Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major

Develop impactful instructional strategies for working with students who have mild to severe disabilities and English language learners with the Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) in Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development. This 123-credit undergraduate degree emphasizes effective special education teaching skills and effective practices so students are prepared for certification as educators in prekindergarten or kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms.

The Special Education program in the College of Education and Human Development equips teachers with a deep understanding of the sociocultural context of education, high-impact instructional practices and empirically supported, preventative approaches to providing equitable education to children with disabilities.

The program is grounded in the college and the university’s mission by

  • advocating inclusive practices in schools and society,
  • emphasizing preventative approaches to support improved teaching and learning,
  • promoting evidence-based practice and effective implementation in the classroom, and
  • recognizing and improving the impact of sociocultural factors on the education of children with disabilities.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) program develop experience in

  • assessing learning and behavior through a variety of modalities, and using data to inform instructional practices and individualized interventions;
  • identifying, adapting and using evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities;
  • identifying professional organizations and pedagogical resources to use in learning, and participating in and contributing to the professional teaching community;
  • summarizing major theories about development and learning across the lifespan and defining how they apply to teaching practice; and
  • summarizing the organizational structure of schools and the broader political and social contexts of schooling as related to learners, including the legal and ethical framework within which special education operates.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification

The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major program adheres to recent changes in the Pennsylvania Department of Education special education certification requirement. Effective January 2021, students may obtain a certification in special education without first being certified in another area. The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major prepares students to complete the tests required for certification as special education teachers.

Field Experience

Over the course of several semesters and prior to student teaching, Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major students participate in fieldwork opportunities and develop insight into practices that meet the needs of all learners.

As required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education, special education students must complete fieldwork in addition to a 12-week, full-time student teaching assignment to earn their degree. 

Learn more about the field experience opportunities available to you during your time in the Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major program.

Classes & Curriculum

Classes you are likely to take include

  • Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support,
  • Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities, and
  • Family and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Special Education.

Learn more about Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) courses.

Teacher Certification

This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science in Education offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $18,864.00 per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00 per year

ED-SPPK-BSED

Additional Program Information