Special Education Online Practical Teacher Training (OPTT): Mild/Moderate Emphasis - BA, BS

USU OPTT is an innovative, online special education preparation program specifically designed for individuals currently working in a Utah school as a special education teacher or a special education paraprofessional. Applicants may choose to specialize in either early childhood special education, K-12 severe, or K-12 mild/moderate disabilities, and will be fully qualified for special education licensure upon completion of this 5-semester program (fall-spring-summer-fall-spring). The program will be longer for applicants who are completing a first bachelor’s degree. To receive a Bachelor's of Arts (BA) degree, please see Undergraduate Academic Credential Requirements for required language courses.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities Emphasis: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have high-incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, behavior and emotional disorders, or communication disorders. Educators work with children in grades K-12 in a resource-room setting or inclusive setting teaching academic skills.

• For more information about Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, see the website.

• Admitted and current students must meet with an academic advisor.

• Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

• Students following the recommended schedule should be able to complete degree requirements in four years (eight semesters).

• The highest math requirement for this degree is course.

• New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.

• Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.0 GPA.