Special Education (BSE)

Impacting Lives of Children

There’s a huge demand – and a lifetime of rewards – for talented, empathetic, specialized teachers of students with special needs.

At DSU, we know that special needs educators do more than develop detailed, individualized plans and track the progress of each student. They understand children and understand how a disability can affect cognitive, social, and emotional function; they are able to employ strategies to help children manage their behavior and gain social skills. Special education teachers celebrate successes small and large - and those moments are etched in a teacher's heart.

Our special education degree offers you the confidence, tools, and skills essential to educate students of every ability. This degree allows you to impact children in the most powerful way.

Online or on-campus courses

The special education bachelor’s program coursework is offered 100% online or on campus. Whether you are a traditional student or a working professional aspiring to become a teacher, this flexible program allows you to complete your degree how it works best for you – remote, in-person, or hybrid, and as a full-time or part-time student.

DSU's Director of Field Services will help arrange your in-school student teaching requirements.

Degree in Three

Accelerate your education with the option to complete your bachelor’s in elementary and special education in three years. If you choose the accelerated Degree in Three program, you’ll take courses as a full-time student, with 12-15 credits each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). 

Learn more about Degree in Three

Placement Rates

DSU’s programs in the College of Education & Human Performance have 100% placement rates. While many of our graduates are employed in the state of South Dakota, there are graduates working across the U.S.