COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
The College of Education provides a learning environment that fosters discovery and dissemination of knowledge to promote learning, equitable access, and enhanced learning outcomes for all students. Through the integration of outstanding teaching, research, and community outreach, the College of Education investigates significant issues impacting education policy and practice, while preparing its students for leadership and excellence within a diverse and changing educational community.
MINOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
We offer a Minor in Special Education to undergraduates that wish to better understand and have the skills necessary to support individuals with disabilities and their families. This minor is applicable across a broad range of fields and is a good choice for students whose chosen careers will include work with students with disabilities and their families. The Minor in Special Education also allows students to obtain a Master’s in Special Education in a shortened time frame (1 year vs. 2 years).
URBAN INSTITUTE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION (UITE)
The Urban Institute for Teacher Education prepares educators to serve students and educational communities in all their rich diversity. We conceive of educational diversity as the dynamic engagement of a range of cultural and urban traditions, including individual differences in ability. Our goal is an educational process where teachers, leaders, and teacher educators draw upon multidisciplinary research and direct urban inquiry to serve all students well.
UTAH READS
The mission of the Utah Reads program at the University of Utah is to provide effective, quality tutoring in literacy to the elementary aged students of our community partners. In order to meet our mission, the Utah Reads program provides comprehensive tutor training in partnership with the University of Utah Reading Clinic (UURC), develops leadership skills, and fosters mutually beneficial community partnerships.
and
Secondary Education
Special Education
The undergraduate Special Education teacher education program provides professional training for those who wish to be educators for young children and students with disabilities. Through a combination of academic coursework and hands-on experience, you will graduate with the critical thinking skills, pedagogical knowledge, and human understanding you need to be an effective educator to those with unique education needs. Students who successfully complete the program are recommended for licensure to the Utah State Office of Education; once licensure is granted, students may become teachers in the state of Utah. The program offers five areas of emphasis:
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- Severe Disabilities
- Visual Impairment
Student Experiences at the U
If you want to enrich your studies, consider completing an undergraduate research project or learning abroad experience. Students who want to get involved on campus have a number of opportunities to do so through the following:
- Education & Advocacy Bennion Center Group
- Student Council for Exceptional Children
- Special Education Student Advisory Committee
The Urban Institute for Teacher Education hosts outreach events to students and the community, and both the Utah Multi-University Consortium Teacher Preparation Program and the Utah Education Network offer resources that will help you in your career as an educator.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program who have received their licensure to teach may become special education teachers at the preschool, elementary, middle school, or high school level. Remain in Utah and work in a school system here, or move to another state to practice your special education skills in a new environment and community.
For students who complete graduate programs, careers as administrators, principals, professors, counselors, or advisors are also possible.
Scholarships
Harker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship Fund
Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation Graduate Student Scholarship
The Hilda Christensen Larsen Endowed Scholarship for Sensory Impairments
The Nyla D. Schowe Endowed Scholarship in Special Education
Degrees offered
Special Education BS
Elementary and Secondary Education
Elementary Education
If you want to help others grow and learn and be a positive force for change in your community, consider the University of Utah’s undergraduate Elementary Teacher Education program. The major provides broad preparation across many academic disciplines and concentrated professional training for teaching the elementary school curriculum. Upon successful completion of the program and the Praxis II Elementary Education Content Knowledge Exam, you will be recommended to the Utah State Office of Education to receive your K-6 Utah Level I Teaching License. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to work with students across various age and ability levels, and from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Secondary Education
If you are passionate about a particular field and want to educate and train others in that topic, consider entering the world of secondary education. Successful secondary teachers first acquire in-depth knowledge of a given subject, and they then apply concepts and principles of the subject as they educate their students. The U offers the following secondary subject areas for students to specialize in:
- Art Teaching BFA
- Biology Teaching BA/BS
- Chemistry - Teaching Emphasis BA/BS
- Earth Science Composite Teaching BS
- English Teaching BA
- French Teaching BA
- History Teaching BA
- Kinesiology Teaching BS
- Mathematics Teaching BA/BS
- Modern Dance Teaching BFA
- Music Education BMus - Choral Emphasis/Instrumental Emphasis
- Physics Teaching BA/BS
- Spanish Teaching BA
- Theatre Teaching BFA
Student Experiences at the U
Elementary Education
For skill enhancement, students can earn an ESL Endorsement by completing additional coursework and a certification exam. If you want to get involved in your community, be sure to participate in the outreach activities hosted by the Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE). These events give you the chance to professionally network and socialize with other students and faculty. Additional involvement opportunities include the following:
- Education & Advocacy Bennion Center Student Groups
- Special Education Student Advisory Committee
- Education Policy and Leadership Student Advisory Committee
Secondary Education
Students seeking academic enrichment can complete undergraduate research projects through their major coursework, allowing them to pursue individual interest areas as they apply in a classroom environment. If you want to get involved on campus, consider joining a club through your major department or other department:
- Education & Advocacy Bennion Center Group (promotes lifelong education in the community)
- Utah Reads (hires students to provide literacy and math tutoring to elementary school children)
- Special Education Student Advisory Committee (group for students interested or majoring in special education)
Career Opportunities
Elementary Education
Once you have graduated, you will apply the skills gained from your coursework and student teaching to a career at these education levels:
- Kindergarten
- Elementary
- Middle school
Students can also find jobs in other areas:
- Academic support specialists
- Nannies
- Tutors
- School administrators
With additional education or certification, you can also pursue a career as special education teacher, high school teacher, librarian, principal, therapist, counselor, or academic advisor.
Secondary Education
Upon graduation and successful completion of the PRAXIS test (a series of tests required for teacher licensing in the state of Utah), students may pursue careers as teachers at these education levels:
- Middle school
- High school
Stay in Utah as a local educator, or relocate to another part of the country to teach in an entirely new state (licensure in your new state might be required). With additional education at the graduate level, students can become principals, school counselors, professors, or administrators.
Scholarships
Degrees offered
Elementary Education
Elementary Education BA
Elementary Education BS
Secondary Education
Secondary Education Licensure
Educational Psychology
The Educational Psychology program emphasizes the application of behavioral sciences to educational and psychological processes. Students in this program are trained in the knowledge of education and psychology to that they can best serve the holistic needs of students.
Student Experiences at the U
Students fulfill general university requirements in addition to taking core and applied educational psychology courses. The core courses introduce students to the field of educational psychology and provide a foundation in learning, human development, social emotional skills, and the psychology of multiculturalism. The applied courses help students develop skills in individual and group counseling, behavior change, consultation, collaboration, and understanding psychopathology and other disabilities.
In their final year of the program, students participate in two supervised field experiences (practica) relevant to their interests and identified career path.
Enrich your studies and build a competitive resume by:
- Volunteering through the Bennion Center: https://bennioncenter.org/2021_students/index_students.php
- Studying abroad for a semester: https://learningabroad.utah.edu/
- Engaging in undergraduate research: https://our.utah.edu/for-students/getting-started/
- Meeting with an involvement ambassador to learn about on-campus involvement opportunities that fit with your major, hobbies, interests, potential skill development, and goals: https://leadership.utah.edu/involvement-ambassadors.php
Career Opportunities
While in the program, students have the opportunity to be credentialed as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Upon graduation, students have an opportunity to be credentialed as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysist (BCaBA).
Additional career paths include:
- School Interventionist/Behavior Specialist in the Schools
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist
- Child Life Advocate
- Caseworker
- Academic Advisor
- Admissions Evaluator
- College Recruiter
- Wilderness Therapy Guide
- College/Employment Counselor
- Employee Relations Specialist
- Personnel Recruiter
- Community Program Manager
- Activities Director
- (General/Special Education) Paraprofessionals
- Student Support Assistant
- Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Management Analyst
- Psychiatric Aide/Technician
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Victim’s Advocate
Scholarships
Educational Psychology BA/BS
College of Education ScholarshipsEntering Freshmen Scholarships
Transfer Student ScholarshipsCurrent Student Scholarships
Degrees offered
Educational Psychology BA/BS
EXPLORE MORE