special education professor with three students

Special Education Minor

Support individuals with diverse learning abilities and behavioral challenges with a minor in Special Education.

No matter what type of teacher you want to be, you will have students with disabilities and special needs in your classroom. UND's Special Education minor prepares you to understand and effectively teach those students so they can reach their potential.

Program type:
Minor
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
20

Why minor in special education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Part of being a 21st century educator is knowing how to successfully teach those with challenging behaviors and diverse learning abilities. Our goal is to support you in meeting these professional expectations and their integration in the general education classroom.

A minor in Special Education is the perfect supplement to your undergraduate major. You'll understand the challenges students with special needs go through, and how to help them reach their full potential. You'll learn from a highly qualified and diverse group of faculty members with extensive experience teaching and working with special-needs children and their families.

Take courses in special education at one of our partner universities in Europe during a semester abroad.

Jobs in Special Education

Job prospects for special education teachers are excellent due to the rising enrollments of special education students and shortages of qualified teachers. Job openings are expected as a result of teacher retirements or career changes.

By declaring a minor in Special Education you will:

  • Advance your skill set and teaching efficacy which improves job performance and professional satisfaction.
  • Gain knowledge in school-wide support services, collaboration and inclusion facilitation.
  • Be better prepared to work with individuals with varied abilities and their families in a range of health, human services and educational settings.
  • Be positioned to study Special Education in the Master’s program at UND which equips teachers for highly specialized training and salary advancement.

Minor in Special Education at UND

  • The minor fulfills eligibility criteria to teach special education in North Dakota.

  • Better prepares future educators by increasing knowledge and building confidence to teach challenging behaviors and diverse learning abilities.

  • Take a variety of specialized courses in this customizable program, with online options available for introductory courses.

  • Understand this field through evidence-based instruction.

  • Be part of the NDMTSS Social Emotional Learning Network. You’ll share experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solve perceived barriers related to social emotional learning.

Special Education Minor Courses

T&L 319. Integrating Diverse Needs in Educational Settings. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the shared, collaborative responsibility of professionals in education. It emphasizes understanding of different emotional and learning abilities and underscores the requirement that teachers create and modify learning environments and adapt evidence-based teaching strategies and methods. Integrated into this course are concepts of accountability, building collaborative partnerships and facilitating educational programming for inclusive success. F,S,SS, odd years.

T&L 423. Assessment and Individualized Planning in Special Education. 3 Credits.

A study of the principles and practices of: (1) obtaining diagnostic information on school-related problems of a student; (2) assimilating this information and prescribing appropriate alterations based on continuous measurement data. Prerequisites or Corequisites: T&L 251 and T&L 319. F,S.

T&L 251. Understanding Individuals with Different Abilities. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to foundational knowledge of individuals with different abilities addressing the identification, supports, range of services, assessment components, and evidence-based teaching practices. Historical, legal, cultural, and societal influences that impacts educational success will be explored. F,S,SS, even years.

T&L 316. Behavioral Assessment and Tiered Supports in Education. 3 Credits.

The study of behavior management within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for the educational advancement of children and youths in schools. Behavior concepts, assessments, and interventions are applied within the MTSS framework as defined by contemporary special education laws and regulations. Prerequisite or Corequisite: T&L 251. F,S.

SPED 525. Legal/Ethical Aspects in Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course covers the theory and study of special education law for children & youth with disabilities. F,S,SS.

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