A special education minor helps elementary and secondary education majors support every learner and can broaden licensure options in some states.
Skills a Special Education minor adds
- Individualized instruction
- Behavior support
- IEP basics
Majors that pair well with Special Education
| Major | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Elementary Education | Prepares you to support students with disabilities in every classroom. |
| Secondary Education | Helps you support every learner in your classes. |
Want to study it in depth? See the Special Education major.
Careers where a Special Education minor helps
Special Education Teacher
Teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
- Typical training: 4 years plus licensing
Teacher Assistant
Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.
- Typical training: Weeks to 2 years depending on the district
Related career training
A self-paced online course on what special education teachers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: IEP development, special education law (IDEA), and differentiated instruction
Why it fits: Builds practical knowledge for careers a Special Education minor points toward.
Special Education minor FAQ
What is a Special Education minor?
A Special Education minor adds strategies for teaching and supporting students with disabilities. A special education minor helps elementary and secondary education majors support every learner and can broaden licensure options in some states.
What does a Special Education minor include?
A Special Education minor covers skills such as individualized instruction, behavior support, and IEP basics. Most minors require about 15 to 24 credit hours, often five to eight courses; each college sets its own requirements.
What majors go well with a Special Education minor?
It pairs well with Elementary Education and Secondary Education.
Is Special Education a good minor for Elementary Education majors?
It can be. Prepares you to support students with disabilities in every classroom.
Is Special Education a good minor for Secondary Education majors?
It can be. Helps you support every learner in your classes.
What skills does a Special Education minor add?
Skills such as individualized instruction, behavior support, and IEP basics.
What careers can a Special Education minor help with?
It can support careers such as special education teacher and teacher assistant, especially combined with a related major.
Is a Special Education minor worth it?
It is worth it if it fills a gap in your major or supports the career you want. A special education minor helps elementary and secondary education majors support every learner and can broaden licensure options in some states.
What is the difference between a Special Education major and a Special Education minor?
A Special Education major is your main field of study (bachelor's and master's degrees) and prepares you for careers such as special education teacher, preschool special education teacher, and middle school special education teacher. A minor is a smaller set of courses that adds special Education knowledge to a different major.
Can any major add a Special Education minor?
At most colleges, students in many majors can add a minor if they meet its prerequisites and can fit the courses. Check your college’s requirements.