Special Education - Elementary

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Student teaching Goshen College

Why study special education at Goshen College?

At Goshen College, special education majors learn to teach and advocate for students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. Through course work and hands-on field experiences, students gain skills in assessment, individualized instruction, and collaboration grounded in inclusion and evidence-based practice. With coursework focused on mild disabilities, special education law, autism spectrum disorders and more, students are thoroughly prepared for their semester of student teaching in a special education setting.

  • A+
    from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for reading preparation (June 2026)
  • 100%
    of Special Education program completers met Indiana's licensing requirements
  • K-12
    Mild Intervention licensure credential available through the completion of this program

    Elementary education/special education curriculum and credits

    As an elementary education/special education major, you’ll dive into courses on child development, curriculum design, reading instruction, assessment, classroom management and more. But you won’t just study teaching—you’ll practice it. You’ll gain experience through multiple classroom placements and spend a full semester student teaching, so you graduate ready to lead your own classroom with confidence. This major requires a minimum of 37 credit hours, in addition to the Goshen CORE (63-76 credits).

    program requirements

    Hands-on learning opportunities

    • Field placements in diverse school settings, including:
      • Resource rooms
      • Self-contained classrooms
      • Co-taught general education classrooms
      • Other inclusive learning environments
    • Observation and collaboration with local disability service organizations
    • Engagement with school and community-based young adult programs
    • Part-time special education student teaching placement

    Career paths

    • Special Education Teacher
    • General Education Teacher
    • Transition Specialist
    • Behavior Interventionist
    • Assistive Technology Specialist
    • Instructional Coach
    • Educational Diagnostician (with further certification)
    • Special Education Administrator (with further certification)

    Scholarships

    Additional scholarships for education majors may be available — be sure to check with the education department for more information.

    Explore more of our scholarships

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