Special Education Studies

Why special education studies?

This degree prepares those interested in special education for various careers in non-licensed fields, such as non-profit or corporate environments. 

  • Focused on education theory and practice, the curriculum includes diverse topics such as teaching methods, educational psychology and technology. 
  • Students may also work closely with their advisor to pair the major with elective courses, majors or minors tailored to their vocational goals.
  • A degree in special education studies prepares students to share information effectively with others, support others’ development, and transform educational systems in their communities.

Sharon Lust School of Education Licensure & Disclosure
Special Education Class

Special Education at AU

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty

Related Programs of Study

Latest News

ABA Program
Augustana University Launches Online Master of Education Program in Applied Behavior Analysis

Augustana University’s Sharon Lust School of Education is proud to announce that it is offering a new area of specialization within the Master of Education in Special Education program that was launched in 2019. A concentration in applied behavior analysis (M.Ed. SPED — ABA) will be offered online beginning in the fall of 2022.

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Highlights

SPED class

Careers

Graduates pursue careers as a child life specialist, behavior specialist, community outreach coordinator, librarian and camp director. They also succeed in careers in the educational system, like as a school counselor, psychologist, speech language pathologist or tutor.

Hands-On Learning  

Internship opportunities include:

  • Augustana’s model classroom
  • Camp counselor
  • Surrounding school districts

Education students study away in:

  • Kenya — focusing on the intersection of global food security and education with AU faculty
  • Norway — for the exceptional children and youth practicum
  • China — focusing on human relations in education with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Many education majors choose to earn a kindergarten endorsement or a minor in athletic coaching, American Sign Language or Spanish.
 
Special education studies students often participate in:

  • Augustana University Education Association (AUEA)
  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • Deaf Awareness
  • National Student Speech Language Hearing Association(NSSLHA)
  • Residence Life
  • FRIENDSLink
  • Lost & Found
  • Peer Navigator (Augie Access)