Special Education
What is special education?
Special education teachers help students with diverse learning needs succeed in school and in life. At Longwood University, the Bachelor of Science in Special Education prepares you to become a licensed K–12 special education teacher, learning how to support students with a range of learning differences while creating inclusive and engaging classrooms.
Through coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, you’ll develop the skills to design effective instruction, collaborate with families and school teams, and help every student reach their potential.
What jobs can I get with a Special Education degree?
Special education teachers are in high demand nationwide and consistently rank among the most needed positions in public schools. Graduates of Longwood’s Special Education program are prepared to work with students with diverse learning needs in K–12 classrooms.
Many graduates receive job offers during or shortly after student teaching because schools are actively seeking well-prepared special educators.
Possible job titles include:
- Special Education Teacher (K–12)
- Inclusive Classroom Teacher
- Learning Support Specialist
- Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Transition Coordinator
What classroom experience will I get?
Hands-on classroom experience is a key part of the Special Education program at Longwood. Students complete field experiences in elementary, middle, and high school special education classrooms during their junior and senior years.
These placements are paired with methods courses so you can apply what you learn immediately in real classrooms. The program culminates in a full-semester student teaching internship where you apply what you’ve learned in a real K–12 special education classroom.
Students may also choose to complete student teaching placements in their home communities.
Students also have opportunities to work with the Longwood LIFE program, a post-secondary transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special education majors can volunteer or work as tutors, mentors, or job coaches, helping LIFE students develop academic, social, and workplace skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
What will I study in the Special Education major?
As a Special Education major, you’ll study both the academic content teachers need and the specialized strategies used to support students with diverse learning needs. Courses are aligned with national standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and approved by the Virginia Department of Education to meet licensure requirements.
You’ll take special education courses every semester for all four years, taught by faculty who are experienced special educators and who also serve as your academic advisors. These courses are paired with field experiences that allow you to apply what you learn in real classrooms throughout the program.
Topic list:
- Behavior management
- Medical, neurological and psychological characteristics of people with disabilities
- Speech and language development
- Collaboration with families and school teams
- Delivery and monitoring of evidence-based instruction
- Assistive technology
- Transition planning
- IEP (Individualized Education Program) development and implementation
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Assessment of exceptional learners
These courses are paired with field experiences that allow you to apply what you learn in real classrooms.
See all Special Education courses in the Loading... major.
