Special Education PK-12 - BS
.
Why study special education at Pitt-Bradford?
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference and enter a high-demand field, special education is a smart choice. In 2024–25, 45 states reported shortages of special education professionals.
At Pitt-Bradford, you’ll learn from faculty with deep experience with special needs children who connect you with local teachers for strong one-on-one mentorship. Small classes mean you’ll get personal attention and learn directly from our experts.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience through classroom observations, tutoring, working with children with disabilities at campus events, and completing student-teaching placements with exceptional learning needs. You’ll graduate prepared for a meaningful, secure career.
What will I learn?
You will learn classroom management and teaching basics and then layer on classes to help you support exceptional learners academically, socially, emotionally and developmentally. Specialized courses will focus on child development, educational psychology, behavior analysis, assistive technology, inclusive teaching strategies, instructional methods for students with disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
What can I do with a degree in special education?
You will be prepared to be a certified PK-12 special education teacher, but that’s not your only option.
Job Titles
- Case manager
- Educational diagnostician
- Instructional coordinator
- Special education coordinator
- Early intervention specialist
- Rehabilitation counselor
Employers
- School districts
- Charter schools
- Residential or alternative schools
- Nonprofit organizations or agencies
- Child care providers
- Consulting firms
- Colleges or universities
-
EDUC 1303
Applied Behavior AnalysisThis course provides a focus on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Specifically, the course will examine the application of ABA principles to instruction, behavior management, and techniques for monitoring progress for students with special needs. Additionally, the course places an emphasis on procedures for increasing academic and socially appropriate behavior through simulations and practice exercises in ABA. -
EDUC 1304
Autism Spectrum DisordersThis course provides a broad perspective of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and a deep understanding of the: history, characteristics of students with ASD, philosophical underpinnings of supporting students with ASD, current definition, assessments, and diagnostic criteria as well as the wide range of interventions and current strategies of support. The course also provides guidance for identifying and matching specific support strategies to the individual with ASD’s challenges including specifically: language and communication; social understanding and social skills; special interests; sensory integration and movement issues; visual supports and cognitive functioning; and behavioral assessment and intervention/support planning.
More information
You will need to formally apply to be admitted to the teacher certification program after you complete 48 credits. Admission to the program does not guarantee certification but our program is designed to help teacher candidates meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification requirements.
Requirements for admission include maintaining a 3.0 overall GPA and receiving no grade lower than C- in any required major course. If your GPA is below 3.0, you will need to pass the Basic Skills tests. You will also need to submit three letters of recommendation as well as a Career Goals Statement. Refer to the Teacher Education Program page for more details regarding admission into the program.
Program Related News
Campus to launch special education major
New certification program to begin Fall 2026.
PBAA to honor Clark, Crytzer
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will recognize Dr. William Clark, assistant professor of education, and Jenny Crytzer ’08 during Alumni and Family Weekend.
Pitt-Bradford named a College of Distinction
Campus recognized for affordability and business, education and nursing programs.