BAEd in Special Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Mississippi

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd) in Special Education at the University of Mississippi is designed for students who want to help children and young people with disabilities succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The program combines educational theory, child development, instructional strategies, and practical teaching experiences to prepare future educators to create inclusive learning environments and adapt lessons to students' individual needs.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in general education, human development, and the principles of teaching and learning. Introductory studies in educational foundations, child and adolescent development, and English composition help develop the communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with diverse learners.

Year 2: Students explore special education principles, learning differences, and strategies for supporting students with disabilities. Coursework in exceptional children, educational psychology, and instructional technology helps students understand individual learning needs and select appropriate approaches, resources, and classroom support strategies.

Year 3: Students develop practical skills in instructional planning, behavior support, assessment, and inclusive teaching. Studies in assessment and evaluation, classroom management, and individualized instructional planning help students adapt learning activities, monitor student progress, and collaborate with families and other education professionals.

Year 4: Students consolidate their professional knowledge through advanced teaching methods, school-based experiences, and supervised student teaching, as required by their degree pathway. These experiences help students apply instructional strategies, manage classroom routines, evaluate learning outcomes, and prepare for professional responsibilities in special education.

Focus Areas

Special education, mild/moderate disabilities, severe/profound disabilities, individualized instruction, classroom management, behavioral interventions, literacy development, assessment, inclusive education, assistive learning technologies, differentiated teaching, student development.

Learning Outcomes

Identify diverse learning needs, develop individualized instructional strategies, apply evidence-based teaching methods, manage classroom behavior, assess student progress, adapt curriculum and learning materials, use educational technologies, collaborate with families and professionals, and create supportive learning environments for students with disabilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Mississippi's B.A.Ed. in Special Education is approved for a Mississippi K–12 teaching license with endorsements in Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound Disabilities, subject to completion of the program and applicable state requirements. The university identifies Praxis assessments required for standard, renewable special education licensure. Students planning to teach in another state should check that state's certification requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The university's School of Education emphasizes evidence-based teaching, classroom experience, and professional preparation for special education careers. The program includes a yearlong senior internship combining practicum and student teaching, with candidates paired with a clinical instructor throughout the senior year. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified in the official information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical teaching skills through classroom observations, developmentally sequenced field experiences, and a yearlong senior internship. The University of Mississippi integrates educational theory with evidence-based strategies and technology to help future teachers support students with different disabilities and learning needs. Students also benefit from the School of Education's academic advising and field-placement support.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Classroom management: EDSP 327 – Classroom Management and Behavioral Interventions develops strategies for preventing and responding to challenging classroom behaviors.
Assessment skills: EDSP 335 – Assessment of Exceptional Students helps students understand assessment approaches for identifying learning needs and monitoring progress.
Teaching with technology: EDSP 339 – Teaching and Learning with Technology explores how technology can support teaching and student engagement.
Inclusive instruction: EDSP 410 – Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom focuses on approaches to supporting students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings.
Specialized teaching methods: EDSP 403 – Instructional Strategies for Students with Severe Disabilities develops approaches for addressing the educational needs of students with significant support requirements.
Practicum and field experience: EDSP 452 – Practicum and Field Experience with Exceptional Children provides opportunities to connect coursework with practical experience.
Yearlong senior internship: Students complete a senior practicum and student teaching, working with the same clinical instructor throughout their senior year.
School of Education resources: The Student Advising and Field Experience Office supports academic advising, field-placement requirements, and teacher licensure. The School of Education also houses research centers focused on improving educational practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers supporting students with disabilities across K–12 educational settings. The program develops skills in specialized instruction, behavioral support, assessment, and collaboration, preparing graduates to help students achieve academic and social-emotional growth. Career opportunities depend on meeting applicable teacher-certification requirements.

Potential career opportunities include:

Special Education Teacher
Learning Support Teacher
Inclusive Education Specialist
Special Education Program Coordinator — typically requiring relevant professional experience or further qualifications.

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: The School of Education's Student Advising and Field Experience Office provides academic advising, field-experience support, licensure guidance, and access to the School of Education's job board.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
School partnerships and field experience: The program includes supervised school-based learning and a yearlong senior internship, allowing students to develop practical skills in professional teaching environments.
Accreditation value: The School of Education lists its baccalaureate Special Education program within its current Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation cycle.
Certification value: The program prepares graduates for Mississippi K–12 special education licensure with Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound Disabilities endorsements, subject to completion of the applicable requirements and Praxis assessments.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue special education teaching and related support roles in schools, with additional study and experience opening pathways to leadership and specialized services.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education to deepen their expertise in evidence-based instruction, assessment, and support for learners with disabilities. Other options include graduate study in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or related areas. With further qualifications and experience, educators may progress into instructional leadership, special education coordination, or research-focused roles.