Teach with purpose. Support every learner. Make a real difference.
At BVU, you’ll gain the skills, experience, and confidence to support students of all abilities. From your first semester, you’ll be in real classrooms, learning how to adapt instruction, build relationships, and help every student succeed.
Why study Special Education at BVU
A BVU Special Education degree prepares you to support diverse learners through early classroom experience, expert mentorship, and exceptional career outcomes.
Early Classroom Experience
Begin working with students in classroom settings during your first year.
Outstanding Career Outcomes
Graduate with a 100% placement rate.
Experiential Learning
Expand your education through funded travel, research, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Faculty & Mentor Support
Learn alongside experienced mentor teachers and faculty who support your growth as an educator.
Jaylin Woodward '25, Secondary Special Education Teacher
"As a special education major, my most memorable moments have come during my observation hours, where I've had the opportunity to apply what I've learned in real classrooms and gather valuable resources for my future teaching career."
Learn by doing, from day one
Build your skills through real classroom experience and hands-on learning.
Learn how students think, grow, and learn while gaining early classroom experience.
Work with students, support learning in real classrooms, and begin developing lesson strategies.
Focus on differentiated instruction, behavior support, and working with diverse learners.
Lead your own classroom and support students across settings in elementary and secondary special education.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Inclusive Learning Environments
Learn how to create supportive, engaging classrooms where students of all abilities can succeed.
Co-teaching Strategies
Develop co-teaching and classroom collaboration skills to effectively partner with general education teachers and support diverse learners.
IEP Writing
Gain hands-on experience writing, implementing, and evaluating IEPs to meet students' unique needs.
Assistive Technology
Explore technology and adaptive tools that help students access learning, build independence, and reach their full potential.
Behavior Support
Learn how to use positive behavior strategies and student data to guide instruction, monitor progress, and improve learning outcomes.
PARTNERING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS IOWA
BVU students partner with Special Olympics Iowa to host Unified Sports Day each year, bringing athletes together for a day of competition, teamwork, and connection. You’ll help plan and lead activities while gaining real experience creating inclusive, meaningful experiences for all participants.
Guyson Lyman '29, Physical Education and Special Education
“Unified Sports Day was a meaningful experience because it brought students with and without disabilities together through sports, teamwork, and fun activities focused on inclusion and connection. One of the biggest things I took away was the amount of joy and support from everyone there. It wasn’t about winning; it was about encouraging each other and making sure everyone felt included. As someone interested in education and coaching, experiences like that remind me how important it is to create spaces where every student feels valued and supported.”
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
All special education majors participate in Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, where you’ll meet with legislators, discuss education issues, and present your ideas to education leaders.
BVU special education graduates go far.
Where this degree can take you
Curriculum Highlights
A flexible program that lets you explore your interests while building a strong foundation in special education. Your coursework is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed for success in your field. Click here for complete program requirements and course descriptions in the Academic Catalog.
Support every learner.
Lead with compassion.