This undergraduate program prepares students to become certified teachers of children and youth who have disabilities, as well as those who do not. The program pairs a strong background in elementary education (teaching of math, science, social studies, reading, etc.) with a rich coursework in special education. Teaching practicums and fieldwork give direct experience in classrooms throughout the program.
This program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children.
This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
More Information
No job is more challenging, rewarding, or important than teaching small children. As a special and elementary educator, you’ll help shape the character—and future—of every child in your classroom. It’s a big responsibility.
If you're a prospective elementary school teacher with an interest in meeting the unique needs of children with disabilities, a degree in Special and Elementary Education will allow you to enhance your expertise. The dual certification prepares you to teach students with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, and orthopedic and health impairments. You'll spend one semester teaching, dividing time between special education and elementary education classroom settings. You'll graduate with certification in special education for K-12 and elementary education in 1-8.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements. Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded throughout courses in the program of study.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
Major GPA | 2.5 |
Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 155 |
Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
University Honors Program | Optional |
Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the Association for Childhood Education International, Council for Exceptional Children, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
Special Education Learning Outcomes
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
45 units of coursework which includes:
Take the following 91 units with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 with a course grade no lower than a "C":
In all of our teacher education programs, you are required to complete a student teaching or internship experience. In addition, a minimum number of units of practicum is required, which involves supervised field experience with a practicing teacher.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
AZ Teacher Certification Requirements
In order to obtain an AZ teaching certificate, you must also pass the required Arizona Educator Exams:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.