Special Education and Reading, Bachelor of Arts in Education - Washington

The Bachelor of Arts in Education program prepares reflective teachers who translate educational theory into practice making a positive impact on student learning based on student strengths and needs. Candidates are challenged to critically examine teaching and education from historical and sociopolitical contexts for the purpose of developing culturally responsive and anti-racist teaching practices within the classroom. Candidates are given space and encouragement to reflect on their own life experiences and how those impact their presence with and response to the children and families they serve.  Candidates demonstrate competence in planning, instruction, and assessment relative to state learning standards and evidence-based teaching practices.  Candidates continuously improve and refine their skills as reflective practitioners through coursework and field experiences, collaboration with colleagues, families, and community stakeholders, and prepare for career-long professional development. 

Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree, initial teacher certification, endorsement in Elementary Education (K-8) or Special Education (P-12), and may opt to complete a second endorsement in Elementary Education (K-8), Special Education P-12), English Language Learners (P-12), Middle Level Mathematics (4-9), or Reading (P-12). 

Note: Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Students who relocate to another state during their enrollment may or may not satisfy the eligibility criteria to obtain a professional license or certification in that state. If a student is located outside of the State of Washington, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning an academic program outside of your state. CityU has provided the following information about requirements for certification or licensure in other select states.

Program Outcomes

This program will prepare students to:

Develop engaging lesson plans that align with state standards, accurate assessments, and appropriate supports to meet the needs and engage all students.

Establish an effective learning environment and use a variety of instructional tools and strategies to meet the needs of and engage all students.

Use a variety of assessments to monitor student learning, collect evidence of positive impact and growth, and adjust instruction based on assessment data and reflective practice.

Demonstrate professional attitudes, skills, and growth to improve teaching practice and further the field of education.

Develop positive relationships with students, families, and communities to foster civic and social engagement.

Admission Requirements

In addition to City University of Seattle's undergraduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the requirements listed below. 

  • Complete an interview with program faculty
  • Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or pass the State-approved test for Math, Reading, and Writing
  • Submit a resume with three references

Total Required Credits (180 Credits)

Lower Division Requirements (90 Credits)

Students must meet General Education requirements.  This is typically completed within the 90 required lower division credits. See the Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of this catalog for more detailed information.

General Education Requirements

Total Credits

College Composition (CC) I** &  II

10 Credits

Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (QSR)

5 Credits

Humanities (HU)

10 Credits

Social Sciences (SS)

15 Credits

Natural Sciences (NS)

15 Credits

**If College Composition I is waived through transfer or articulation, students must take an additional 5 quarter credits from a humanities discipline.

Pedagogy Core (27 Credits)

EDU 308American School Law and Issues in Special Populations

3

EDU 309Social Justice, Equity and Diversity

3

EDU 310Child and Adolescent Development *

3

EDE 307Special Education and Special Programs *

3

EDU 316Content: Planning and Instruction

3

EDU 318Content: Classroom Culture and Environment

3

EDU 404AContent: Student Assessment & Evaluation

3

ESP 421Curricular Modifications & Adaptations

3

ESP 422Behavior Analysis and Intervention

3

Math (8 Credits)

EDE 433Content: Mathematics I

4

EDE 439Content: Mathematics II *

4

Reading (16 Credits)

ERL 405Introduction to Literacy Support

4

ERL 450Literacy in the Content Areas

4

ERL 417Literacy Instruction: Meeting the Needs of All Learners

4

ERL 452Literacy Assessment and Evaluation

4

Special Education (16 Credits)

ESP 370AContent: Exceptionality in Special Education *

4

ESP 419Behavior Analysis and Management II *

1

ESP 436Assessment & Evaluation in Special Education

4

ESP 437Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

4

ESP 438Transition Plans

3

General Field Experience & Student Teaching (16 Credits)

EDU 351Internship I *

1

EDU 352Internship II *

1

EDU 354Internship III *

2

EDU 349September Experience *

1

ESP 481Student Teaching in Special Education *

10

EDU 337Practicum *

1

Upper Division Electives (7 Credits)

Courses with an asterisk (*) after their title have a pre- or co-requisite.