Special Education Online Practical Teacher Training (OPTT): Severe 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 K-12 severe 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.

Severe Disabilities Emphasis: This emphasis prepares graduates to work with students who have low-incidence disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic and acquired brain injury, and multiple disabilities. Graduates typically teach academic and life skills in a K-12 classroom or in a post-secondary setting (students age 18-21).

• 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.