BEd Special Education: Severe Disabilities/Autism

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hawaii Manoa

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education in Special Education, specializing in Severe Disabilities and Autism at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, prepares students to support children and young people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, multiple disabilities, and extensive support needs. The program combines specialized teaching methods, communication strategies, behavioral interventions, and practical school-based experience for students who aspire to become licensed special education teachers serving preschool through secondary school learners.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year: Students build a foundation in general education, mathematics, and introductory educational concepts while developing an understanding of diverse learners and inclusive education. The university requires foundational preparation and relevant prerequisite coursework, including SPED 304: Foundations of Inclusive Schooling, which introduces students to inclusive educational practices.

Second Year: Students continue completing general education requirements and preparing for the professional teacher education program. Relevant preparation includes SPED 304: Foundations of Inclusive Schooling, alongside required prerequisites and experience working with school-aged children; students must meet the program's eligibility requirements before progressing into the specialized sequence.

Third Year: Students begin developing specialized instructional and professional skills through courses such as SPED 311: Introduction to Specialized Instruction, SPED 310: Introduction to Special Education Assessment, and SPED 425: Partnerships with Families and Professionals. These courses introduce assessment-informed teaching, individualized educational support, and collaboration with families and other professionals.

Fourth Year: Students deepen their expertise through specialized courses such as SPED 412: Individuals with Severe Disabilities/Autism, SPED 453: Physical and Medical Needs – Severe Disabilities/Autism, and SPED 462: Assessment and Instruction – Severe Disabilities/Autism. They also develop skills in communication support, assistive technology, classroom management, and intensive behavioral interventions, preparing them for professional special education teaching.

Focus Areas: Severe disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, inclusive education, specialized instruction, educational assessment, communication needs, assistive technology, positive behavioral support, physical and medical needs, family collaboration, individualized instruction, classroom management.

Learning Outcomes: Assess individual learning needs, plan and deliver specialized instruction, develop communication and functional life skills, apply positive behavioral interventions, use assistive technology, collaborate with families and professionals, manage specialized classroom environments, support learners with extensive needs, promote inclusion and participation, prepare for special education teaching licensure.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is designed to prepare eligible graduates for recommendation for initial special education teacher licensure through the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board. Students pursuing the Severe Disabilities/Autism specialization can select a licensure level covering preschool through grade 3, kindergarten through grade 6, or grades 6–12. This is a teacher-licensure pathway; a separate program-specific accreditation designation should not be assumed.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The program is offered through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's College of Education and Department of Special Education, which provides undergraduate and postgraduate preparation for special education professionals. No verified program-specific QS, Guardian, or graduate-employment ranking is established in the official program information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Special Education program emphasizes applying educational theory to real teaching situations. Students develop practical skills in assessment, instructional planning, classroom management, communication support, and behavioral interventions. Field placements provide opportunities to work with learners with disabilities and connect coursework with the responsibilities of a special education teacher.

Practical Learning Opportunities:

School-Based Field Placements: Gain practical experience in special education settings and develop skills in supporting learners with severe disabilities and autism.
Assessment and Instruction: Apply techniques from SPED 460 and SPED 462 to assess learner needs, plan instruction, and adapt educational activities.
Assistive Technology: Study SPED 480, Instructional and Assistive Technology, to explore technology-supported learning and accessibility for students with disabilities.
Behavioral Intervention: Study SPED 489, Intensive Behavioral Interventions, to understand strategies for addressing behavioral needs and supporting student participation.
Communication Support: Explore SPED 332, Children with Communication Needs, to develop approaches for supporting communication and learning.
Classroom Management: Study SPED 485, Classroom Organization and Management, to prepare for organizing and managing specialized learning environments.
Family and Professional Collaboration: Study SPED 425, Partnerships with Families and Professionals, to develop collaborative approaches to educational planning and student support.
Digital Learning Requirements: Students must have a laptop capable of running the software required by the program; Chromebooks and mobile tablets alone do not meet the stated requirement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates who meet the relevant program and licensure requirements can pursue careers supporting students with severe disabilities and autism in schools and other educational settings. The specialization prepares candidates for teaching roles involving individualized instruction, communication development, positive behavioral support, and functional life skills. Career opportunities depend on licensure eligibility, employment requirements, and the setting in which graduates seek work.

Typical Career Opportunities:

Special Education Teacher: Teach students with severe disabilities and autism in specialized or inclusive classrooms.
Special Education Preschool Teacher: Support early learning, communication, social development, and foundational skills for young children with disabilities.
Community-Based Instruction Teacher: Help learners develop functional, independent-living, and community participation skills.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher: Collaborate with other educators to support learners with disabilities in inclusive educational environments.

University Career and Employment Support:

Academic Advising: Academic advisors assist students with course requirements, program eligibility, and progression toward licensure.
School-Based Experience: Field placements help students develop practical teaching skills and prepare for the responsibilities of professional practice.
Teacher Licensure Preparation: Eligible candidates can be recommended for initial licensure through the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board after meeting the applicable requirements.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: No verified program-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure is established in the official program information reviewed. Actual earnings vary by employer, location, qualifications, and experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program has connections with Hawaiʻi's public-school special education system. Specific current employer-placement or hiring statistics should not be assumed without official confirmation.
Long-Term Professional Value: Special education teacher licensure provides a professional pathway into eligible teaching positions, subject to applicable licensing and renewal requirements.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates who complete the program and satisfy licensure requirements may pursue special education teaching positions serving learners from preschool through secondary school.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue their studies through advanced qualifications in special education, educational leadership, or related education fields. The university's broader academic offerings include master's and doctoral programs for professionals interested in advanced teaching practice, research, leadership, and services for individuals with disabilities. Admission requirements depend on the chosen postgraduate program.