Special Education (OPTT), BS

Special Educators Are In High Demand

USU’s Online Practical Teacher Training (OPTT) program prepares Utah-based special educators to provide evidence-based academic instruction and behavior management to preschoolers with disabilities, K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities, or K-12 students with severe disabilities. OPTT is not available outside of Utah.
 
The OPTT program is available to special education teachers with associate educator licenses and special education paraprofessionals (with or without a bachelor's degree). Applicants must be working in a district or charter school that agrees to collaborate with USU's Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling to provide classroom support throughout the program.
 
This program is available as a first- and second-bachelor’s degree. As a second bachelor’s, the program lasts two years. If this is your first bachelor's degree, additional courses will be required to meet general education requirements. After completing the program, students will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Special Education and qualify for a special education license.

Choose an Emphasis

Severe

Help students with low-incidence intellectual and physical disabilities, such as severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic and acquired brain injury, and multiple disabilities. By working with you, students will develop functional and life skills.

Mild/Moderate

Prepare to work with students ranging from kindergarten through high school with high-incidence disabilities. These could include learning disabilities, mild/moderate behavior and emotional disorders, mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, and communication disorders. You will be a resource to students as you help them develop academic skills.

Birth to 5

Be equipped to work with young children with disabilities before they enter kindergarten. You may work as an early childhood teacher in early intervention programs for families or in preschool programs.