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Jul 16, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Special Education (B.S.)
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 Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
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Program Coordinator/Contact
Lacy Knutson, Lucas P. Wintrode Assistant Professor of Special Education
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 211
605-688-5039
Program Information
The Special Education major prepares students to develop skills and competencies required of effective K-12 special education teachers. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, and mental abilities and neurodivergent students.
Accreditation
South Dakota State University’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Special Education is a new major at SDSU starting in the 2023-2024 academic year. This program will be eligible for accreditation review in 2026.
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
- Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
- Completion of an approved South Dakota Indian studies course.
- Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
- Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
- Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.
Course Delivery Format
Courses in Special Education are delivered face-to-face, online, and hybrid (face-to-face and online combination). All SPED courses have practical applications in field experience settings in K-12.
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Teacher Education Program Progression Requirements
Acceptance into Teacher Education - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ECE, ELED, ECE, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA in the academic major of 2.6 is required.
- Completion of program application and professional licensure location form.
Acceptance into Residency I - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ECE, ELED, ECE, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis content exam.
- The teacher candidate is also required to complete a criminal background check with field placements, a TB test with negative reading, and CPR and first aid certification.
Acceptance into Residency II - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ECE, ELED, ECE, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis PLT exam.
Academic Requirements
- A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ECE, ELED, ECE, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
Requirements for Special Education Major: 120 Credits
System General Education Requirements
College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements
Electives
Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements. Total Required Credits: 120
Notes
Students will be required to pass the PRAXIS content and Principles of Teaching and Learning exams in order to be considered a Highly Qualified Teacher. Summary of Program Requirements
Bachelor of Science | | | System General Education Requirements* | 31 Credit Hours | | College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements | 4 Credit Hours | | Major Requirements | 83 Credit Hours | | Electives ** | 2 Credit Hours | *System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements. Academic Advising Guide Sheet
The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program. |
Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
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