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Bachelor of Science

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

Department of Teacher Preparation
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.

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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.

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

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

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
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Child Development
April 08, 2026 01:25 PM
CHILD 210
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Elementary Education Motivation and Classroom Leadership
April 30, 2026 02:04 PM
ED 246
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Educational Psychology and Human Development
April 09, 2026 10:11 AM
EDCOR 310
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Principles of Behavioral Learning
April 30, 2026 02:05 PM
PSYCH 361
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Legal Issues
April 08, 2026 01:33 PM
SPED 380
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Family and Community Relationships
April 08, 2026 01:31 PM
ECSE 421
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Students with Severe Disabilities
April 30, 2026 02:04 PM
SPED 441
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4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
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See all required courses

Salary Outlook for BYUI Graduates

Explore earnings data for BYU-Idaho graduates in education-related fields.

1 year

$46,079

Average Salary

5 years

$62,322

Average Salary

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This data is based on outcomes for BYU-Idaho graduates with a degree in this major, using federal Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) data. It reflects actual earnings and employment over time, rather than job market estimates.

Career Possibilities for Special Education

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.

Career Options

Data Source: Industry and occupation employment and wage estimates are modeled using data from Lightcast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other public sources. Figures are estimates and actual outcomes may vary by employer, experience, and location.

Dive Deeper Into Special Education

Explore helpful articles about this major, including career paths, skills, and opportunities. Get the insight you need to make an informed decision about your future at BYU-Idaho.

Explore Major Discovery
Early Childhood Ed - July 2024
Beyond the Degree
How to Become a Certified Teacher After Your Bachelor’s Degree
August 06, 2026 02:28 PM
Teaching programs give you the opportunity to practice key teaching skills, preparing you to enter the field as a capable educator. While your degree is the first major step towards becoming a full-time teacher, it is not the last. These are the steps you should take after graduating to become a certified teacher.
3 Min Read
Read More
Susan Thomas
Career Possibilities
Job Outlook and Demand for Special Education Teachers in the United States
August 07, 2026 09:14 AM
Special education teachers are a necessary part of the educational system. As children with disabilities get diagnosed at younger ages, having teachers who are experienced in working with a wide range of disabilities is even more important than before. This article will cover the factors that make up the job outlook for special education teachers, and what that means for new graduates entering the field.
3 Min Read
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Jason Allred STC - May 2025
Industry Insights
Traditional and Non-traditional Jobs You Can Get with a Special Education Degree
August 07, 2026 10:17 AM
A degree in special education prepares students for a variety of careers in education, some more standard than others. Because of this, there may be some career options within the major that are in a niche you would like to fill. In this article, we will cover both traditional and non-traditional roles you could pursue with your degree, as well as which one would be the best fit for you and your goals.
6 Min Read
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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.
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An early education student talks with her professor and classmates.
Elementary Education (B.S.)
Teach fundamental subjects to young students, grades K-6.
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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.
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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.
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Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

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

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