Program Details
BS in Special Education
Bachelor of ScienceBluefield University
Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program, which is designed to prepare competent, caring, and qualified teachers who are reflective practitioners, is awarded TEAC accreditation by the Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, from 10/24/2016-12/31/2023. The accreditation does not include individual education courses that the EPP offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. This accreditation certifies that Bluefield University’s Teacher Education Program has provided evidence that their program adheres to TEAC’s quality principles. The Teacher Education Program at Bluefield University has graduated highly qualified teachers for more than 40 years. These graduates serve in distinctive careers as teachers and administrators in public and private schools throughout Virginia and the United States. Schools and communities have richly benefited from their service and Leadership. The Teacher Education Program reflects the liberal arts nature of the University as demonstrated by a program of general education courses, carefully chosen content knowledge courses, and professional studies courses that the teacher licensure candidates must follow. Courses have been selected and designed to provide opportunities for the achievement, application, and refinement of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for entrance into and effective performance in the teaching profession. In conjunction with extensive fieldwork in the local public schools, their courses of study enable the teacher licensure candidates to design learning experiences responsive to the individual academic, cultural, socioeconomic, and physical differences of learners. Teacher licensure candidates are encouraged to apply theories presented in the university classroom to their practical experiences in the schools and to engage in continuous reflection in their approach to teaching.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Teacher Education Program reflects the liberal arts nature of the University as demonstrated by a program of general education courses, carefully chosen content knowledge courses, and professional studies courses that the teacher licensure candidates must follow. Courses have been selected and designed to provide opportunities for the achievement, application, and refinement of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for entrance into and effective performance in the teaching profession. In conjunction with extensive fieldwork in the local public schools, their courses of study enable the teacher licensure candidates to design learning experiences responsive to the individual academic, cultural, socioeconomic, and physical differences of learners. Teacher licensure candidates are encouraged to apply theories presented in the university classroom to their practical experiences in the schools and to engage in continuous reflection in their approach to teaching. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Background Check is Required |
Doing More With Your Degree | In addition to the program, you can double major, or earn a minor along with this program. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Led by excellent faculty, this program graduates successful individuals every year. |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Bluefield 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 |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP, IB, CLEP, and DSST results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. If you have industry or military experience, please reach out to us to discuss these prior learning experiences. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | We are a small Christ-centered university in a small town setting. Our students attend classes on Monday-Friday between 8-5. We offer atheletic and culutural events on campus for students that help roundout the student experience. |
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 |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
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 |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
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 |
Marymount University | Special Education (K-12) (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Education in Special Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science | 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 |
Emory & Henry University | Applied History Social Sciences (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
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 |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
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 |
Cost To Complete
