Special Education A.A. - Transfer Degree

Improve the lives of children with disabilities

Provide a person-centered approach to teaching and learning. Fulfill your purpose in a rewarding career, and make a positive difference in the lives of children.

Build a foundation for a 4-year degree with an associate degree in special education. Lead tomorrow’s young minds with compassion, composure and creativity.

What can you do with a degree in Special Education?

Complete the special education course sequences to become eligible for transfer to a 4-year institution. A bachelor’s degree in special education prepares you for licensure in Illinois.

After further education, you can begin a career in any of the following:

preschool teacher
special education associate
teacher's aide

Things you'll love about this program

strong transfer agreements with 4-year schools
field experiences in local school districts
partnerships with local schools = job opportunities!
curriculum emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion
classes taught by expert professors with local K-12 experience

Highlights

100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Transfer Degree

Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,358
  
  Median
  
  $63,502
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86,956
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.72
  
  Median
  
  $30.52
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $41.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  71.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,522
  
  Median
  
  $59,699
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $124,926
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.11
  
  Median
  
  $28.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $60.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  8.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.42%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  54.72%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  31.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,550
  
  Median
  
  $68,771
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $108,788
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.78
  
  Median
  
  $33.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  0.96%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.02%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  27.83%
  
  Doctorate
  
  5.19%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,550
  
  Median
  
  $68,771
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $108,788
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.78
  
  Median
  
  $33.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  0.96%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.02%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  27.83%
  
  Doctorate
  
  5.19%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,292
  
  Median
  
  $66,018
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105,374
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.69
  
  Median
  
  $31.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.66
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  53.05%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  46.95%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,141
  
  Median
  
  $65,365
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $103,577
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.74
  
  Median
  
  $31.42
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49.79
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  1.44%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  63.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  32.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,167
  
  Median
  
  $79,444
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $122,944
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.08
  
  Median
  
  $38.19
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  0.73%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  82.73%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.54%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3
MTH 121	MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I Class Description This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.	3
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3
EDU 121	EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching Class Description This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 121
Course Title	MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I Class Description This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 121
Course Title	EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching Class Description This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3
MTH 221	MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II Class Description This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.	3
BIO 141	BIO 141 Concepts in Biology Class Description This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.	4
HST 221	HST 221 United States History to 1876 Class Description This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.	3
ECE 124	ECE 124 Child Development for Educators Class Description This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 221
Course Title	MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II Class Description This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 141
Course Title	BIO 141 Concepts in Biology Class Description This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HST 221
Course Title	HST 221 United States History to 1876 Class Description This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 124
Course Title	ECE 124 Child Development for Educators Class Description This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3
MUS 124	MUS 124 Music Appreciation Class Description This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.	3
ENG 249	ENG 249 Children's Literature Class Description This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.	3
EDU 222	EDU 222 The Exceptional Child Class Description This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.	3
EDU 223	EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom Class Description This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MUS 124
Course Title	MUS 124 Music Appreciation Class Description This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 249
Course Title	ENG 249 Children's Literature Class Description This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 222
Course Title	EDU 222 The Exceptional Child Class Description This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 223
Course Title	EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom Class Description This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
PSC 121	PSC 121 American National Politics Class Description This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.	3
ART 121	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.	3
	ESC 224	3
EDU 224	EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society Class Description This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.	3
EDU 225	EDU 225 Educational Psychology Class Description This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSC 121
Course Title	PSC 121 American National Politics Class Description This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ART 121
Course Title	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code
Course Title	ESC 224
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 224
Course Title	EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society Class Description This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 225
Course Title	EDU 225 Educational Psychology Class Description This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

60

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Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Education at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An associate degree is just one possible way to study Education. Get the bigger picture — degrees, credentials, and extra options.

View the Education Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

The Associate in Arts in special education degree is 60 total credit hours. On average, it takes students 2-3 years to complete the program.
Yes! This degree can be completed entirely online. If you prefer to learn in person, on-site classes and practicum opportunities are also available.
In this program, 75% of the students are traditional, meaning basically right out of high school, and 25% are nontraditional. Students are required to be English Language proficient.
Courses focus on active learning through real-world teaching and assessment techniques. Learn problem-solving skills in a variety of real-life teaching environments.
Classes visit local schools and include hands-on activities such as lesson plan creation and portfolio artifacts. Students can also attend study abroad trips to work in schools overseas. Many students realize after a school visit that this is what they want to do with their lives.
Our education instructors share their vast experience in public schools and knowledge of current research and theory. This better prepares future teachers like you, igniting a passion for learning that creates a safe and creative classroom environment for all.
Yes. How they apply to your major at your next school varies, depending on your chosen 4-year school and major. Work with an Academic Success Advisor to ensure your credits will transfer the way you hope. You should also contact an advisor from your selected 4-year school to ensure you’re meeting all the transfer requirements.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Special Education

Improve the lives of children with disabilities

What can you do with a degree in Special Education?

Things you'll love about this program

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Interpreters and Translators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 15 Credits

Semester 4 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

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Education at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

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Will my online credits transfer to a 4-year school?

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