With a special education degree, you’ll be a skilled professional who helps ensure exceptional outcomes for students with disabilities.
At a glance
Delivery
Online
Finish in as few as
30 months
Cost per credit
$450
Get college credits
At Bethel, your professional, life, military, and past educational experience could count as credits toward your degree. Save time and money. Find out more about how you could qualify for and earn college credits.
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Interested in learning more about Bethel's B.A. in Special Education program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Meet Your Counselor
Kristin Melendez
Program highlights
Experienced Professors
Our professors are leading researchers and practitioners in the field with multiple specialties. They bring personal experience to your learning to make coursework relevant to the real-world classroom.
Classroom Experience
You’ll work with experienced mentors and complete 120 hours of field experience and 12 weeks of student teaching. These experienced mentors will help you synthesize your learning into practical next steps in your education career.
Student Success
We’re committed to helping people succeed, from admission to graduation. You'll be supported by advisors and professors who are caring and will make sure you have everything you need.
Flexibility
Our program is designed for busy adult learners who work full time, have families, and are involved in their community. Courses are completed mostly online with some face-to-face Saturday sessions and begin every six weeks, allowing you to start at any time throughout the year and finish in as few as 28 to 30 months.
Christian Environment
We integrate Christian faith and strong values into ideas and practices. You'll work with a group of peers to build practical skills together, and you’ll also explore how your values influence the work you do.
Practical Experience
This online program—with occasional Saturday sessions on campus—is designed for people who want to put their classroom learning into practice immediately. You'll incorporate real-life work experiences into discussions and assignments, learn from your peers, and walk away with the skills and confidence to thrive in your job.
Our mission
In our adult-undergraduate and graduate education programs, we lead in faith-based teacher preparation and are committed to evidence-based innovation in education. We prepare our educators like you to implement academic excellence in K-12 classrooms and beyond while valuing the unique qualities of each individual, understanding that everyone is made in God’s image (Imago Dei). Learn more about our program's mission.
Recent News
Bethel’s education programs receive praise for fostering community and equity during accreditation renewal
December 11, 2024 | 1:45 p.m.
Cindy Hansen GS'17 leads with faith, community, and vision for her school district
November 18, 2024 | 10 a.m.
Bethel launches the Anderson Family College of Health Sciences
October 10, 2024 | 9 a.m.
Aaron Buzay GS’05, GS’11 named Alumnus of the Year for the Graduate School/College of Adult & Professional Studies
October 09, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 24 2025
Refresh: A Gathering for Educators
8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room
A retreat for education teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to refresh and rejuvenate with good food, thoughtful activities, engaging connection with other educators, and an inspiring message from a joyful keynote speaker.
Set yourself apart.
96%
of students would recommend their program to other teachers
- Recent Bush Exit SurveyTeachers describe Bethel's education master's students as “the best they see from the preparation programs.”
- Interviews from national accreditation process
Bethel provided me with a fantastic education and prepared me for teaching in a school setting. They were understanding, flexible, and creative in scheduling my classes so that I was able to teach full-time while still attending classes 3 hours away.
Derek Bauer '15Current job: Special Education Teacher in Grand Rapids, MN
Considering entering the field of special education, I felt that it was extremely important to be prepared for the task that lay ahead of me. Bethel challenged me both intellectually and spiritually and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.
Mary Fleetwood '15Current job: Special Education Teacher
It’s clear that Bethel students have servants’ hearts and want to use these experiences to truly care for students. And I can’t even quantify the value of the student-faculty rapport, but as an educator, it’s really exciting to see!
Melissa HayesElementary Special Education Director, Anoka-Hennepin
The program was great and very practical. It really gave me the opportunity to practice the skills learned in classes.
Aldo Cantellano '13Current job: Dean of Students
Career Outcomes
Outcomes
Our B.A. in Special Education program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident, compassionate, successful teacher serving kids, families, and communities.
Skills
Learn how to:
- Understand the educational landscape, building a basis for educational practice
- Effectively teach students with mild to moderate disabilities
- Develop strategies for managing academic and behavioral challenges
- Ethically carry out legal requirements of special education
- Collaborate with parents and colleagues
- Engage with students from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds
- Use a range of technology tools to interpret, evaluate, and apply information
Careers
Our graduates become:
- Excellent candidates for Bethel's M.A. in Education in K-12 program or additional specialty licenses
- Special education teachers in public, private, and charter schools
- Group home directors or administrators
- Early childhood special education teacher
- Paraprofessionals
- Ministry professionals serving students with special needs
- Special Olympics, camp, or recreational program support staff for students with special needs
Employers
Our graduates have gone on to work at:
- Anoka-Hennepin Schools
- Kasson-Mantorville Schools
- Intermediate District #287
- Bemidji Area Schools
- ACR Homes
- St. Paul Public Schools
- Roseville Area Schools
- Minnesota Association of Charter Schools
- Ada-Borup School District
- Rochester Public Schools
- Many other districts across the state
Start your journey
Apply now
You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.
