B.S. in Education: Concentration in Special Education
Get an undergraduate degree in a field that makes a difference. Our program prepares you for a variety of opportunities in education today by molding teachers equipped to address individual differences in inclusive classroom settings.
From the first semester of admission into the program, students work in school classrooms and apply their coursework in real-life settings.
Upon graduation, students typically have 800 or more hours in classrooms and graduate with three certifications:
- Early Childhood (EC) to 12th-grade Special education
- EC to 6th grade General Education
- The English as a Second Language endorsement
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
Read Charles Butt Scholarship 2022 application information
The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers consists of $8,000 in annual funding for up to four years, as well as ongoing training and development opportunities, mentorship from sitting public school educators, and participation in a statewide aspiring teachers network facilitated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation.
Approximately 100 scholarships will be awarded through teacher preparation programs at 10 partner universities each year, with the cohort growing to include 500 scholars annually.
The competitive selection process includes:
- An application,
- Pre-screening by university teams, and a
- Day-long event consisting of a group activity, mock teaching lesson, and panel interview.
Criteria for Selection of Charles Butt Scholars
- Enroll or be enrolled full-time in a partner university program that will lead to a teaching certificate.
- Must be a Texas resident.
- Hold a strong academic record and history of achievement.
- Demonstrate peer or group leadership skills.
- Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in education in high-needs Texas public schools upon completion of the program.
Support for Charles Butt Scholars
In addition to scholarship funding, the Raising Texas Teachers initiative will supplement received through partner programs by providing teacher candidates opportunities to benefit from ongoing professional development, mentoring and feedback from teachers and principals, and connections with fellow Charles Butt scholars across Texas.
This combination of education and supports is designed to ensure teacher candidates practice and develop pedagogical skills in authentic classroom settings, observe masterful teaching in action, reflect on feedback from expert teachers and school leaders, and participate in a community that fosters professional growth.
Criteria to maintain Scholarship Status
- Remain a full-time student enrolled in a program that will lead to a teaching certificate at one of the 11 partner programs.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
- Participate in Raise Your Hand professional development activities.
- Receive a letter of recommendation for continuation from the IHE program leader each year.
- Plan to teach in a high-needs classroom for a Texas public school upon completion of the program.
Admissions Process
You must be enrolled at Texas A&M University to apply to the Special Education Program.
Freshman, change of major, and transfer students need to follow all Texas A&M University and department admissions policies.
Students applying for the Special Education Program must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 45-60 hours of defined coursework
- Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher
Applicants are reviewed by a committee and admitted on a competitive basis. The application process is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. This application process pertains only to students already in the major at Texas A&M.
Program Details
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education with concentration/certification in Special Education
Program Delivery: Traditional
Program Hours: 124
Degree Plan
Get Involved
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
An outlet for students who are passionate about serving individuals with exceptionalities and learning the professional field of special education.
Contact Advisors
Contact Faculty
Dr. Lisa Bowman-Perrott
Associate Professor
Dr. Jennifer Ganz
Professor of Special Education
Dr. Dalun Zhang
Professor & Director
Dr. Julie Thompson
Director of Behavioral Learning INterventions for Children (BLINC) Lab
Dr. Melissa Fogarty
Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Department Head
Dr. Florina Erbeli
Assistant Professor
Dr. Marcia Montague
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Erinn Whiteside
Clinical Assistant Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor's
What are the typical program costs?
Check out the cost of attendance estimator.
Please note, you must update the program hours.
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Field Experiences
- After completing 45-60 hours of prerequisite coursework, students may apply for upper-level admissions.
- Once admitted into the upper-level program, students begin their courses and field experience blocks.
- In all field experiences, university supervisors and mentor teachers provide direct and specific feedback on the teaching progress.
Block I
Block I involves approximately 165 clock hours of practicum in general education classrooms.
Your placement is in diverse settings in general education classrooms. You will see and apply methods learned in your courses, as well as participate in activities including teaching in several subject areas. You will learn how to deliver and modify effective instruction as you begin to hone your classroom management.
Block II
Block II consists of approximately 160 clock hours in special education settings.
During this time, you are in both high and low incidence placements. You will refine your teaching skills by delivering effective instruction to a variety of students. You are accountable for goals, objectives, and modifications.
Block III
Block III focuses on adolescents and transition with about 40 clock hours.
This block will grow your experience with adolescents, multicultural considerations, and students with limited English proficiency. You will work with parents and available community resources.
Block IV
Block IV is a 15-week student teaching experience. Our placement coordinator will work with you to find the best suited teaching setting.