Elementary Education and Special Education (Composite)

This degree is a combination of courses required for the elementary education major and the special education major. Students who complete this composite degree are eligible for two licenses, one for special education and one for elementary education, teaching grades 1-8 (though, students are "highly qualified" to teach grades 1-6 based on federal standards for "No Child Left Behind"). Students gain content knowledge through the elementary education program and learn strategies for teaching diverse learners through the special education program.

This degree gives students the opportunity to have more flexibility in their careers. Having both licenses allows teachers to move back and forth between special education and elementary education. Most public school teachers will have special needs students in their classrooms, and this composite degree makes them more qualified to meet the unique educational needs of these students. Some states even require special education teachers to have an elementary or secondary education background. Additionally, USUs special education program boasts 100% job placement for its students upon graduation.

USU's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is ranked 10th in the nation among colleges of education in external research dollars.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Emphases:

• Birth to Age 5 Special Education: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have high-incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, behavior and emotional disorders, or communication disorders. Educators work with children in grades K-12 in a resource-room setting or inclusive setting teaching academic skills.
• Mild/Moderate Disabilities: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have low-incidence disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic and acquired brain injury, and multiple disabilities. Graduates typically teach academic and life skills in a K-12 classroom or in a post-secondary setting (students age 18-21).
• Severe Disabilities: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with children ages birth to five years who have disabilities. Children ages birth to three years are typically served by early intervention programs in their homes. Children three to five years are taught in public preschool settings within local school districts. Students in this emphasis may choose to combine this emphasis with either the mild/moderate disabilities emphasis or the severe disabilities emphasis.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

With a degree in elementary education and special education (composite), students may pursue the following careers:

• Classroom teacher for grades 1-6
• Public or private school educator
• Adult service provider
• Recreation specialist
• Behavior specialist
• Developmental specialist
• Early intervention provider

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.