Special Education Program Curriculum 

Promoting a dynamic learning experience, UM-Flint’s BS in Special Education curriculum takes an integrative approach to prepare you to work with children with and at risk for disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade. You will gain specialized expertise to work in your primary endorsement area (i.e., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment) and generalized skills to work with a variety of students with and at risk for disability categories. As a result, you gain strong pedagogical skills, undergo rapid professional development, and find your voice as a teacher.

You must complete 124 credit hours to earn your bachelor’s in special education, including UM-Flint’s general education courses and major-specific classes. Our curriculum includes three phases to build foundational knowledge, specialize your skillset, and provide real-world teaching opportunities.

Phase I includes your preparatory coursework in education theory and academic subject areas. You will select two courses that explore topics such as literacy, technology, creating an inclusive learning environment, techniques for working in schools, and more.

During Phase II, your courses will be complemented by 180 hours of fieldwork, where you will be placed in a local school one day per week. Courses during this time include teaching and differentiation across subjects and learning environments. You will also explore special education resources, legal considerations, and systems-level support.

In Phase III, you complete 420 hours of field placements in area schools, including student teaching, assigned by the UM-Flint Education Department. Your fieldwork will be supported by coursework related to data-informed decision-making, advanced special education, and techniques for managing your well-being in the context of working with students with or at risk for disabilities.

Review our in-depth overview of the special education major curriculum.

Endorsement Options

Within the UM-Flint special education program, you can choose from three unique endorsements to specialize your expertise. Whichever endorsement you choose, you receive highly focused training and graduate equipped to provide quality care and instruction to children of all learning abilities.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder: ASD as defined by MARSE, refers to a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and engagement in repetitive activities, often detected before age three. This disorder impacts a child’s educational performance and may also involve unusual responses to sensory experiences. Topics covered include identification, diagnosis criteria, characteristics, and the impact of ASD on language, communication, and social interactions. Skills gained involve assessing and developing individualized behavior interventions, using assistive technologies, and modifying instructional strategies. Students learn to adapt general education curricula, manage sensory needs, and collaborate effectively with families and service providers.
• Cognitive Impairment: CI is defined by MARSE as a disability where intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior develop at a rate significantly below average, impacting educational performance. This category includes students with mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairments. This endorsement covers identification, characteristics, and adaptive needs specific to cognitive impairments, focusing on language, social, and emotional development. Skills developed include assessment of intellectual and adaptive behaviors, tailoring instructional methods, and creating personalized educational and community-based participation plans. The program also emphasizes collaboration with allied service providers and family engagement to support life skills and career transitions.​
• Emotional Impairment: According to MARSE, EI refers to behavioral issues primarily affecting a student’s affective domain over an extended period. This includes behaviors such as an inability to build satisfactory relationships, inappropriate behavior under normal circumstances, pervasive mood issues, and physical symptoms associated with personal or school problems. In this area, topics include the identification, classification, and characteristics of emotional impairment, as well as factors like socioeconomic status and family dynamics. Skills gained emphasize creating and evaluating individualized behavior plans, adapting curricula, and integrating affective strategies with academic instruction. Educators also learn to collaborate with mental health professionals and community services to support the student’s overall development and family engagement.

 Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers

With the expansion and evolution of the education system, there is an increased awareness of students’ academic, mental, and emotional needs. As a special education teacher, you play an integral role in improving the overall quality of education and demonstrate a strong commitment to providing holistic support to children.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates more than 33,000 special education teacher positions to open annually over the next decade, creating many opportunities for you and other professionals to help children excel in school.

Likewise, special education teachers have a steady earning potential with an annual mean salary of $74,000; however, income can range from $38,680 to $106,850. State of employment, school district, and level of education and experience, along with other factors, can play an important role in determining salary potential.

Overview

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