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Online

Bachelor of Arts in
Special Education
On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2025.

CAEP
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Nurture Potential with a Special Education Bachelor’s Degree

Develop the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact as a licensed teacher with Cornerstone University’s B.A. in Special Education, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). With a learning disabilities emphasis, you’ll prepare to teach special education in K-12 settings while also earning certification to teach general education in grades PK-6 or 7-12. Through hands-on classroom and field experience, expert faculty mentorship, and a Christ-centered approach, you’ll be equipped to help every student develop their potential.

Develop Market-Ready Skills for Special Education Teaching Professionals

Gain highly sought-after skills and licensure preparations through Cornerstone’s career and impact-focused education curriculum including: 

Special Education Instruction – Learn to teach students with learning disabilities in K-12 settings using individualized education plans (IEPs) and obtain your K-12 Special Education Endorsement.

General Education Teaching – Earn certification to teach both special education (K-12) and general education (PK-3 and 3-12).

Classroom Management – Develop strategies to create a structured, supportive and effective learning environment.

Differentiated Instruction – Adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student.

Behavioral Intervention Strategies – Implement techniques to support students with behavioral and emotional challenges.

IEP Development & Implementation – Design, track, and adjust individualized plans to promote student success.

Hands-On Classroom & Field Experience – Gain real-world teaching experience through student teaching and field placements.

Collaboration & Teamwork – Work alongside parents, faculty, and specialists to provide comprehensive student support.

Parent & Stakeholder Communication – Effectively engage with families, administrators, and educational support teams.

Christian Worldview Foundation – Lead and impact students and families through a biblical worldview of truth and knowledge in education.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your career. The courses below reflect just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses

EDU-233: Found Teaching Exceptional Learner

Explores the foundations of special education, including disabilities, legislation, IEPs, and collaboration, through a Christian worldview, with field experience for real-world application.

EDU-328: Learner-Centered Assessment

Use observation, assessment tools, and data-driven strategies to identify struggling learners, collaborate with school professionals, and contribute to IEP and 504 plan development.

EDU-335: Teaching Exceptional Learners & Clinical Experience

Develop data-driven, evidence-based strategies for teaching students with disabilities, emphasizing literacy instruction, intervention, and structured reading development.

EDU-338: Assessment & Diagnosis of Exceptional Learners

Explore the special education referral process, assessment tools, data interpretation, collaborative planning, and IEP development.

EDU-434: Special Education Practicum & Seminar

A 180-hour school-based apprenticeship where students observe, participate, and analyze the teaching and learning process in a Special Education classroom under professional supervision.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

A Christian Worldview of Liberal Arts and the G.O.O.D. Life

The humanities are integral to Cornerstone’s liberal arts approach, exploring culture, literature, history, and philosophy through a Christian worldview. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, students consider how to apply G.O.O.D. Life Biblical principles to inspire their spiritual growth and to profoundly influence society, industry and ministry for Jesus Christ. Our G.O.O.D. Life foundations guide students to answer life’s biggest questions from a rich Biblical perspective to shape Christ-centered moral leaders.

  • God: Who is God? What is His beauty, goodness and greatness?
  • Others: What does it mean to live in a community with responsibility and grace?
  • Ourselves: Who am I? What is the beauty and frailty of being human?
  • Dual Citizenship: What is my role as a citizen of heaven and earth?
  • Life: How do we live, know, and love the good life, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness?

Teacher Education Field Experience

Special Education majors will build on their coursework by developing formal and informal assessment skills. You will learn to diagnose student needs, plan and teach targeted instruction, and use formative assessment to evaluate and adjust your teaching. This process is applied in a school-based apprenticeship, where you will complete at least 420 hours in a special education classroom under the guidance of a professional educator.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Degree

  • Special Education Teacher (K-12)
  • General Education Teacher (PK-3 or 3-12)
  • Intervention Specialist
  • Behavioral Specialist
  • IEP Coordinator
  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
  • Educational Consultant
  • Learning Disabilities Specialist
  • Assistive Technology Specialist

Tuition

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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