With a special education minor, you’ll gain the skills to be a teacher equipped to serve all students in your classroom.
By adding a minor in special education, you will prepare to be effective with all students in your future classes. In schools, students with disabilities are learning in and enriching general education classes. This minor will help you teach all your students, including those with disabilities. You’ll become a more inclusive teacher equipped with the tools to collaborate with school colleagues and partner with parents.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
As you explore special education, you’ll expand your teaching knowledge and develop the skills to serve all students in your classroom.
A base in special education
You will learn about the characteristics of students with different disabilities and strategies to help them learn. You will develop additional skills to teach students with disabilities and all students in your classes.
Procedures and legal requirements
This minor will familiarize you with laws and school procedures related to students with disabilities. And you will learn to be an effective member of an individualized educational plan (IEP) team. These tools will help you learn to effectively implement interventions in your general education classroom.
Strong teaching skills
You’ll be well-versed in teaching methods, develop an understanding of the educational landscape, and build a strong foundation in educational best practices.
Equipped for collaboration
You’ll grow into an educator who can collaborate with parents, families, and colleagues as you pursue success for your students.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Student teaching and classroom experience.
From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.
Clubs and activities
You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events that bolster your future as an educator and connect you with your fellow education majors.
Networking and connections
You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, develop your job interviewing skills, and interact directly with potential employers. These include a principal panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.
Real-world impact
How will a special education minor help my career goals?
You’ll become a skilled teacher who is also a lifelong learner equipped to adapt to changing trends and advancements in education.
Stand out to districts and employers
This minor will help you stand out to school administrators because you will have advanced knowledge and skills to create learning environments where all students succeed.
Expand your teaching skills
The minor will help you to be a more inclusive teacher, equipping you with the tools to collaborate with school colleagues and partner with parents.
Graduate school and Ed.D. programs
You’ll be prepared to pursue further certifications, licenses, and graduate programs to better serve students and earn higher wages. You can go on to pursue a principal license, a superintendent license, and other administrative roles.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.
Becky Carlson
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.
Become A Bethel Student
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:
Explore the full lists: