Skip to main content
Majors
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
  • Home
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
Majors
  • Home
Bachelor of Science

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

Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education
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.
Learn More About the Special Education K-12 Generalist Program
Request more information about the Special Education K-12 Generalist program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information
Get Involved

Special Education K-12 Introduction

This program prepares students to complete their teacher licensure directly, without needing a separate certification program afterward. You will learn how to be an effective teacher by mastering a variety of skills, including how to:

  • Access student needs 
  • Plan and deliver instruction 
  • Use assistive technology 
  • Collaborate with parents and other teachers 
  • Understand special education law 

What you learn in this program is more than how to teach a lesson; you are making a profound difference in the lives of students by helping them learn and grow during their years in school.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in becoming a Special Education K-12 Generalist, start with one of the following major-specific courses
Teaching as a Profession
April 30, 2026 02:02 PM
EDCOR 200
See Course Details
Child Development
April 08, 2026 01:25 PM
CHILD 210
See Course Details
Elementary Education Motivation and Classroom Leadership
April 30, 2026 02:04 PM
ED 246
Get Involved
Educational Psychology and Human Development
April 09, 2026 10:11 AM
EDCOR 310
See Course Details
Principles of Behavioral Learning
April 30, 2026 02:05 PM
PSYCH 361
Get Involved
Legal Issues
April 08, 2026 01:33 PM
SPED 380
Get Involved
Family and Community Relationships
April 08, 2026 01:31 PM
ECSE 421
Get Involved
Students with Severe Disabilities
April 30, 2026 02:04 PM
SPED 441
Get Involved
4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
Get Involved
See all required courses

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.

Learn more about AI in Academics
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

A student teacher engages with young children while a supervisor looks on
Early Childhood Education / Early Childhood Special Education (B.A.)
Teach and nurture young children’s grown and learning in the classroom and home settings.
Get Involved
An early education student talks with her professor and classmates.
Elementary Education (B.S.)
Teach fundamental subjects to young students, grades K-6.
Get Involved
A home and family student plays with a young girl.
Child Development (B.S.)
Prepare for a career in a child development to observe and educate children and work with parents and care providers.
Get Involved
A child development student paints with a young girl.
Child Development (A.A.S.)
Teach preschool by gaining a basic understanding of how children grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Get Involved

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Get Involved
Change Your Major
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.
Get Involved

Learn More About the Special Education K-12 Generalist Program

Request more information about the Special Education K-12 Generalist program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information