Special Education

Major
54-73 Credit Hours
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Onsite
Take the next step in education with the only university in Iowa that offers a major in special education and is the leading producer of special educators in the state.

BVU special education majors combine science, theory, and hands-on field and classroom experience while building a professional network of their own. Our teacher mentors have the real-life experience necessary to provide the knowledge required in classrooms today.

BVU offers all four endorsements within the major, or as independent endorsements:

  • Strategist I: Mild to moderate disabilities K-8: Teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in resource, inclusion, pull-out, and push-in models with students having exceptionalities in the area of mild to moderate disabilities.
  • Strategist II:
    • Option 1: Cognitive: Teach students with severe and profound cognitive or physical disabilities in grades K-12.
    • Option 2: Behavior/learning: Teach students with severe and profound behavior or learning disabilities in grades K-12.

Endorsements are also available as part of a unique plus 1 master’s degree, where students have the option of completing their bachelor’s degree in a teaching endorsement area, plus their master’s in special education in one additional year.

  • Council Bluffs
  • Creston
  • Denison
  • Estherville
  • Fort Dodge
  • Marshalltown
  • Mason City
  • Ottumwa
  • Sioux City
  • Spencer

Transfer to BVU

100% of Associate’s degrees from our community college partners transfer to BVU. Most AA degrees require 68 credits, and we make sure that they all transfer to BVU. Talk about saving time and money!

Contact a personal advisor at 712.749.1000 to see how your credits will transfer.

Try the Transferology web app to see how your credits transfer

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Admissions criteria for the Exceptional Student Service and Instruction (Special Education) program

BVU's degree completion programs are classified as junior-senior level. Persons who have completed an associate degree or 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution qualify for admission. College level examination program credits (CLEP) and life experience credit may be available as described in the academic section.

Admissions criteria for the Exceptional Student Service and Instruction (Special Education) program

Although personal interviews are not required, applicants are urged to confer with an advisor.

Request that official transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended be sent to BVU. Without official transcripts and records, a student will not be allowed to register beyond the initial semester.

Complete the BVU Degree Completion Application

If you will be applying for financial assistance including student loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.

Students who have previously earned a B.A. or B.S. degree may be eligible to earn a second bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University.

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TUITION & FEES

BVU offers a quality, affordable education, and our financial specialists are here to help as you navigate the costs of your educational investment so you can move forward with your career.

FINANCIAL AID

BVU's Institution code: 001847
Don't miss the opportunity for financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov and use BVU's institution code.

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THE G.I. BILL & YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM

All Buena Vista University programs are approved for the G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program.

FEDERAL TEACH GRANT

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for graduate and undergraduate students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools that serve students from low-income families. Students must meet all eligibility requirements.

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