A Rewarding and Fulfilling Career in Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood with a Special Education Minor
We offer several different ways for you to teach at the early childhood level. With our inclusive program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in early childhood education and special education. This will allow you to teach students from pre-kindergarten through third-grade in an inclusive environment. Working with children in inclusive classrooms is fulfilling, rewarding and a career choice in high demand today.
With an endorsement in special education, you’ll work closely with counselors and parents to develop individual education plans, which will allow you to work in a variety of environments providing services for students with verified special needs.
The demand for special education teachers is among the highest in the field of education. Driven by understanding and empathy, you can become a successful special education teacher with the one-on-one support you will receive from our education faculty.
Required Courses for Your Major
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
Early Childhood Major with Special Education Minor
To complete your bachelor’s degree in early childhood with a minor in special education, you will need to complete 126 credit hours.
- 44 credit hours must be general education courses
- 45 credits must be early childhood program courses
- 18 credit hours must be in special education minor courses
- 19 credit hours must be teacher education courses
Elementary Education and Early Childhood Supplemental Endorsement
To complete your bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education, you will need to complete 132 credit hours.
- 44 credit hours must be general education courses
- 58 credits must be elementary education major courses
- 21 credit hours early childhood education minor courses
- 9 credit hours must be supporting courses.
Teaching Certification
Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis Content test(s) for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
It is recommended to apply for the Nebraska certification at the time of program completion. If not, rule changes in effect at time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies. Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Formal Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students are eligible to seek formal admission into the Teacher Education Program in the second semester of the sophomore year. Criteria for candidacy:
- Initial field experience successfully completed
- Introductory courses EDU 101 and SPE 101 successfully completed
- Professional dispositions for teaching developed
- Minimum grade point average of 2.65
- Submit the completed Admission to Teacher Education Application and Professional Dispositions by stated date in Anthology. Failure to complete both forms by stated date may result in removal from interview process.
- Formal interview with Teacher Education Committee
Academic Description
A Rewarding and Fulfilling Career in Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood with a Special Education Minor
We offer several different ways for you to teach at the early childhood level. With our inclusive program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in early childhood education and special education. This will allow you to teach students from pre-kindergarten through third-grade in an inclusive environment. Working with children in inclusive classrooms is fulfilling, rewarding and a career choice in high demand today.
With an endorsement in special education, you’ll work closely with counselors and parents to develop individual education plans, which will allow you to work in a variety of environments providing services for students with verified special needs.
The demand for special education teachers is among the highest in the field of education. Driven by understanding and empathy, you can become a successful special education teacher with the one-on-one support you will receive from our education faculty.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Formal Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students are eligible to seek formal admission into the Teacher Education Program in the second semester of the sophomore year. Criteria for candidacy:
- Initial field experience successfully completed
- Introductory courses EDU 101 and SPE 101 successfully completed
- Professional dispositions for teaching developed
- Minimum grade point average of 2.65
- Submit the completed Admission to Teacher Education Application and Professional Dispositions by stated date in Anthology. Failure to complete both forms by stated date may result in removal from interview process.
- Formal interview with Teacher Education Committee
Curriculum
Required Courses for Your Major
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
Early Childhood Major with Special Education Minor
To complete your bachelor’s degree in early childhood with a minor in special education, you will need to complete 126 credit hours.
- 44 credit hours must be general education courses
- 45 credits must be early childhood program courses
- 18 credit hours must be in special education minor courses
- 19 credit hours must be teacher education courses
Elementary Education and Early Childhood Supplemental Endorsement
To complete your bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education, you will need to complete 132 credit hours.
- 44 credit hours must be general education courses
- 58 credits must be elementary education major courses
- 21 credit hours early childhood education minor courses
- 9 credit hours must be supporting courses.
Teaching Certification
Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis Content test(s) for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
It is recommended to apply for the Nebraska certification at the time of program completion. If not, rule changes in effect at time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies. Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
