Special Education Degree | Troy University

Positively Impact Students with the TROY Special Education Degree

Want to teach students with diverse learning needs and abilities and help them find success in inclusive classroom settings? Achieve your professional goals with the collaborative/special education teacher program at Troy University. As a special education major at TROY, you'll learn from an experienced faculty who are committed to your growth and success. You'll also gain valuable collaborative teaching experience through field experiences and an internship at local and regional schools, preparing you for in-demand special education teacher jobs across Alabama and the country.

“My time spent in the College of Education has been nothing short of life changing. I came in knowing deep in my heart that I was meant to be a teacher, but I needed the tools to reach my dream. Throughout my time in the program, I have built so many relationships and learned so much about educating young minds and even more about myself. I am so grateful for each member of the faculty and staff at TROY. They truly care about all of their students and pour their entire hearts and souls into their career.”

Audrey Ellen Fowler | Special Education Teacher, Auburn City Schools | 2019 graduate, Collaborative K-6 Education

100% Placement Rate in Special Education Teacher Jobs

You'll benefit from a teaching program with a 100% placement rate for special education teacher jobs. As a collaborative/special education teacher, you'll answer a higher calling and make an incredible difference in the lives of your students, their families and your school community. In working with K-6 students with diverse needs and abilities, you'll experience countless intangible benefits while making a positive impact in your classroom.

A Special Education Teacher Degree Led by Experienced Educators

As a special education major, you'll learn from TROY faculty who base their instruction on lived experience and application. Through the courses they teach, you'll learn collaboration, intervention, evidence-based instructional strategies and behavior support techniques. You'll also build competence in special education policies and procedures and how to use educational technology to support learners with disabilities.

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Collaborative Teaching Program Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:

Academic Catalog

Special Education Degree Locations

Get the flexibility you need to earn your degree in special education through a blended format of online and in-person classes. For more information about program availability and delivery options call 1-800-414-5756

Troy Campus

Other Options

Learn Collaborative Teaching Before You Graduate

Apply your classroom learning in professional educational settings through built-in, hands-on experiences at local and regional schools. Through field experiences and an internship in collaborative/special education teaching, you'll be exposed to the special education field well before you graduate. You'll learn from experienced educators who will mentor and guide you, providing you with the feedback and insights you need to be successful in special education teaching jobs.

Through your special education teacher internship, you'll build a dynamic network and make connections with potential employers and future colleagues. By gaining relevant teaching experience, you'll also enhance your resume and teaching portfolio. Additionally, you can become globally aware through study abroad opportunities with the College of Education.

Careers with the TROY Degree in Special Education

TROY's special education degree prepares you to become a collaborative/special education teacher who can work with students who have a wide and varied spectrum of abilities. At TROY, you'll learn how to adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing and math to students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Joseph Johnson

Dr. Joseph Johnson is Chair of the Teacher Education Department at TROY. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. Dr. Johnson has more than 13 years of experience teaching in secondary schools and more than 13 years of experience in higher education. He is also TROY's leader for the edTPA, a portfolio-based assessment required for an Alabama teaching license. Dr. Johnson teaches undergraduate and graduate student teaching seminars, and graduate-level special education methods courses.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3546 jjohnson146840@troy.edu

Dr. Greg Ruediger

Dr. Greg Ruediger is an Associate Professor at TROY's Dothan Campus. He has taught at TROY since 2001. Dr. Ruediger holds an Ed.D. in special education and teaching from the University of Florida. In addition to teaching and advising special education degree students, he consults with local school systems to meet student needs, conducts research and writes.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3546 gruediger@troy.edu

Dr. Lauren Berlingo

Dr. Lauren Berlingo earned her Ph.D. in special education from Florida Atlantic University. She brings strong experience working with students with moderate/severe disabilities to the TROY special education program. Dr. Berlingo teaches special education content and methods courses on both the undergraduate and graduate level and continues to develop her research agenda.

Learn more about our faculty lberlingo@troy.edu

Tailor Your Special Education Degree with a Concentration

Collaborative (special education) teachers work with students who have a wide and varied spectrum of abilities. You will learn how to adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing and math to students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Collaborative/Special Education (Grades K-6)

Collaborative/Special Education (Grades 6-12)

Related Programs

Education Certification Programs Grades 6-12 Education Certification Programs Grades P-12 Early Childhood Education Program P-3

Helpful Links

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News

If your goal is to become a special education teacher, TROY offers two collaborative degree programs — one for those who want to teach kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6) and one for those who want to teach grades 6-12.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

The path to becoming a special education teacher varies for every educator. Take Troy University's Dr. Joseph Johnson, for example. Even though he holds master's and doctorate degrees in special education, how to become a special education teacher wasn't on his mind when he applied to Appalachian State University as an undergraduate.

Collaborative/Special Education Teacher

Program Info

Positively Impact Students with the TROY Special Education Degree

100% Placement Rate in Special Education Teacher Jobs

A Special Education Teacher Degree Led by Experienced Educators