Nursing RN

Associate Degree in Special Education

All Education
Early Childhood Education Programs Early Childhood Apprenticeship Middle Level Education Secondary Level Education Special Education Search All NCC Programs

Pursue a career dedicated to educating young children and students with disabilities. At Northampton Community College, earn an A.A. degree in Special Education grounded in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive framework of teaching.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn theories of family and disability perspectives, and build a philosophy of collaborative relationships. The A.A. and Specialized Diploma are available online and at our Bethlehem and Monroe campuses, giving you flexible study options before you transfer to a 4-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Education Program Requirements Start Application

Degree Programs

Semesters: 4
Credits: 62
Program Map: Download PDF
Program Details: View More Information
Campus: Bethlehem|Monroe|FullyOnline
Program Type: Associate in Arts

The in-person or online associate degree in special education is built on the universal design for learning (UDL) and inclusive practices. You’ll develop skills in assessments and technologies, professional and ethical practices, and evidence-based instructional strategies in order to become a student advocate and supporter. With the A.A., you can transfer to a 4-year institution and earn a bachelor’s degree with Pre-K–12th special education certification.

Semesters: 2
Credits: 9
Program Map: Download PDF
Program Details: View More Information
Campus: Bethlehem|Monroe|FullyOnline
Program Type: Specialized Diploma

This in-person or online special education diploma introduces you to the knowledge and skills you’ll need as a paraeducator or to earn a bachelor’s degree with Pre-K–12th special education certification. You’ll complete 40+ hours of practical classroom experience along with three special education courses. The diploma is a beginning pathway to the special education A.A. degree or to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

 

Program Information

Start your learning at NCC to save money and gain hands-on special education experience. Once you complete your A.A. in Special Education, you can transfer to a 4-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree and apply for teacher licensure. NCC graduates often complete their studies at East Stroudsburg University, Kutztown University, Bloomsburg University, DeSales University, and many other institutions.

Licensure requirements vary by state. If you live outside Pennsylvania or intend to complete an internship in another state, you should review your state board’s website to ensure that NCC’s program qualifies for licensure. If you participate in the program without proper authorization from your state’s professional licensing board, you could lose licensing eligibility. Contact the Program Director for more information.

Completing a degree in Special Education at Northampton Community College can drastically reduce the overall cost of your education. Our tuition and fees are some of the most affordable in the region. On top of the low upfront costs, you can also take advantage of NCC’s substantial financial aid and scholarship opportunities—we have one of the largest community college scholarship programs in Pennsylvania!

 

Career Opportunities in Special Education

Get excited about your future from your first day on campus! The hands-on experiences and fieldwork components of your NCC education will prepare you for a career as a special education paraeducator or for baccalaureate level education and special education teacher certification. With the necessary qualifications, you’ll be equipped to pursue highly sought-after careers like:

Future Career Paths

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech Language Pathologist
  • Early Intervention Specialist/Early Childhood Special Educator
  • Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired
  • Special Education Administrator

Need help deciding which major might be right for you? Explore our Focus2 tool and zero in on what programs suit you best, then start building your network by creating a profile on our Handshake App!

Join Handshake Now
Schedule time with a Career Counselor Explore With Focus2!
Register now with access code: spartan

Learn More about NCC’s Special Education Associate Degree and Specialized Diploma

Northampton Community College’s in-person and online special education program equips you to excel as a paraeducator or in a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Here, you can earn an Associate Degree in Special Education (A.A.) or a shorter Specialized Diploma in Special Education (S.D.) at a low cost.

Request more information to learn more about NCC programs, or start your application now!



REQUEST INFORMATION