Is special education calling your name? Concordia University Wisconsin now offers an online accelerated special education degree.
Earn your accelerated special education degree
Are you thinking about becoming a special education teacher? Concordia University Wisconsin now offers an online accelerated bachelor’s degree in cross-categorical special education. Rooted in the liberal arts, this program includes specialized coursework and in-classroom experiences. You’ll be eligible to get your Wisconsin cross-categorical SPED license for K-12 upon completion of this program.
Pursue a career in this growing field
Special education is identified nationally as a teaching field in which there is a major shortage of licensed teachers. Gaining this license almost guarantees the candidate a job upon graduation. To help you get a feel for the program, Dr. Adam Paape and Dr. Linda Hensel answered some questions below.
What’s unique about Concordia’s accelerated special education degree?
Dr. Adam Paape: First of all, this program is one of the only online accelerated special education programs in the state of Wisconsin. If a student enters the program with zero credits, she or he can complete the degree in as little as 3 years. Secondly, all of the coursework is online with the exception of the in-the-field clinical work that can be done at K-12 schools right near where the candidate lives.
Who would be an ideal student for this program?
Dr. Adam Paape: Overall, we anticipate that many special education aides in schools will find this program to be of great interest. These candidates will have experience working in the special education classroom already that can be used towards our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Further, this is an opportunity for the candidate to apply for us to 6 credits of our clinical course sequence based on their previous classroom experiences as an aide.
What do you love about teaching special education? Why should someone consider this as a career option?
Dr. Linda Hensel: I love working with learners who need extra support and individualized instruction to learn. It is really gratifying to see them learn a new skill or grasp a new concept. Working with and spending time with individuals who have disabilities brings me so much joy! This is a great career option for individuals who have a passion for students who learn differently and want to make a difference in the lives of those students. It is hard, but rewarding work, where the blessings and challenges are new every day!
Why should someone come to Concordia for this program?
Dr. Adam Paape: We are one of the only universities in the state that offers a program like this. Next, we have a great combination of full-time CUW faculty and in-the-field adjuncts teaching within this program. Also, all of our courses are asynchronous, which allows candidates to work a full-time job during the day (or whenever their job requires them to work) and complete their coursework when not working.
Do you want to know more?
If you’re interested in learning more about earning your online accelerated special education degree at Concordia, visit the link below.
—
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.