Special Education Generalist Degree

Explore the Special Education Program

Special education teachers are vital to fostering an inclusive and equitable education environment. Not all students learn in the same way, and there is a high demand for qualified special education teachers who can provide personalized instruction and support to students with disabilities, or students who may face unique challenges.

In the Special Education degree program at Wayne State, you’ll learn how to provide individualized instruction tailored to the unique needs of students with exceptionalities. You also learn about special education law and develop the advocacy skills needed to ensure your students receive the resources, support, and accommodations they need.

Special education teachers also collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists to address the needs of their students. The Special Education degree program at WSC will help you develop the collaboration strategies you’ll need to work with professional service providers, agencies, and parents. With a long-standing, excellent reputation for our education program, Wayne State is the perfect place to begin your career in special education.

Choosing a Special Education endorsement
The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements, and depending on the type of endorsement, you are required to choose one or more in order to obtain your teaching certificate. In the field of special education, Wayne State offers the following options:

Special Education Generalist field endorsement to teach grades K-12
View K-12 Special Education program fact sheet (PDF)
Special Education Generalist subject endorsement to teach grades K-8
View program fact sheet (PDF)
Special Education Generalist subject endorsement to teach grades 6-12
View program fact sheet (PDF)

If you want to learn to serve all grade levels, the K-12 field endorsement offers you that opportunity. If you choose the field endorsement, you are not required to choose any other endorsements. Subject endorsements are meant to combine two or more content areas. If you choose one of the subject endorsements, you are required to select at least one additional subject or field endorsement. So, if you have a strong passion to teach a certain age group (younger children vs. adolescents and teens), and if you want to specialize in another subject area, choosing a K-8 or 6-12 Special Education Generalist subject endorsement may better suit you. Learn more about endorsements.

View program courses

Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Special Education Generalist (field endorsement)
B.A. or B.S in Special Education Generalist K-8 (subject endorsement)
B.A. or B.S. in Special Education Generalist 6-12 (subject endorsement)

Learn more about endorsements

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 42-69

K-12 field endorsement (69 credit hours)
K-8 subject endorsement (42 credit hours)
6-12 subject endorsement (42 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Education and Behavioral Sciences

Department: Educational Foundations and Leadership

Prepare for your future

Becoming a teacher

Field experience and clinical practice

As a student pursuing a career as a special education teacher, you’ll complete field experiences and clinical practice. Some field experiences are embedded within the coursework of WSC’s educator preparation programs. Once you’ve completed the initial field experience requirements, you’ll then complete a semester of clinical practice (student teaching) in a school district chosen with the help of your adviser. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.

Learn more about clinical practice

Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA)

Student teaching is a requirement for teacher certification in all 50 states and provides you with critical real-life experience before gaining a classroom of your own. Only Wayne State College adds to this experience through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), a program that allows you to substitute teach as a junior and get paid, all while still earning your degree.

Learn more about NENTA

Topics covered

Special education topics covered

Teaching methods and assistive technology for exceptional learners
Special education law and advocacy
Social and emotional development
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework
Behavior intervention planning
Creating individual education plans (IEPs)
Collaboration strategies and equitable learning opportunities
Human learning processes and behavior
Classroom management

Student learning outcomes

Special education

Utilize evidence-based inclusive practices to develop meaningful learning experiences for K-12, K-8, and/or 6-12 students with special educational needs in accordance with relevant legislation.

Educator preparation
Teacher candidates who successfully complete an education preparation program at Wayne State will be able to:

Create environments that support individual and collaborative learning using knowledge of how students grow and develop, along with individual differences and diverse cultures. (InTASC Standards 1-3)
Plan for instruction by applying content knowledge, a variety of instructional strategies, and multiple methods of assessment to connect concepts for learners in real-world applications. (InTASC Standards 4-8)
Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to reflect on and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (InTASC Standard 9)
Seek leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with stakeholders, and to advance the profession. (InTASC Standard 10)

View InTASC Standards for Educator Preparation

Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.

Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
In this level, students apply for educator preparation and complete some of the preliminary coursework of the program. Students will need to pass an initial background check as well. View all Level One benchmarks.

Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
In Level Two, students will prepare for student teaching by passing the required courses, meeting evidence to show their readiness, and pass a complete background check. View all Level Two benchmarks.

Level Three - Clinical Practice
Level Three is the final level and includes the successful completion of clinical practice and meeting the degree requirements for graduation from Wayne State. Students will also register to take the Praxis Exam. Passing the Praxis Exam is not a graduation requirement; however, it is required to earn a teaching license for the state in which you want to teach. View all Level Three benchmarks.

Benchmarks and Levels of Educator Preparation

Teacher certification

After successfully completing a teacher education program at Wayne State, you’ll submit your application to become a licensed teacher in Nebraska.

Initial teacher certification

State licensure disclosure

Wayne State's Special Education programs are designed to prepare students for teacher licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please see our Special Education licensure disclosure. It is also strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Special Education licensure disclosure for all states About state authorization and licensure

Graduates with a degree in Special Education teach in schools using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Alternative Curriculum Program Teacher – Millard Public Schools (Omaha, Neb.)
Elementary Special Education Teacher – O’Neill Public Schools (O’Neill, Neb.)
Middle Level Special Education Teacher – Norfolk Middle School (Norfolk, Neb.)
Resource Teacher (8th grade) – Fremont Public Schools (Fremont, Neb.)
Preschool Teacher – East Butler Public Schools (Brainard, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher – Grand Island Public Schools (Grand Island, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher (K-6) – Wayne Community Schools (Wayne, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher (4-12) – Leigh Community Schools (Leigh, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher (7-12) – Santee Community Schools (Santee, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher (9-12) – River Valley Community Schools (Correctionville, Iowa)
Special Education Teacher (9-12) – Sioux City West High School (Sioux City, Iowa)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Speech Language Pathology (MSEd) – University of Nebraska-Kearney (Kearney, Neb.)

Cost of attendance

Least Expensive College in Nebraska

- CollegeTuitionCompare, 2025

Wayne State College is ranked the No. 1 least expensive four-year college in Nebraska and is recognized among the Top 10 most affordable colleges in the nation for out-of-state students. With the same tuition rates for in- and out-of-state students, a tuition guarantee, and generous scholarship opportunities, WSC makes earning a degree both accessible and affordable. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024–25 is just $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Special Education degree program courses

Students will take the required courses for their chosen special education endorsement in addition to the professional education core requirements. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional endorsements or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

Note: Admission to Wayne State does not guarantee entry into its Educator Preparation Programs. Students preparing for professional education must meet benchmark criteria at multiple stages in order to advance through established levels. Refer to the Benchmarks and Levels for Educator Preparation for more information.

General Studies requirements: MAT 210 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I for CAT 3.

Courses for all Special Education majors

Credits: 3

Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.

Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 3
Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy
Credits: 3
Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.
Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.

Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to Special Education (3) The process of special education including an introduction to the laws, services and categories will be presented in this course. Philosophy, characteristics of exceptional learners and an overview of educational practices will be discussed. (Available to all Education majors)
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on functional curriculum design, program development, classroom organization, instructional strategies, and materials for teaching a functional curriculum to K-12 learners with low incidence disabilities. Self-determination, self-advocacy, and transition to independent living will be topics addressed in this course. A focus on the use of assistive technology to promote functional skill instruction will be addressed.
Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education, and SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6
Credits: 3
Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Credits: 3
Description: Historical implications of special education law within the present and future educational settings
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.
Credits: 3
Description: Multidisciplinary Team process and construction of the Individual Education Plan will be explored with an emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse best practices.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.
Credits: 3
Description: Effective techniques of working with parents, educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, agencies, and other professional personnel. (Available to all Education majors)
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Credits: 3
Description: Practical application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions acquired through prior coursework. Enable learners to demonstrate the state and national performance and practice-based standards through 100 supervised hours of field experience.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.

Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist K-8 subject endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.
- SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to elementary aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to secondary education. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education.
- SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) - Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
- SPD 458 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education K-6 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. (Graded S/NC). Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks).
Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist 6-12 subject endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.
- SPD 254 Instructional Methods for Special Education 7-12(3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to adolescents and young adult aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to post-secondary goals. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
- SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) -Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 460 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education 7-12 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary school under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. (Graded S/NC). Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist K-12 field endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.
- SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to elementary aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to secondary education. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
- SPD 254 Instructional Methods for Special Education 7-12 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to adolescents and young adult aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to post-secondary goals. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
- SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) -Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) - Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners.Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 458 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education K-6 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. Graded S/NC. Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
- SPD 460 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education 7-12 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary school under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. Graded S/NC. Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add an extra endorsement to make themselves more marketable and expand their teaching abilities. Students who recently majored in Special Education at Wayne State also paired this program with one or more of the following endorsements

Coaching (supplemental endorsement)
Early Childhood Education PK-3 (supplemental endorsement)
Early Childhood Inclusive Education (Birth - Grade 3) (field endorsement)
Elementary Education (field endorsement)
ESL Education (supplemental endorsement)
Reading and Writing Education (supplemental endorsement)
Spanish Education (subject endorsement)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Special Education program may also be interested in:

Early Childhood Inclusive Education

For me, choosing Wayne State was a no-brainer. For as long as I can remember, I have known Wayne State as a teacher's college, and I can confidently say that that is true. Wayne State offers so many opportunities for teachers to gain experience and to be in a classroom. All the experience I have been given has helped my abilities as a teacher grow. Because of all this experience, I am better prepared for my future career. With my degree, I would like to become a first grade teacher or a head special education teacher in a level three school.

Taylor Sanne

Clearwater, Nebraska

Majors: Special Education (K-6), Elementary Education (K-8), Early Childhood Eduation (PK-3)