Special Education PreK-12th Grade

This pathway is best for recent high school graduates and adult learners.
There are two primary areas of focus within special education: Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound.

Option 1: Teacher Certification and Employment Steps

Earn a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from an Oklahoma Accredited Education Preparation Program, listed below:

State Universities

Private Universities

Option 2: Earning Income While Pursuing Your Teaching Certificate

This path allows you to work while you earn your teaching certificate. To begin, you'll need to work towards completing a bachelor’s degree. Start by earning an associate degree or completing two years of college. We recommend taking general education courses along with classes in the subject area you want to teach.

Associate Degree Community Colleges

While working focus on completing your bachelor’s degree. Below is a list of universities offering online programs to help you finish your degree.

Your degree should focus on the area you want to teach (e.g. math, science, or history).
You should also take Classroom Management and a Pedagogical course as they will be required to complete your certification.
You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

State Universities

Private Universities

Last Modified on May 19, 2025

Special Education PreK-12th Grade

Option 1: Teacher Certification and Employment Steps

Step 1: Degree

Step 2: Create a Single Sign-On Account

Step 3: Testing

Step 4: University Recommendation for Certification

Step 5: Background Check/Fingerprinting

Step 6: Application for Standard Certification

Step 7: Job

Option 2: Earning Income While Pursuing Your Teaching Certificate

Step 1: Start Your Education Journey

Step 2: Create a Single Sign-On Account

Step 3: Continue Your Education - Bachelor Completion

Step 4: Background Check and Fingerprinting

Step 5: Apply for the Alternative Placement Program

Step 6: Testing

Step 7: Job