BA in Special Education - Learning Disabilities for K-12 Teacher Certification
Adrian, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The primary goal of the Special Education - Learning Disabilities program is to develop self-confident, inquisitive, and thoughtful educators who are grounded in the breadth and depth of Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Impairments.
The philosophy of the Special Education program is based on beliefs that influence the nature and content of instructional offerings. Emphasis is placed on incorporating practical application with theoretical discussion and legal/ethical aspects of facilitating the learning of children with disabilities.
The philosophy of the endorsement program for Learning Disabilities is based on beliefs that influence the nature and content of instructional offerings. Beliefs related to this program are:
- All exceptional children and adults can benefit from educational programs.
- All facets of learning must be addressed: academic subjects as well as social skills and study skills.
- Education for persons with a learning disability should begin as early as possible and continue as long as needed. Attention should be paid to the periods of transition.
- Exceptional individuals have the right to be placed in the educational setting that is least restrictive. Consulting teachers, resource programs, and inclusive settings can be alternatives for most children with learning disabilities.
- Special educators are a resource to the educational community. Through their knowledge and skills, special educators provide both direct service to exceptional children and supportive services to other persons, both professional and lay, who are responsible for teaching exceptional children.
Accreditation
Siena Heights University’s Division of Education was granted national accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the full seven years, from Spring 2020 to Spring 2027. This accreditation certifies the forenamed professional initial certification programs have provided evidence of meeting all CAEP’s standards.
Program Distinctions
- The graduate hiring rate of 100 percent;
- A total of 74 percent of courses have clinical field experience;
- Hands-on modeling of instruction.
Special Education Endorsement: Learning Disabilities
Program Requirements: 37-40 credit hours
- SED 312 Introduction to Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 341 Procedures in Special Education 2 credit hours
- SED 342 Parent-School Partnership: Special Education 2 credit hours
- SED 343 Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities 3 credit hours
- SED 344 Early Childhood and Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 345 Collaboration in Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 334 Strategies for Teaching Reading to Students W/ Learning Disabilities 1 credit hours
- SED 349 Culture and Diversity in Special Education 1 credit hours
- SED 351 Behavior Management 2 credit hours
- SED 361 Introduction to Learning Disabilities 3 credit hours
- SED 362 Methods and Strategies for Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities 4 credit hours *
- SED 384 Transition and Career Education for Individuals with Disabilities 3 credit hours
- SED 421 Educational Technology and Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities 1 credit hours
- SED 480 Directed Teaching 8-11 credit hours *
- SED 495 Directed Teaching Seminar 1 credit hour *
Total for Major (Elementary): 49-52 credit hours
Total for Major (Secondary): 47-78 credit hours
Total for Endorsement: 37-40 credit hours
Liberal Arts: 35 credit hours
Education Core (Elementary): 35-38 credit hours
Education Core (Secondary): 36-39 credit hours
Total for Degree (Elementary): 160-165 credit hours
Total for Degree (Secondary): 159-195 credit hours
Other Requirements
*Denotes those courses which are required to be taken in residence at the Siena Heights University Adrian campus. SED 480 and SED 495 are residency requirements and all student teaching placements should be made in Lenawee, Hillsdale, or Monroe counties.
- Successful completion of SED 312 or EDU 312 is required prior to taking any other course in the Cognitive Impairment Program.
- The education certification requirements may be taken concurrently with endorsement requirements; however, EDU 480/EDU 495 must be completed before SED 480/SED 495.
- All students pursuing a Special Education degree or certification in Learning Disabilities must earn a 2.0 g.p.a. or better in each required course.