Special Education, BSE - Cross Categorical Disabilities Area

What you will study

A bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Cross-Categorical Disabilities from UCM will give you insight into the nature of the learning process. Understanding how individual learners differ, as well as how to address diverse emotional, social, physical and cognitive needs, will enable you to craft ideal educational experiences for each of your students. 

Coursework for this Special Education Teaching degree may include:

• Educational Psychology: Survey the psychological concepts, theories and techniques critical for successful teaching.
• Education of the Exceptional Child: Learning to recognize, teach and support extraordinary learners is an important part of how to become a special education teacher. You’ll have the opportunity in this course for on-site work with exceptional children.
• Introduction to English Language Learners and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Teachers in Special Education programs frequently need to teach English Language Learner (ELL) students with special needs. Additionally, learn how to include frameworks such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation and religion in your teaching to fully connect with your students and achieve more successful learning outcomes.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in special education for students with cross categorical disabilities

The University of Central Missouri is well-situated to give students in our Special Education programs teaching experience in a variety of settings — before graduation. Strengthen your special education teaching skills with hands-on, real-world experiences in suburban, urban and rural districts, in resource rooms and in self-contained classrooms:

• Community connections: In the course of earning your bachelor’s degree in Special Education at UCM, you’ll work closely with other educators, individuals with exceptionalities and their families, service providers and community members. Many of your Cross-Categorical Disabilities program classes will include targeted field work to give you depth as well as breadth of experience before you graduate.
• Student engagement: UCM has an active chapter of the Student Council of Exceptional Children. Get involved for more ways to meet and support exceptional individuals, both on campus and in the community.
• Student teaching: In addition to the on-site field work that supports your learning in certain classes, a student teaching experience at the end of your degree program will give you hands-on experience in how to be a special education teacher for students with cross-categorical disabilities.

 

What can you do with a Special Education degree in Cross Categorical Disabilities from UCM?

When you major in Special Education at the University of Central Missouri, you’re choosing a career path that’s as in-demand as it is fulfilling. Graduates of UCM’s Special Education programs, including the Cross-Categorical Disabilities area, enjoy a 100% employment rate after graduation — many of our students have even been approached with employment offers before they graduate. 

Your Special Education Teaching degree in Cross-Categorical Disabilities will qualify you for state-wide certification. Many graduates go on to work in K–12 schools, but your bachelor’s degree in Special Education may also qualify you for educational jobs in a variety of settings.

Career choices for a major in Special Education

Use our interactive tool below to find out more about job trends and salaries with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education for students with Cross-Categorical Disabilities.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Special Education Teaching degree

The University of Central Missouri offers an affordable, high-quality education. We believe that a respected Special Education Teaching degree should be accessible to all. Over 90% of our undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, including loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.

In addition to our university-wide resources, as a major in Special Education in the Cross-Categorical Disabilities area, you may be eligible for these exclusive funds:

• Coonley-Guth Scholarship in Special Education
• Dr. Don Rice Scholarship in Special Education
• Cleary Scholarship in Special Education

While our advisors can help you find the best way to finance your education, you can learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.