UVM student working with youth in the local community.

Do you want to develop your skills in supporting people with disabilities?

Our goal is to promote the success of all students and their families through evidence-based practices in inclusive settings through a collaborative, strengths-based climate.

We believe that all individuals have worth and dignity, and that schools and communities can create environments promoting high standards and personal excellence.

Choose your Pathway

UVM's Special Education program is nationally recognized by the CEC (Council for Exceptional Children). We offer multiple options and pathways designed to match your interestes and career goals.

The University Special Education Minor is open to all UVM majors, and offers the following specialty pathways: Behavioral and Mental Health, Communication Sciences, Early Childhood Special Education, and Psychology. Our Dual Certification option is open to Education majors only. Learn more about each pathway below.

University Minor with Specialty Pathways (for all UVM majors)

This is an 18-credit minor for all UVM students who wish to learn more about supporting students with disabilities in inclusive classroom and community settings. The minor attracts students who are considering careers in special education or other professions involving individuals with disabilities.

Courses focus on special education, assessment practices, communication sciences, disability studies, and evidence-based methods that promote academic achievement and positive behavior for individuals with disabilities. The following specialty pathways are available within the minor (see our brochure for more details):

  •  Behavioral and Mental Health
  •  Communication Sciences
  •  Early Childhood Special Education
  •  Psychology

Students who complete the minor may also use the coursework as a stepping stone to apply for our accelerated Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education.

Application Information

Students interested in the Special Education Minor need to complete EDSP 005 with a GPA of at least 3.0, and be in good standing academically at the time of the application. Applications are due November 1 and March 15 of each year.

Dual Certification (for Education majors)

"The dual endorsement program at UVM provided me with the foundation to be a successful elementary/special educator. I have been teaching for 3 years, and not a day goes by that I don't utilize something I learned from the hands-on, research-based and practical experiences from the dual endorsement program."

This 21-credit dual certification allows Education majors to complete licensure in their chosen area of teacher education along with certification as a Special Educator with corresponding age/grade levels.

Students complete courses in assessment, applied behavior analysis, early or adolescent literacy, and research-based instructional methods for including students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Students will also complete a special education internship, generally in the same school where they are student teaching.

Application Information

Students interested in Dual Certification/Endorsement must be enrolled in a teacher licensure program in CESS. These students complete a second application process during their Junior year to determine acceptance into the 6-credit special education internship.

Apply

Application for Special Education Minor (PDF)

Contact Us

spedminor@uvm.edu / 802-656-3486

What Our Students Say

"I felt so connected to my special education professors. It takes a certain kind of person to do this work and the special education professors exemplified that."

"A few years into my teaching career, my mentor teacher from student teaching still plays an integral role in my professional life."