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Bachelor's Degree Programs At-a-Glance


To get a Utah Basic Teaching License in Special Education, you can choose from different areas like helping students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Severe Disabilities, Preschool/Early Intervention Special Education, Visual Impairments, or Deaf and Hard of Hearing. You'll need to take around 122 semester hours of classes to earn your degree.


Degree Specializations

severely disabled student of color in a wheelchair learning from an instructor

Severe Disabilities

The Severe Disabilities program trains teachers to work with K-12 students and adults up to age 22 who have severe disabilities. It focuses on creating personalized instruction plans, managing behavior, and using data to guide interventions. The program combines coursework with hands-on experience in special education classrooms.

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Specialization Information

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Mild/Moderate Disabilities

This program trains graduates to teach students with high-incidence disabilities like learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and communication disorders in grades K-12. They will use effective teaching strategies that are backed by research. Graduates may also consider completing the ESL Endorsement if they plan to work with Mildly/Moderately disabled students.

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Specialization Information

a man playing with a disabled infant with blocks

Preschool & Early Intervention

Graduates learn to work with infants, toddlers, and preschool children who need extra help in their development. They get to partner with families and other experts to create personalized plans for each child. Family-centered early intervention specialists get to work with families in their homes.

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Specialization Information

visually impaired student doing an activity with guidance from a teacher

Visual Impairments

The Visual Impairments specialization covers a range of topics such as the Unified English Braille code, Assistive Technology for Students with Visual Impairments, and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Candidates learn how to support their students in developing social skills, succeeding academically, and more.

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Specialization Information

A child recieving their hearing aid

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing specialization coursework covers a wide range of topics, including spoken language through audition, visual communication approaches, and American Sign Language. The program emphasizes language and literacy development, social skills, cognitive development, and academic success.

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Specialization Information

Questions? Ask our Program Contacts

Kaitlin Lindsey

Academic Advisor

k.lindsey@utah.edu
801-581-4764

Last Updated: 2/28/24