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Bachelor’s in Special Education (BS) Degree

Drexel University School of Education

Drexel’s flexible online BS in Special Education program combines comprehensive coursework with meaningful field experiences to prepare students to teach children with disabilities in Pre-K – 12th grade class settings.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

Students in the BS in Special Education degree program attend classes in an online, part-time environment. Students will learn the core competencies for teaching special education as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Upon successful completion of the coursework, students may apply to PDE for special education teaching certification. Students who wish to teach in a different state may transfer their Pennsylvania to other states through Interstate Reciprocity Agreements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Transfer Students
    • A minimum of 24 previous college semester credits (36 quarter credits) from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade of C or better in content courses, or a grade of B or better in core pedagogy*
    • College GPA of 2.75 or above (cumulative Drexel GPA of 3.0 must be achieved throughout the program to obtain Pennsylvania state teaching certification)
  • First-Year Students
    • Between 0 – 23 previous college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution*
    • Must have earned a high school diploma or GED
  • Non-Matriculated Option
    • Drexel University also offers a non-matriculated option, where you can take courses without being enrolled in a degree-granting program.

*A transcript review will be conducted by a University advisor.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

  • A completed application
    • Transfer Students
      • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
    • First-Year Students
      • Official high school transcripts
      • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
      • Personal Essay
  • Additional requirements for International Students

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE?

There are a wide variety of jobs available to those who hold a degree in special education. A BS in Special Education will prepare you for a career as a certified special education teacher. You will help to make adjustments to curriculum to help students with disabilities to achieve positive outcomes.

Other K-12 education careers for special education degree holders could include special education administrators and instructional coordinators. There are also positions outside of K-12 education that include positions at non-profit organizations. Learn more about what you can do with a degree in special education by visiting our Careers and Jobs in Special Education page.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SPECIAL EDUCATION (BS) DEGREE

Students interested in the part-time online BS in Special Education program can start the application process here.

Program Questions

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For questions about all School of Education academic programs, please contact enroll@drexel.edu.

CAEP Accredited Provider

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Drexel University's School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.