Pathway to Special Education, BAE
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Degree description
Special educator are curious about how people learn and develop throughout their lifespan. As a special educator, you can make a difference in the lives of children and families. A special education degree with mild/moderate teacher certification prepares you to understand human diversity, communicate effectively and develop problem-solving skills that support your success and that of others.
The Bachelor of Arts in Education program in special education prepares you to work with students with disabilities in inclusive settings. You learn to use evidence-based practices that promote students’ success with general education content, including high-leverage practices in literacy and math. You develop adaptive techniques for students with disabilities and learn to use instructional and assistive technologies to facilitate success.
You participate in professional experiences designed to expose you to numerous ways of teaching and learning. Internships and student teaching are embedded during sophomore, junior and senior years to provide you with multiple opportunities to work directly with children and youth.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible for the Standard Professional Mild/Moderate Disabilities Special Education Certificate – Grades K-12. If you want to teach in a public school in Arizona, you must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
Open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Learners participating in this ASU Degree Pathway must complete:
- 12 Credits with a minimum 2.75 GPA if learner is 22 years old or older
- 24 Credits with a minimum 2.75 GPA if learner is under 22 years old
How degree pathways work
Sign up and get access
Sign up to create an ASU account.
Tip: Submit your ASU application sooner rather than later to ensure a smooth transition to your chosen ASU degree program.
Register for a pathway
Find a degree pathway below that matches your interests and select “Register.”
Enroll in courses
Enroll in courses that align with your pathway.
Track your progress
When you're happy with your final grade, add your courses to your ASU transcript and track your progress towards pathway completion.
Earn admission
If you have met all requirements for your pathway and have submitted an ASU application, you will be admitted to your degree program.

ASU admission requirements
Degree Pathways are built around ASU's general education requirements, giving you flexibility to choose 4-8 Universal Learner Courses from the categories that apply to your degree pathway.
Universal Learner Courses recommended through Degree Pathways can fulfill both specific degree requirements as well as general education requirements to help you make progress toward your degree.
Required Categories
6 credits
Humanities, Arts and Design
3 credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences
8 credits
Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences
3 credits
Quantitative Reasoning
3 credits
Mathematics
3 credits
American Institutions
3 credits
Governance and Civic Engagement
3 credits
Global Communities, Societies and Individuals
3 credits
Sustainability
Total Credits: 35 + First-year Composition