Earn Your Degree in Special Education on-campus in La Grande, Oregon or Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Prepare to become a dynamic, certified special educator. EOU’s comprehensive, two-year hybrid program combines engaging online Zoom classes with structured in-person classroom placements in your local community. Designed specifically for working paraprofessionals and educational assistants, this program equips you with the strategies and licensure to make a lasting impact in rural and diverse school settings.
Students declaring the Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure must complete either an AAOT + AA Transfer Pathway OR the Multidisciplinary Studies Major
Why Choose EOU for
- Work-Friendly Hybrid Design: Late afternoon and evening Zoom classes accommodate your active job schedule, with the unique option to satisfy practicum hours directly in your current school workplace.
- Oregon TSPC Accredited: Fully aligned with Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) standards, leading directly to your Initial Teacher License in Special Education.
- Accelerated Pathway to Licensure: Complete your entire professional teaching core and 21 credits of supervised field placements in a structured, supportive 2-year cohort sequence.
- Total Credits: 180 Quarter Credits
- Average Completion Time: 4 Years (Transfer pathways available)
- Format: On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Core competencies
Select, customize, and deliver a wide variety of evidence-based special education practices and instructional interventions tailored to student needs.
Collect, analyze, and ethically employ student performance and behavioral data to inform diagnostic and educational choices in the classroom.
Collaborate effectively with families, K-12 students, general education teachers, and regional service providers to coordinate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Adhere strictly to state and federal special education laws, safeguarding procedures, and the rigorous legal requirements of the IDEA framework.
Develop adaptive classroom strategies designed specifically to maximize resources, parent partnerships, and professional service networks in rural school districts.
Formulate and implement positive behavioral intervention plans (PBIS) to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and encouraging classroom culture.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
In-Person (La Grande)
The Mountaineer Experience
Experience an engaging, student-centered campus community in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. Perfect for students seeking traditional classroom debates and face-to-face peer groups.
Highlights: • Small class sizes with personalized instructor feedback.• Direct access to campus libraries, research labs, and regional networks.• Participate in EOU’s on-campus clubs and quarterly speaker events.
Online
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Hybrid
Earn your Special Education teaching credential with maximum flexibility through our accessible hybrid online program. Specially designed for educational assistants and paraprofessionals, this program allows you to transition into a certified teaching role without quitting your job or relocating to La Grande. Complete all coursework online and satisfy required student teaching and practicum credits directly in your current classroom, providing a seamless, cost-effective pathway from classified school employee to licensed Special Education teacher.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Guided by Seasoned Special Education Practitioners
Eastern Oregon University’s Special Education department features faculty who are deeply committed to preparing the next generation of inclusive educators. Our professors bring a wealth of real-world classroom experience, research expertise in rural education, and active connections to Oregon school networks.
They understand the unique demands of working in regional districts and are trained to provide high-touch, responsive online and hybrid mentorship, ensuring that you are fully supported from your initial application to state-certified classroom success.
With this degree you may be interested in…
Master of Arts in Teaching
Online Master of Arts in Education Leadership – Principal Licensure
Ready to Transform Your Classroom Experience into a Certified Teaching Career?
Join our next Special Education cohort and take the lead in inclusive rural education.
