Degree Overview
Bachelor of Arts Special Education (K-12) - Leads to Teacher Licensure

Our online teaching degree leading to special education certification will prepare you to fill a vital need in your community. The B.A. Special Education (K-12) program teaches the content knowledge and effective teaching skills to become a special education instructor for students with mild to moderate disabilities. This degree is a cross-categorical model for initial certification. You’ll become a highly qualified educator prepared to make a difference with those who need it most. In some states, the program will lead to dual licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Note: WGU is the first exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure, a testament to the fact that WGU graduates have the knowledge and skills to be effective in helping all students learn.
Indiana Licensure
The B.A. in Special Education program prepares students to receive the Elementary Generalist, K-6 and Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention, P-12 certifications in the state of Indiana. Click here for additional details about Indiana licensure requirements.
Who the Program is For:
- Individuals who need a bachelor’s degree and want to become a certified special education teacher.
- Unlicensed teachers, substitute teachers, career changers, retired military personnel, school paraprofessionals, and others who feel the call to teach.
- Individuals who have completed some college coursework or have applicable work experience.
- Individuals who can typically spend 15 or more hours per week on their studies.
This program will be flexible and adaptable to your schedule. Demonstration teaching and the cohort seminar are offered twice each year, in the fall and spring. Click here to learn how your program works.
What You'll Learn
Essential Knowledge and Skills
We developed our online special education program with significant input from experts and educational leaders who serve on our Education Program Council. This online degree program requires the completion of coursework to ensure you have the essential skills and knowledge you need to become a licensed teacher, as well as practice teaching in an actual classroom and the completion of a professional portfolio. The B.A. in Special Education is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Key Subject Areas
These Courses Add to Your Credentials
Foundations of Teaching
General Science Content
Teacher Education Diversity
Special Education
Pedagogy
Instructional Planning and Presentation
Elementary Education Methods
Teacher Education Foundations
Effective Teaching Practices
Preclinical Experiences
Demonstration Teaching (practice teaching)
Core Subject Areas
These General Education Assessments May Be Cleared through Transfer Credit
Health, Fitness and Wellness
Foundations of College Mathematics
English Composition I and II
Introduction to Humanities
Survey of US History and World History
Mathematics for Elementary Educators
Introduction to Communication
Critical Thinking and Logic
Survey of United States Constitution and Government
Practice Teaching
In-classroom experience is an invaluable part of becoming a highly qualified teacher. Your in-classroom experience will help you elevate the academic knowledge and teaching skills you’ve developed into a practical way of effectively and confidently tackling the challenges of your own classroom.
Professional Portfolio
The online B.A. Special Education degree program also requires the successful completion of a professional portfolio.
Your professional portfolio is something to be proud of – it will include your resume and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and demonstration teaching. You'll take what you've learned and apply it to a real-world situation by recommending strategies for effectively handling actual issues you'll face in the workplace.