Extended Accelerator Program - Bachelor of Education - Special Education

The Extended Accelerator Program (EAP) is a three-semester program that includes an immersive English-learning experience. The program gives students firsthand practical and cultural understanding of the Gonzaga University campus and the Spokane area through its contextual curriculum. Upon successful completion of the program, students progress into the second year of their undergraduate education with a full year’s worth of academic credits.

The Department of Special Education offers a major and minor in Special Education that emphasizes learning experiences in applied settings. Public and private schools, as well as a variety of non-school settings, provide students with the opportunity to combine academic training with practical experience. Candidates who earn the Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Special Education are prepared to work with individuals having mild to severe disabilities, such as learning disabilities, pervasive developmental disabilities, and behavior disorders. The major focuses on developing skills needed to function in a variety of classroom settings including but not limited to resource, self-contained, and inclusionary.

The Special Education Department also prepares candidates who plan to work in non-school settings like clinics, workshops, homes, etc. Courses for those seeking Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst certification are also an option. The Special Education degree is also a great starting point for those seeking advanced degrees in behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech and language, counseling, or school psychology.