Undergraduate Special Education Degrees Create Supportive Classrooms

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Specializations

View Specializations

Online,* 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total


If you’re passionate about helping students with disabilities reach their full potential, Liberty University’s Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education K-12 offers a comprehensive path to becoming a licensed teacher. This program is designed to prepare educators to serve learners across a wide spectrum of needs, from mild learning challenges to more complex developmental disabilities. Whether you’re interested in working in inclusive classrooms, specialized settings, or early intervention programs, this degree can help equip you with the knowledge and experience to support diverse learners.

Through a blend of academic study and hands-on training, you can learn how to create supportive learning environments, implement individualized education plans (IEPs), and collaborate with families and professionals. The program emphasizes both the theory and practice of special education, helping you develop the skills to teach with compassion, clarity, and purpose. You’ll explore how educational strategies can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each student, and how to foster growth in academic, social, and emotional domains.

Liberty’s B.Ed. in Special Education is a licensure-track program aligned with Virginia state requirements, and it may support licensure in other states through reciprocity. With a strong foundation in educational theory, practical classroom experience, and a biblical worldview, this degree can help you prepare to become a confident and ethical educator. Whether your goal is to teach students with autism, learning disabilities, or physical impairments, this program helps you pursue your calling with excellence.

Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). By earning this degree, you will complete the content competencies, student teaching, and practicum requirements for special education licensure in the state of Virginia.

Your officially conferred degree name will be Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education K-12.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.


Liberty’s B.Ed. in Special Education combines foundational education theory with specialized coursework tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. You’ll study philosophical, legal, and sociological principles of special education, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of how these frameworks influence classroom practices. Courses also cover essential learning theories, behavior management, and instructional design, helping you create inclusive and effective learning environments.

Throughout the program, you’ll explore how to assess student needs, develop IEPs, and implement strategies that support academic and behavioral growth. You can learn how to differentiate instruction, use assistive technologies, and collaborate with families and support teams. The curriculum is designed to help prepare you to pursue a variety of roles in special education, whether you want to work with students who follow a general curriculum or those who require adapted instruction.

Hands-on experience is a key component of this degree. You’ll complete 90 hours of practicum and at least 1 semester of student teaching in an approved school setting prior to graduation. These experiences allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real classrooms, build confidence, and meet licensure requirements. By the time you graduate, you can be equipped with the tools to teach effectively, advocate for your students, and make a lasting difference in their lives.


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Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

  • Behavior intervention specialist
  • Curriculum developer
  • Educational consultant
  • Homeschool teacher
  • Inclusion specialist
  • Licensed special education teacher
  • Private school teacher
  • Special education curriculum coordinator
  • Special education teacher
  • Transition coordinator
  • Tutor

Liberty University is proud to offer specializations that cater to diverse student populations. Check out the degree options we have to offer.


Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.


Top 1% For Online Programs

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.


At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

Undergraduate Full Time $390/Credit
Undergraduate Part Time $455/Credit
Military Undergraduate $250/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.



Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)*
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
  • Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.