$350
per credit hour
Quality
education by experienced faculty
Convenient
online courses
OBU’s online Special Education/Elementary program equips you to serve learners with diverse needs through an individualized, multisensory, hands-on instructional approach. You will study a broad range of disabilities—mild to severe—while also completing the coursework required to become a certified Elementary Education teacher.
This program is unique because it prepares you for two teaching certifications at once—Special Education (PK–12) and Elementary Education (1–8). It equips you to work with students across a broad range of disabilities while also giving you full training as an elementary classroom teacher, providing maximum flexibility and employability in both general education and special education settings.
Benefits of the Special Education/Elementary Education Program
Through this licensure program, you will learn to conduct IEP meetings, support inclusion success, and implement positive behavior support strategies for students with emotional and behavioral needs. Rooted in a biblical worldview, the program emphasizes serving with compassion. Matthew 25:40 reminds us: “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” As a special educator, you will minister to students and families through Christ-centered service.
Program Information
Program Format and Structure
- Asynchronous online coursework
- Synchronous Zoom meetings once per week during upper-level methods coursework.
- Student Teaching: A 14-week internship during your final year
- Designed for adult learners, paraprofessionals, school staff, and traditional-age students seeking a flexible format
- Courses offered fall, spring, and summer terms
Job Opportunities and Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- Special Education teacher
- Elementary classroom teacher
- Inclusion specialist
- Behavior support teacher
- Resource and self-contained classroom teacher
Additionally, graduates may serve in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nonprofit education organizations, early childhood programs, and agencies supporting individuals with disabilities.
National Accreditation
The School of Education is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), and all licensure areas are accredited through the State of Oklahoma. Graduates are eligible for certification to teach locally, nationally, and internationally.
Field Experiences
You will complete over 100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. You will tutor students, lead small and whole-group instruction, practice classroom management, and create meaningful learning experiences.
Internship Opportunities
The student teaching internship is completed near the end of the plan of study and may be arrange near your home community when possible.
Faith Integration
Every child is uniquely created in the image of God. Our program prepares future teachers to serve learners with compassion and excellence, cultivating inclusive classrooms that meet academic, cultural, and emotional needs.
Start Dates
As you consider earning your degree, you can plan ahead and choose the start date that works best for you. We offer classes starting every Spring, Summer, and Fall semester.
Spring 2026
- January 9
- March 6
Summer 2026
- May 8
- June 3
Fall 2026
- August 28
- October 23
Spring 2027
- January 8
- March 5
Program Options
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE)
- Special Education/Elementary Education (Online Program)
World-Class Faculty
OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.
Chair, School of Education
Assistant Professor of Education
Co-Director, Master of Arts in Teaching and ACCESS Programs
Lawrence C and Marion Harris Chair of Education
Mary A. White Professor of Education
Associate Professor of Education
Director of Educational Partnerships
Associate Professor of Education
Visiting Assistant Professor of Education
Violet Sturgeon Minton Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Become a Future Shaper
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