Bachelor’s in Exceptional Student Education
The degree is designed to prepare students to teach individuals with learning and behavioral disabilities.
Contact Information
Lisa Finnegan
Associate Professor
Department of Special Education
Office Location: ED 47 - 437
Campus: Boca
Ellen Ismalon
Secretary
Department of Special Education
Office Phone: 561-297-3284
Office Location: ED 47 - 420
Campus: Boca
Prepare for a Meaningful Career in Special Education
The Bachelor’s in Exceptional Student Education is offered as a Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.) for students who fulfilled the University’s foreign language requirement of 2 semesters of a foreign language while in high school or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree for students who fulfill the foreign language requirement while in college. This program prepares future teachers to work with students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and physical impairments, in both special education and inclusive general education classrooms. Graduates are eligible to apply for a Florida teaching certificate in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for grades K–12, with endorsements in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Reading—credentials that are highly valued by schools and districts.
If you are completing high school...
Start Your Teaching Journey with Purpose
If you want a career where you can make a real difference, Exceptional Student Education offers the chance to support students, build strong relationships, and shape young lives. This program helps you become a certified special education teacher while gaining hands-on experience, personalized advising, and online and hybrid course options that support your transition to college and beyond.
If you are currently working in the education field...
Turn Your Experience into a Teaching Career
Already working in a school? The ESE program builds on your classroom experience and helps you earn teaching certification. With online and hybrid course options, supportive faculty advising, and coursework aligned to real classroom needs, you can advance your career while continuing to work with students you care about.
If you are looking for a new career...
Make a Meaningful Career Change
Looking for work that truly matters? Exceptional Student Education offers a pathway into a stable, rewarding profession with strong job demand. This program provides structured support and professional preparation to help you successfully transition into teaching and make a lasting impact in schools and communities.
Once admitted, every student is paired with a dedicated faculty advisor who provides guidance and support from enrollment through graduation.
Accredited, Respected, and Aligned with Professional Standards
Our Bachelor’s in Exceptional Student Education program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Florida Department of Education. The curriculum is aligned with nationally and state-recognized professional standards, including:
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) International Standards
- Florida Educators Accomplished Practices (FEAPs)
- Florida ESE, ESOL, and Reading Certification Standards
These standards ensure you graduate classroom-ready, confident, and prepared to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Program Overview
Consult the FAU Course Catalog for course descriptions and other details.
The BACHELOR’S IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION) is a hybrid (online and face-to-face classes) degree that is designed to prepare professionals to teach individuals with learning and behavioral disabilities. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for a Florida teaching certificate in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) with an Endorsement in Teaching English as a Second language (TESOL) and Reading. Degree completers who pass the State required certification exams are eligible to teach in K-12 classrooms for students with learning disabilities, intellectual disability, emotional/behavioral disorders, and physical impairments, as well as in general education classes.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION – 24 credits |
|---|
| Applied Learning Theory |
| Education in a Multicultural Society |
| Educational Measurement and Evaluation |
| Introduction to Theories & Practices of TESOL |
| Language Arts and Literature: Birth-8 |
| Principles & Methods: K-9 School Math |
| Reading: Diagnosis & Remediation* |
| TESOL Issues and Practices* |
*Course requires field work
ESE COURSES – 36-42 credits |
|---|
| Assessment of Exceptional Individuals |
| Behavior Change Strategies |
| Classroom Management |
| Collaboration with Professionals and Families |
| Developing Individual Education Programs |
| Instructional Practices for Students with Mild Disabilities |
| Language and Speech Disorders |
| Overview of Programs for Students with Exceptionalities* |
| Practicum: Mild Disabilities* |
| Reading Instruction in Special Education |
| Special Education Technology |
| Student Teaching: ESE |
Field Experience, Practicum, & Student Teaching
Program courses that require field experiences, practicum and student teaching are completed with FAU community partnering school districts to support you in gaining the best experiences possible. Field experience, practicum and student teaching are coordinated by the Office of School Engagement.
Forms and Resources
Visit our Forms and Resources page for additional Bachelor’s in Exceptional Student Education degree program resources.
How to Apply
APPLICANTS
Applicants must first apply to FAU as a First year/freshman (applying immediately after high school) or transfer student (already earned 12 or more college credits after graduation; earned an Associates degree, or seeking a 2nd Bachelor's).
Once admitted to FAU, students who have earned 60 Credit hours, a cumulative 2.5 GPA and have passed all sections of the General Knowledge Test are invited to apply to the College of Education (COE) and the Department of Special Education (DSE) - Bachelor’s in Exceptional Student Education degree program.