation for their career through the following:

  • Obtaining excellent applied training in working with children with exceptionalities in the school setting grades K–12.
  • Learning to access student needs using a variety of assessment tools
  • Gaining abilities and practice in planning and delivering instruction for a wide range of learners
  • Learning to collaborate with peers, mentors, parents, service providers, etc.
  • Receiving knowledge and training in preparation for graduate school in a variety of fields including occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, etc.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in becoming a Special Education K-12 Generalist, start with one of the following major-specific courses
April 30, 2026 02:02 PM
EDCOR 200
April 08, 2026 01:25 PM
CHILD 210
April 30, 2026 02:05 PM
PSYCH 361
April 08, 2026 01:33 PM
SPED 380
April 08, 2026 01:31 PM
ECSE 421
April 30, 2026 02:04 PM
SPED 441
See Example Class Plan

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

Watch expert advice on how to succeed in this major + career options

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Special Education K-12 Generalist have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates from this program are in high demand across public and charter school districts with average starting salaries ranging from $45,000 to $58,000. Your specialized expertise as an intervention specialist or transition coordinator provides a stable career path with additional earning potential in residential treatment facilities and private educational consulting.

Common Career Paths

You will be qualified to lead K 12 classrooms as a special education teacher specializing in resource rooms or inclusive life skills programs. Through five hands on practicum experiences, you will master the ability to design tailored curriculum and manage classroom behavior to support the unique needs of every student.

Preparation for Grad School

This major provides a rigorous foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees in school psychology, educational leadership, or speech and language disorders. You will graduate with the clinical observation skills and academic preparation required to excel in specialized master's programs for behavior analysis and school counseling.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Special Education
You will learn to leverage artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to differentiate instruction and create accessible materials that augment learning for diverse students. Our curriculum prepares you to use AI to generate intervention activities and enhance assistive technology capabilities while ensuring every modification respects the dignity of the individual learner.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

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