Western Governors University

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Learn to help those who need it most by earning the credentials to teach those with mild to moderate learning disabilities. WGU’s degree programs in Special Education are designed for those looking to earn initial teacher licensure and already licensed teachers looking to enhance their careers.

This degree is a diverse, multi-discipline model for initial certification. You’ll become a highly qualified educator prepared to make a difference in your school and community. In some states, the program will lead to dual licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education.

As the first and only completely online university to receive NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) accreditation, WGU is a recognized leader in teacher education. If you need to affordably earn your licensure or bachelor’s, master’s, or post-baccalaureate credentials, WGU is for you.

As a non-profit university founded by the governors of 19 U.S. states, WGU offers accredited, affordable, online degree programs. Our competency-based model can allow you to use your professional experience to advance more quickly toward your degree completion.

WGU’s competency-based model continues to receive accolades, with our most recent recognition in a TIME magazine article, “Go Western, Young Man”. Read full article

Take a look at our online Education programs:

Initial Teacher Licensure Programs

B.A. in Special Education

Programs for Already Licensed Teachers

M.S. in Special Education

B.A. in Special Education (PK-12)
This program is appropriate for teaching candidates seeking certification who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and begin their careers in this high-demand field. The B.A. in Special Education (PK-12) prepares you to effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Graduates become highly qualified special education teachers. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Tuition for 6-month term: $2,890 (A one-time fee of either $1,000 or $1,900 will also be charged for either a Demonstration Teaching Fee or an Internship Teaching Model, depending on your program.)

Western Governors University is the first and only exclusively online provider of teacher education to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)—the premier specialized accrediting body for teacher preparation.

Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.
Get Started Now |

M.S. in Special Education (PK-12)
This program prepares you to certify in special education and effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Graduates become better special education teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in research fundamentals and instructional design principles.

This program is appropriate for master’s candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and advance their careers in this high-demand field.

Tuition for 6-month term: $2,890

Western Governors University is the first and only exclusively online provider of teacher education to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)—the premier specialized accrediting body for teacher preparation.

Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.
Get Started Now |

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WGU received the 2008
award for Best Practices in Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).

Featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in their “What Works” segment, WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. TIME Magazine also called WGU “the best relatively cheap university you’ve never heard of”.

The WGU Teachers College is the first and only entirely online University to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)—the premier accrediting body for the education of teachers.

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Western Governors University is an online university that is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, one of the major accrediting commissions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

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