Overview

The Special Education - Learning and Behavioral Disorders and Elementary Education at Western Kentucky University is a dual certification degree designed to prepare versatile teachers. This programme ensures graduates are equipped to support students with diverse learning requirements across both special and elementary education settings.

Students benefit from a curriculum that blends pedagogical theory with intensive practical application. The course focuses on evidence-based practices and differentiated instruction, ensuring that future teachers can create inclusive environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. By integrating core elementary content with specialised knowledge of behavioral disabilities, the university produces highly skilled professionals ready for the modern classroom.

Why Special Education - Learning and Behavioral Disorders and Elementary Education at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University offers a unique dual certification path that leads to Kentucky Teaching Certificates for both Learning and Behavior Disorders (P-12) and Elementary Education (P-5). This dual qualification significantly enhances employability by allowing graduates to work across a broad range of educational levels and specialisms.

The institution provides access to dedicated faculty members who serve as mentors and researchers with significant real-world teaching experience. Students also benefit from stackable teacher funding opportunities, which may assist in covering tuition costs. The focus on co-teaching and collaborative learning ensures that candidates are supported by a network of experienced educators throughout their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Special Education
LBD Elementary Instructional Methods
Behavior Management Strategies in Special Education
Data-Driven Decisions in Special Education

Careers with Special Education - Learning and Behavioral Disorders and Elementary Education

Graduates are prepared for impactful roles as certified special education teachers and elementary educators. The programme targets high-demand areas, with projected growth in the sector reaching 9.4% as schools seek highly qualified professionals to manage inclusive classrooms and support students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Employment opportunities are prevalent within various regional school districts. Notable organisations that employ graduates from this field include Jefferson County Public Schools, Warren County Schools, Fayette County Public Schools, Oldham County Schools, and Bowling Green Independent Schools. These roles allow alumni to make a lasting difference in their local communities and the lives of their students.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Educational Psychology: Development and Learning
Classroom Assessment
Student Diversity and Differentiation
Behavior and Classroom Management in Education
Number Systems and Number Theory for Teachers
Fundamentals of Geometry for Teachers

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Special Education Primary Education View 570 other Bachelors in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Special Education - Learning and Behavioral Disorders and Elementary Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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