Program Details
Program Details
Back to top
Bachelor of Science
James Madison University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Special Education
Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of Science, Major in Special Education
James Madison University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
This major prepares individuals to become special education teachers for student’s grades K-12.
Student majors in special education with a concentration in either general curriculum or adapted curriculum.
General curriculum licensure prepares teacher candidates to work with students with disabilities who are pursuing a standard high school diploma, whereas
Adapted curriculum licensure prepares teacher candidates to work with students with disabilities who are more significantly impacted by their disability and working on a specialized curriculum.
Both licenses may be obtained through specialized advising.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Do you feel competent in basic reading, writing, math and communication skills? Are you able to break tasks down into underlying steps and skills? Do you enjoy collaborating and problem solving? Are you good at time management and organization? If your answers to these questions are yes, special education may be a good major for you. The degree requires a high level of time management skills as it balances course performance with in-field teaching experiences each semester. Having time to devote during K-12 school hours each day is essential. Being prepared to meet the needs of K-12 students at assigned times is imperative. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students should complete courses equivalent to the following JMU education courses prior to transferring: EXED 200 Foundations of Exceptional Education, EDUC 200 Foundations of Schooling in the United States, and EDUC 310 Teaching in a Diversity Society. Students should plan to take EXED 342 in the summer prior to starting at JMU.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Special Education majors will have the option to apply to an accelerated (1 year) master's degree program that will allow them to enhance their teaching-related knowledge so they can bring more to the classroom and school they will work within. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Special Education majors will have the opportunity to work with students with disabilities at all three grade-levels (elementary, middle, and high school) and across disability areas. Student teaching experiences are paired with a practicum so that all students stay within one school setting for an entire semester, so they get a more in-depth experience of how schools function. All Special Education graduates who have sought a job within the field of Special Education are employed in the field after graduating. |
Program Credit Requirements
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
2436
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
54% (2024-2025)
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | Special Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Old Dominion University | Special Education-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| Marymount University | Special Education (K-12) (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bluefield University | BS in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Special Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Special Education and Teaching with concentration in Early Childhood, Bachelor of Science in Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Elementary Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Health and Physical Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Secondary English Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Secondary Math Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Secondary Science Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, Secondary Social Studies Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Education, World Languages Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Architecture Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Automotive Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate in Science - Education | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Education Degree Elementary Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Education Degree Middle/Secondary Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Education Degree Special Education Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Educational Studies - Disability Studies Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Educational Studies - Elementary Education Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Educational Studies - Health and Physical Education Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Secondary Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Elementary Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Physical Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Old Dominion University | Early Childhood Education-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Elementary Education-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Old Dominion University | Career & Technical Educ-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Health and Physical Education (PreK-12) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Science in Education Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary English Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Education Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Inclusive Early Childhood Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Education-Secondary Educ in Career and Technical Education - Agricultural Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Education-Secondary Educ in Career and Technical Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Education in Elm Ed in Elementary Education (PK-6) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in English Language Arts Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in History and Social Sciences Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Education-Secondary Educ in Mathematics Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Education-Secondary Educ in Technology Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Education Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Central Virginia Community College | AS in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-9043.00 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-1081.00 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-9042.00 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2059.01 | Adapted Physical Education Specialists | Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2059.00 | Special Education Teachers, All Other | All special education teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2056.00 | Special Education Teachers, Elementary School | Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2055.00 | Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten | Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2057.00 | Special Education Teachers, Middle School | Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2051.00 | Special Education Teachers, Preschool | Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2058.00 | Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete