Southern Oregon University offers three Special Education Programs.

The Dual Endorsement Program is for candidates who already hold a teaching license. Completion of the Dual Endorsement program allows candidates to add the Special Education endorsement to an existing teaching license. The program is completed by passing a prescribed set of classes that may be taken during the school year and Summer Session. The Dual Program requires the candidate to complete 36 credits of coursework and related field experience.

The Dual+Master’s Program offers the added endorsement, plus a master’s degree in education. The program comprises 45 credits of coursework and related field experience. Students may complete the Dual and Dual+Master’s programs in one- or two-year programs of study while working within the public school system. Courses during the fall and winter terms are delivered in a hybrid format (online and weekends), while the summer courses are offered on campus.  Candidates applying to the Dual Endorsement Program do so through the Master’s in Education (MEd) application process. In addition, applicants for either of the Dual programs must hold, or be eligible for, an Oregon Teaching license. 

The Stand-Alone Program (70 credits) allows candidates to become licensed to teach students with exceptionalities at either the elementary or secondary level. When successfully completed, the Stand-Alone program results in a Master of Arts in education and recommendation to TSPC for an initial Oregon teaching license with a Special Education Endorsement. The Stand-Alone Program is a full-year, full-time program, beginning and ending with Summer Session.

Beginning with the first Summer Session, candidates progress through fall, winter, and spring terms and complete their coursework at the end of the second Summer Session. Students seeking admission to the Stand-Alone program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and pass a basic skills test (e.g. CBEST or PPST). They must also have taken a Foundations of Special Education course and have documented experience working with children, preferably children with exceptionalities. Candidates must take and pass a civil rights and Praxis Specialty Tests in Special Education examinations. Stand-Alone candidates must complete two work samples in accordance with Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requirements.