Special Education

Undergraduate | Bachelor of Science
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science
Overview
Prepare for a rewarding career as an intervention specialist with Xavier University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education.
Ranked #39 in the nation for undergraduate teaching in 2024, our special education program equips you with a strong foundation in child-centered learning, development and intervention strategies. Through a combination of coursework, field experiences and clinical practice, you'll be prepared to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities in K-12 classrooms.
Curriculum

Fall

  • EDUCATION 120: Human Development & Learning ............ 3cr.
  • ENGLISH 101: English Composition ............ 3cr.
  • CORE 100: First Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
  • PHILOSOPHY 100: Introduction to Ethics ............ 3cr.
  • Second Language I ............ 3cr.
  • COMMUNICATIONS 101: Oral Communications ............ 3cr.
  • CORE 101: GOA Co-curriculum Program I ............ 0cr.

Spring

  • EDUCATION 324: Childrens Lit for Early Childhood ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 201: Intro to Emotionally Dist Child ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 200: Special Ed: Ident. & Issues ............ 3cr.
  • THEOLOGY 111 ............ 3cr.
  • Second Language II ............ 3cr.
  • CORE 102: GOA Co-curriculum Program II ............ 0cr.

Fall

  • EDUCATION 205: Foundations of EDSPED ............ 3cr.
  • EDME 362: Orton Gillingham ............ 3cr.
  • EDEL 260: Cultural Diversity in Education............ 3cr.
  • MATH 211: Foundations of Arithmetic ............ 3cr.
  • Philosophical Perspective ............ 3cr.
  • Historical Perspective ............ 3cr.

Spring

  • EDMS 350: Technology & Topics for Teachers ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 364: DAP Instructional Methods ............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Elective ............ 3cr.
  • Theology 200 Level ............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspective ............ 3cr.
  • MATH 212: GEO & Measurement MCED ............ 3cr.

Fall

  • EDRE 471: Content Area Literacy ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 370: M/I Characteristics & Statistics ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 380: Classroom Management ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 373: M/I Assessment & Eval. ............ 3cr.
  • Natural Science Elective ............ 3cr.
  • General Elective ............ 3cr.

Spring

  • EDME 354: Montessori Lang Arts & Reading ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 376: M/I Support Services ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 389: Program Practice S/I Disorders ............ 3cr.
  • EDME 353: Montessori Math & Geo Math ............ 3cr.
  • Scientific Perspective ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 372: Communication Strat & Tech ............ 3cr.

Fall

  • ENGLISH 205: Literature & Moral Imagination ............ 3cr.
  • EDRE 478: Diag Corr Reading Disab ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 374: Curriculum Pract: Mod Disab ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 367: SPED Behavior & Society ............ 3cr.
  • EDUCATION 203: SPED Commun & Collab ............ 3cr.
  • Writing Intensive Elective ............ 3cr.

Spring

  • EDUCATION 402: M/I Student Teaching ............ 9cr.
  • EDUCATION 401: Teaching Seminar ............ 2cr.
  • CORE 499 ............ 0cr.
Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the special education major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023).

Recent Employers of Education Graduates

Gamble Elementary Montessori, Roger Bacon High School, Princeton School District, Sacred Heart of Jesus School and Deer Park Community City Schools

Sample Courses

Identification and Issues in Special Education (EDSP 200)

Explore national and state policies, causes, assessments, categorization and challenges for individuals and families with exceptional needs. Learn about special education services and accommodations in general education classrooms. Create an individualized education program (IEP) and complete 5 field hours.

Foundations in Early Childhood Special Education (EDSP 205)

Delve into the history and philosophy of services for young children. Explore sensory impairments, physical and health disabilities and research-based theories. Learn about identifying at-risk needs, IFSP and IEP procedures, developmentally appropriate practices, medical/health issues and more. Articulate your personal philosophy and complete CPR and First Aid training. Gain practical experience through 10 field hours.

Characteristic and Strategies of Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (EDSP 360)

Explore definitions, characteristics and educational and legal issues for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. Complete 6 field hours.

Clinical Experiences (EDMS 411)

Gain hands-on experience working with students in school settings. Learn about diagnosing learning problems, implementing remediation strategies and utilizing assessment techniques. Complete weekly seminars and provide proof of registration for state licensure tests.

Clubs

Educators for Justice

Are you an education major or minor looking to connect with Cincinnati's professional education community? Join Educators for Justice! Our monthly meetings offer opportunities for spiritual, intellectual and moral growth through professional development, service and community building.

Embrace Evanston

Join Embrace Evanston and help address educational inequality at Evanston Academy. As a member, you'll lead after-school programs, mentor students, tutor and participate in physical activities.

98%
Student Success Rate
200+
Hours of Field Experience

Program Features

Discover your leadership potential

In Xavier’s education programs, “I have class” usually means you’re the one teaching it. Benefit from experiential learning that begins your first year.

Mentorships that shape your future

Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing teachers and administrators in local schools, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.

Located in a city of opportunity

We have partnerships with 50+ school districts in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky for field experiences and student teaching.

Benefit from a fully accredited program

Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Latest

Study Abroad
Study Abroad Opportunities for Education Majors

Xavier University’s School of Education offers various opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom and travel the world.

Experiential Learning
Five Ways to Gain Real-World Teaching Experience

With a variety of programs and student clubs, students can gain hands-on experience in a wide-range of settings, from tutoring to educational outreach

Student Spotlight
Education Students Share What Inspired Them to Teach

Meet five Xavier University education students, each with their unique story of what drew them to the classroom.

Real-World Learning
Get Involved

Join the Mini Muskies tutoring program and become a mentor to a nearby elementary school student.

Faculty Spotlight
Laney Bender-Slack, PhD

Dr. Bender Slack is a professor in the School of Education. Hear what she loves most about helping prepare the next generation of educators.

FAQ

Prepare for a successful career as an educator by earning your BS in Special Education at Xavier. Discover more.

‘Xavier University's BS in Special Education prepares students for the following licensure areas in Ohio:

  • Intervention Specialist: This licensure qualifies teachers to work with students who require additional support to access and learn from the general education curriculum.
    • Mild/Moderate: For students with mild to moderate disabilities.
    • Moderate/Intensive: For students with moderate to severe disabilities.
    • P-5 Primary Special Education: For early childhood special education (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5). Note: We offer an Inclusive Dual Licensure P-5 General Education and P-5 Special Education Program.
  • Teacher of Students with Autism: This licensure qualifies teachers to work specifically with students with autism spectrum disorder.

It's important to note that licensure requirements can change over time, so it's always best to consult with Xavier's special education department for the most up-to-date information.

VIew our Professional Licensure Disclosure website for more information.

A special education degree prepares you for a variety of career paths within the field of education. Here are some common job titles for special education teachers:

  • Special Education Teacher: This is the most common job title for special education teachers. They work with students with a variety of disabilities in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, or resource rooms.>
  • Special Education Specialist: Special education specialists provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities, often in a consultative role.
  • Behavior Specialist: Behavior specialists work with students who have behavioral challenges, developing and implementing behavior intervention plans.
  • Assistive Technology Specialist: Assistive technology specialists help students with disabilities access and use technology to support their learning.
  • Learning Disabilities Specialist: Learning disabilities specialists work specifically with students who have learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist: Autism spectrum disorder specialists work with students who have autism spectrum disorder, providing individualized instruction and support.

Yes. Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Additionally, Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the special education major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.

Special Education (Grades P-12) Program at Xavier University

The Special Education program at Xavier University offers a Bachelor of Science degree and licensure to undergraduate students who complete the requirements for both licensure as an Intervention Specialist and the Bachelor of Science in Special Education concurrently. Students choose licensure concentrations as a Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Intensive or P-5 Primary Intervention Specialist. The Department of Special Education degree programs are approved by the Ohio Board of Regents and the licensure programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Education. All programs are accredited by CAEP, the Council for Educator Preparation.

Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."