$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Help Students Find Their Next Step
Every student learns differently. Great teachers understand that — and know how to turn differences into opportunities for growth.
The teenage years are full of possibilities—and challenges. For students with exceptional learning needs, having the right educator can make all the difference in helping them discover their strengths, build independence, and prepare for life beyond high school. The Bachelor of Science in Collaborative Special Education (6–12) at Athens State University prepares you to support secondary students with diverse learning needs while collaborating with families, general education teachers, specialists, and other professionals.
You’ll develop the specialized knowledge and practical skills to adapt instruction, create inclusive learning environments, advocate for students, and help young people prepare for college, careers, and independent adulthood.
Program Overview
Secondary special education requires a unique combination of instructional expertise, subject-area knowledge, collaboration, and an understanding of where students are headed after high school. The Collaborative Special Education (6–12) program prepares you to work with students with exceptional learning needs in middle school and high school settings.
You’ll explore special education practices, assessment, individualized instruction, classroom management, collaboration, and transition planning while developing an understanding of the academic and developmental needs of adolescent learners. You’ll learn how to adapt instruction and educational experiences to help students access the curriculum, develop important academic and life skills, and make progress toward their individual goals.
Through field and clinical experiences, you’ll have opportunities to apply your knowledge in authentic educational settings and begin developing the confidence needed to lead and advocate for students.
Program Details
The Collaborative Special Education (6–12) curriculum combines specialized special education preparation with the knowledge and skills needed to support secondary learners.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Adolescent Development — Understand the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of middle and high school students.
- Exceptional Learners — Develop an understanding of students with disabilities and other exceptional learning needs and the factors that influence their educational experiences.
- Special Education Instruction — Learn effective strategies for adapting instruction and supporting meaningful student learning.
- Assessment & Evaluation — Use assessment information to identify needs, monitor progress, and inform instructional decisions.
- Individualized Instruction — Develop strategies for adapting curriculum, materials, instruction, and assessments to meet individual student needs.
- Inclusive Education — Explore ways to support students with exceptional learning needs in general education environments.
- Classroom & Behavior Management — Develop strategies for creating safe, supportive, and productive learning environments.
- Collaboration & Consultation — Learn how special educators work with general education teachers, families, administrators, counselors, and other professionals.
- Transition Planning — Explore how educators can help students prepare for postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and other goals after high school.
- Assistive & Educational Technology — Examine tools and technologies that can improve access, communication, participation, and independence.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Gain practical experience working with secondary students and applying your knowledge in real educational settings.
For many students, high school is about much more than earning a diploma. It’s about discovering strengths, developing independence, and figuring out what comes next. You’ll learn how to help students with exceptional learning needs prepare for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Secondary special education teachers have the opportunity to help students navigate some of the most important transitions of their educational journey. You’ll work with students as they develop greater independence, explore career interests, strengthen academic and life skills, and prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that follow high school.
Your role may extend well beyond classroom instruction. You’ll have opportunities to advocate for students, collaborate with families and colleagues, connect students with resources, and help develop individualized pathways toward their goals.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Collaborative Special Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$56k
Special Education Teacher Estimated Entry Salary
$64k
Special Education Teacher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Today’s elementary classrooms are diverse. With the B.S.Ed. in Collaborative Special Education, you’ll develop strategies for differentiating instruction, supporting individual learners, creating inclusive environments, and helping every student find a path to success.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.