Help children with special needs learn, thrive, grow, and succeed – in school and life!
Our differences are what make us human. When children have different learning styles and needs, they need spaces and people that can help them learn at their speed, in ways that best work for them. With training in special education teaching, you can work with higher-need kids at their level and help them get the most out of their education!
By the numbers
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Certification in Special Education
Special education teacher certification will give you an excellent foundation for understanding the development, characteristics, and educational services of learners with exceptionalities. Through this Special Education Certification, you'll receive quality instruction from professors who have practical teaching experience, and you’ll have access to our wide range of teaching materials resources to help you prepare for classroom success.
Special education teaching certification programs provide the training you need as a future special education teacher! This special education certification can help you gain a solid understanding of how to teach young learners who struggle with learning or behavioral disorders, and you’ll learn what it takes to work with other teachers to integrate students in relevant and age-appropriate classrooms. Special education certificate courses will cover everything from developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on student assessments to communicating with parents and other important figures in the child’s life and education.
Course Requirements
Available online or in-seat. Elementary Emphasis.
- SPED 234 Special Education Instructional Programs (P-12)
- SPED 236 Special Education Programs for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities (5-12)
- SPED 238 Special Education Early Childhood (P-5)
- SPED 336 Educational Assessment and Prescriptive Programming for Individuals with Disabilities (P-12) Part I
- SPED 337 Educational Assessment and Prescriptive Programming for Individual with Disabilities (P-12) Part II
- SPED 435 Special Education Methods and Materials (Mild Disabilities) P -12
- SPED 436 Special Education Methods and Materials Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (P-12)
Take the Next Step
Program Mission
The purpose of University of the Cumberlands’ School of Education is to develop entry level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers. All children can learn, they just need the right teachers.
Special Education Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
High School SPED Teacher: $61,820
High School SPED Teacher: $61,820
Teach students with exceptionalities in a high school setting.
Middle School SPED Teacher: $61,320
Middle School SPED Teacher: $61,320
Teach younger teens and pre-teens with exceptionalities in a middle school setting.
Education Coordinator: $48,450
Education Coordinator: $48,450
Help develop and implement curriculums and educational materials specifically for students with different learning needs.
Reading Specialist: $49,600
Reading Specialist: $49,600
Work with individuals and groups to improve reading skills and help students overcome reading challenges.
Educational Consultant: $58,474
Educational Consultant: $58,474
Work with students and their guardians to provide feedback, assess challenges and struggles they may face academically, and suggest solutions, tools, and plans.
School Counselor: $51,835
School Counselor: $51,835
Help students with different learning needs with social and emotional struggles and work with them to overcome their academic challenges.
Common Questions
A special education certification is a qualification that allows educators to teach students with diverse learning needs and exceptionalities. This certification ensures that teachers have the necessary skills and knowledge to create a supportive learning environment tailored to individual student needs.
Typically, obtaining a special education certification requires completing around 21 credit hours of coursework, which can take approximately one year of full-time study. However, the duration may vary based on the program structure and individual course loads. A bachelor's degree at University of the Cumberlands will require 120 credit hours including general education requirements.
Yes, special education certification programs are often available online, allowing for flexible scheduling and access to coursework. Prospective students should check specific institutions to confirm the availability of online options.
A special education certification can be worth it for those interested in working with students with exceptional needs. It enhances job prospects and can lead to rewarding careers in education, as there is a growing demand for qualified special education teachers.
With a special education certification, you can pursue various roles, including high school and middle school special education teacher, education coordinator, reading specialist, educational consultant, or school counselor. This certification prepares you to support and teach students with different learning needs.
To obtain special education certification, you typically need to complete a certification program through an accredited institution, fulfill any state-specific requirements, and pass relevant examinations. It's essential to follow the application process as outlined by the specific program or institution.
Most special education teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in education, with a focus on special education or a related field. This degree should include coursework related to teaching methods and strategies for supporting students with exceptionalities.
Pursuing a certification in special education allows educators to gain specialized knowledge and skills to effectively teach and support students with diverse learning needs. This certification can enhance career opportunities and contribute to personal fulfillment in making a positive impact in students' lives.
Studying special education involves learning about various disabilities, instructional strategies, and support methods for teaching students with exceptionalities. It includes coursework on child development, behavior management, and inclusive teaching practices to create effective educational environments for all learners.
Faculty Experts in Education
Learn more about the education professors you will interact with.

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Ashton Leach

Melissa Evans
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