Our Special Education Licensures
All 5 special education licensures are taught by faculty from the .
Exceptionalities Minor
The exceptionalities minor supports the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for those who will be facilitating the learning and development of students with disabilities or other areas of diversity. This minor is an excellent option for undergraduates who are teacher education majors and those in related fields who want to expand their knowledge and skills with individuals with disabilities.
Why should students choose St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ and this program?
Our teacher education programs provide opportunities for you to understand theory and put it into practice. Coursework and field time spent in schools are balanced and integrated throughout the program.
With the exceptionalities minor you will:
- Make yourself more marketable as a new teacher with this added knowledge and skill.
- Gain the knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on students in the K-12 classroom.
- Learn from expert faculty closely connected with the K-12 classroom who are here to help you shape your path to your own classroom.
- Become part of a supportive network of fellow students, alumni and faculty who will inspire and sustain you throughout your career.
Program Overview
Program Overview
Course Requirements
Exceptionalities minor requirements include courses in fundamentals of special education with a focus on exceptionality; professional practice with a focus on collaboration, co-teaching and educational technology; and applied behavior analysis with a focus on behavioral interventions and learning environments.
Five (5) courses are required for the Exceptionalities Minor. There are 3 required courses + 2 SPUG elective courses.
Courses required (12 credits):
SPUG 250: Fundamentals of Special Education: Exceptionality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (4 credits)
SPUG 414: Professional Practice: Collaboration, Co-teaching and Educational Technology (4 credits)
SPUG 485: Applied Behavior Analysis: Behavior Interventions and Learning Environments (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
Choose TWO courses from the following (for a total of 8 credits)*:
SPUG 316: Fundamentals: Students with Mild to Moderate Needs (4 credits)
SPUG 417: Elementary Academic Interventions and Literacy (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
SPUG 418: Secondary Academic Interventions and Transitions (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
SPUG 445: Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Individualized Planning for Diverse Learners (4 credits)
*Other SPUG courses may be substituted. Please see the Special Education Faculty Advisor for more information.
Program Requirements
This minor is available to any undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 2.75, who completes the declaration form and has it signed by the Chair of Special Education. While the minor alone does not complete the requirements for teaching licensure, the remaining courses, field experience, assessments, and clinical practice may be completed at the graduate level through the Department of Special Education.
Four Year Plan
NA for minor
Degrees Awarded
NA for minor
Service learning, internships, etc.
Partnerships with private, public and charter schools have resulted in meaningful field and clinical practice experiences for all teacher candidates.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Exceptionalities minor requirements include courses in fundamentals of special education with a focus on exceptionality; professional practice with a focus on collaboration, co-teaching and educational technology; and applied behavior analysis with a focus on behavioral interventions and learning environments.
Five (5) courses are required for the Exceptionalities Minor. There are 3 required courses + 2 SPUG elective courses.
Courses required (12 credits):
SPUG 250: Fundamentals of Special Education: Exceptionality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (4 credits)
SPUG 414: Professional Practice: Collaboration, Co-teaching and Educational Technology (4 credits)
SPUG 485: Applied Behavior Analysis: Behavior Interventions and Learning Environments (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
Choose TWO courses from the following (for a total of 8 credits)*:
SPUG 316: Fundamentals: Students with Mild to Moderate Needs (4 credits)
SPUG 417: Elementary Academic Interventions and Literacy (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
SPUG 418: Secondary Academic Interventions and Transitions (4 credits) - Field Experience Required
SPUG 445: Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Individualized Planning for Diverse Learners (4 credits)
*Other SPUG courses may be substituted. Please see the Special Education Faculty Advisor for more information.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
This minor is available to any undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 2.75, who completes the declaration form and has it signed by the Chair of Special Education. While the minor alone does not complete the requirements for teaching licensure, the remaining courses, field experience, assessments, and clinical practice may be completed at the graduate level through the Department of Special Education.
Four Year Plan
Four Year Plan
NA for minor
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
NA for minor
Service learning, internships, etc.
Service learning, internships, etc.
Partnerships with private, public and charter schools have resulted in meaningful field and clinical practice experiences for all teacher candidates.
Faculty Spotlight
Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan, PhD
Since 2006, Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan has overseen the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programs in the School of Education. She is also the mother of a child with ASD. “We want to impart to teachers the mindset that an educator can expect great things from all students. We want to focus on unlocking potential,” said Stansberry Brusnahan.
Possible Careers
- Teacher
- Social worker
Bringing Real-World Experience to Future Educators
Our faculty include current teachers who are leaders in their field and bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Featured Faculty
Barbara Jo Stahl
Adjunct Faculty, Special Education
Shelley Neilsen Gatti, PhD
Associate Professor, Special Education
Todd Busch, PhD
Professor, Special Education
Study in Taiwan over J-Term in the course, Learning Design with Technology in International Contexts. Combine literacy, technology and engineering in the design of international educational activities.
Through collaborative programming and partnerships, we work to ensure your success and the success of the students, schools and communities where you'll serve.
The St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Special Olympics Club is a service club that directly volunteers with those who have special needs in order to promote positive inclusion and create a better understanding of the characteristics that those with special needs have. We recently won the 2019 Tommie Club award for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ engagement.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.