Special Education

(Kindergarten - Grade 12)

Special Ed

Empowering Lives Through Special Education

If you're committed to making a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities, our Bachelor of Science in Special Education is an amazing pathway to your future career. Our program is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through education and community awareness. As a future special educator, you'll be equipped to provide a wide range of essential services, including K-12 education, occupational development and daily independence rehabilitation, community-based case management, disability advocacy, individualized consultation services, and various other support services for individuals with disabilities and their families. In this program, you'll learn to help all students, from those who need a helping hand to children with more rigorous requirements, in their learning journeys.  

Join us and learn to effectively support and uplift all students across the educational landscape.

In our Special Education program, we offer two dynamic concentrations to help you tailor your education to your aspirations: Language Arts & Mathematics and Language Arts & Natural Science. Whichever path you choose, you'll be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of students with diverse needs, fostering their love for learning and academic success.


1.8%

Projected Job Growth

ACT/SAT

Optional

4 yr

completion time

The School of Education was ranked 48th in the nation for their Special Education program (SED, College Factual).

Why Study Special Education?

Upon graduation, our program ensures you acquire essential skills in evidence-based practices, meeting the licensure requirements for K-12 intervention specialists. Through a comprehensive curriculum and diverse field experiences, graduates of this program complete course and field experiences to meet the prerequisites for mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-intense licensure.  Our goal is to equip you with the proficiency and confidence needed to excel in the field of special education.

I decided to go into special education because I want to make sure that every student knows they’re special and that they are capable of doing whatever they dream.

Abigail Fryman '21

Real World Experiences

Student with computer

The Special Education program provides small classes, talented faculty, and extensive field experiences. Students begin classroom experiences their freshman year. Our education programs include an urban teaching component to better prepare students to work with diverse populations. Through observations and over 600 hours of student teaching, you will develop knowledge essential to your career after college.


Education Without Borders

Student with computer

Bearcats spotted in Botswana!

The University of Cincinnati offers a variety of excellent programs abroad. Our education students studied the complexities of educational systems from around the world, with a special focus on Botswana.  

Search for programs at the links below and make plans to meet with a study abroad advisor.


Research Centers

students conducting research

Enhance your studies through one of our top centers and programs! The Intellectual and Developmental Disability Education Center provides life-changing programs for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to further their education, independence, and life skills. Students in the Special Education program will have the chance to gain hands-on experience working with individuals with disabilities and learn evidence-based practices designed to address a wide range of student needs.


Apply to our Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

The University of Cincinnati’s Special Education program features an industry-leading experience through a proven curriculum. Interested in learning more? Request more information today!

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid).   To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.