Special Education

Requirements

York College’s holistic Special Education degree program curriculum combines foundational education courses with general education classes and electives. This curriculum helps you develop the knowledge and competencies to teach students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. 

Through classes covering literacy and language, teaching instruction, methodology, and educational technology, you deepen your understanding and appreciation of individual learner differences. Ultimately, our comprehensive curriculum ensures you can provide the best support to a diverse population of students.

Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education 4+1 Program

As a Special Education major, you may pursue the 4+1 B.S. and M.Ed. program. This opportunity allows you to earn both a bachelor's degree in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis in as few as five years, saving you time and helping you reach your goals faster.

Admissions and Aid

We aim to make the admission process as straightforward and supportive as possible, ensuring you can access all necessary resources and guidance as you embark on your academic journey at York. Review our undergraduate admissions information to get started.

To assist with the financial considerations of pursuing higher education, we also offer a suite of tools aimed at helping you identify the most viable options for funding your studies. Learn more about financial aid at York, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Earn a B.S. in Special Education at York College of Pennsylvania

With a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from York, you can become an effective educator who makes a difference in the lives of young learners.

Request more information or start your application today.

Career Preparation

York College thoroughly prepares you for a career in the field by providing you with a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and specialized skills. 

Through your studies as a Special Education major, you gain an in-depth understanding of various types of disabilities, including learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. This knowledge is crucial for recognizing and addressing the unique educational needs of each student.

You can enter the workforce as a special education teacher, intervention specialist, or in other related roles in which you can make a positive impact on the lives of students. Moreover, real-world experience in the classroom and guidance from our Career Development Center helps ensure you successfully forge your professional path after graduation.

Special Ed Teacher Salary Outlook

The demand for educators who can effectively manage a classroom and engage with students of varying abilities remains steady. While the national median annual salary is $65,910, the earning potential for special education teachers is $83,630 in Pennsylvania — much higher than in many other states.

Field Experiences & Student Teaching

One of the best ways to learn is to put your knowledge into practice in a real-world setting. During your time in the Special Education program, you can do just that. Field experiences begin as early as your sophomore year, and you complete 12 credits of student teaching during the spring semester of your senior year.

Learn From Experts in Education

The dedicated professors at York College and the experienced clinical supervisors you meet during your student teaching semester are pivotal in your journey as a Special Education major. These professionals impart knowledge and offer mentorship throughout your coursework and field experiences.

Connect With Local Schools and Organizations

York College of Pennsylvania maintains strong connections within the educational landscape, encompassing a broad spectrum of schools, including public, charter, and various educational organizations dedicated to community outreach and technology.

This network benefits current students and alums of the B.A. in Special Education degree program, providing invaluable links to educational institutions in the area. These connections are a solid foundation for student teaching roles, career opportunities, and academic pursuits.

Clubs and Professional Organizations

In addition to student teaching, students in the Special Education program have many unique opportunities to broaden their learning beyond the classroom. Engaging with student organizations and clubs such as the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Psychology Club enriches a focus on advocacy, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement.

Explore the over student-run organizations at York College.

Skills You Develop as a Special Education Major

Earning a bachelor's degree in Special Education at York College equips you with a wide range of abilities applicable to many educational settings. These abilities enable you to become an effective teacher who supports the academic, social, and emotional development of students with special needs.

With a Special Education degree from York, you possess critical competencies in:

• Instructional strategy, design, and implementation
• Educational pedagogy and methodology
• Behavior management
• Assessment and evaluation
• Differentiated instruction
• Collaboration and communication
• Knowledge of different types of disabilities, their characteristics, impacts, and strategies for support