Utah State has a 100% job placement rate for special education graduates, with many students getting hired before they even graduate.

The department offers a number of unique educational and training opportunities for those interested in working with children and youth with disabilities. The program prepares students to work with individuals who have mild, moderate, and severe disabilities, as well as young children with disabilities. Students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with local school districts or on-campus programs.

The special education major is a popular choice for a dual major (meaning students graduate with two separate degrees) for students preparing to become secondary school teachers. Students in teaching majors are often required to choose a minor in a licensable area. Rather than choosing a minor, students can dual major in special education and their teaching major. If students choose this option, they must choose either the mild/moderate disabilities or the severe disabilities emphasis.Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

• Birth to Age 5 Special Education: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with children ages birth to five years who have disabilities. Children ages birth to three years are typically served by early intervention programs in their homes. Children three to five years are taught in public preschool settings within local school districts. Students in this emphasis may choose to combine this emphasis with either the mild/moderate disabilities emphasis or the severe disabilities emphasis.
• Mild/Moderate Disabilities: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have low-incidence disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic and acquired brain injury, and multiple disabilities. Graduates typically teach academic and life skills in a K-12 classroom or in a post-secondary setting (students age 18-21).

• Severe Disabilities: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have high-incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, behavior and emotional disorders, or communication disorders. Educators work with children in grades K-12 in a resource-room setting or inclusive setting teaching academic skills.

With a degree in special education, students may pursue the following careers

•     Public or private school educator
•     Adult service provider
•     Recreation specialist
•     Behavior specialist
•     Developmental specialist
•     Early intervention provider