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Accreditation & Licensure

To become a special education teacher, you must obtain the appropriate credentials. You can attend a regularly university program to obtain your bachelor’s degree or follow an alternative route to obtain your special education certification. See below for more information.

If you don't have a bachelor's degree...

• While every state has somewhat differing requirements for becoming a teacher, they all require at least a bachelor's degree. Search  university program listings to find degree programs in special education. Contacts are listed for each of the programs who can answer questions about that school's specific program and how it will prepare you to become a licensed special educator.

If you already have at least a bachelor's degree...

There are several paths you can take to obtain your license in special education.

• One way is to use  university program listings to find schools that offer graduate degrees in special education. When you find one or more schools that you're interested in, you can contact the special education program office to determine how much additional training you will need to become a licensed special educator.
• Many states have alternative routes to certification programs specifically designed to help people with bachelor's degrees in subjects other than education get their teaching license. These programs are often shorter in duration and place participants in the classroom more quickly than traditional degree programs. Many offer financial assistance. Go to  university program listings to search just for alternative programs.
• In some states, local school districts will evaluate your transcripts and help you determine the steps you will need to take to become a certified special educator.