Special Education Studies Minor

Overview

A minor in special education studies is available for undergraduates who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the field of special education without earning certification.

What Is the Special Education Studies Minor?

Saint Joseph’s Department of Special Education is led by experienced special education educators and scholars who will lead you through your coursework. Six courses are required for the minor. You will take classes on topics such as:

Assessment and evaluation
Educating students with disabilities
Providing interventions to assist student learning

Minors also take an Intro to Special Education course, which provides an understanding of children with disabilities in various instructional settings and the inclusion of exceptional children in regular education. The minor program also includes courses such as one focused on the process of family assessment and intervention and one on developing skills for effective inclusive management in PK-12 classrooms.

Ways to Study Special Education at Saint Joseph's University

A minor in special education studies involves six courses and can be coupled with any major within the Haub School of Business or College of Arts and Sciences, offering a wide range of opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing the program.

What Can I Do with a Special Education Studies Minor?

While the minor in special education will not provide the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification necessary to become a teacher, minors can go on to pursue various other roles in special education that make an impact, including:

Teaching assistant in special education
Education writer
Special education advocate
Tutor to special education students

Alternatively, students who pair the special education studies minor with a degree in early childhood or secondary education can go on to become special education teachers.

How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for a Career in Special Education?

Saint Joseph’s University is home to the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, a leader in the region in research, services and programs for individuals on the autism spectrum ranging from young children to adults. As a minor in special education, you may be interested in getting involved with the Kinney Center as a Kinney SCHOLAR or student worker.

View Curriculum and Courses

Education - Early Childhood, PK-4

Students who major in early childhood education at Saint Joseph’s University focus their studies on child development, building educational foundations, the role of schools in society, and the assessment and evaluation of learning and progress.

Education - Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

The secondary education major at Saint Joseph's prepares future high school teachers (grades 7-12). Earn a dual major and become a teacher of English, biology, chemistry, history, mathematics, physics, French, Italian, classical studies (Latin) or Spanish. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania.