Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Prepare yourself for a career in special education with the University of Cincinnati's online BSEd in Special Education program. Students enrolled in this program will learn strategies to serve and advocate for individuals with special needs in primary and secondary education settings.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati's Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education program prepares students to work with individuals with special needs in an education setting. Upon graduation, students enrolled in this program will have obtained both of the following teaching licenses:
- State of Ohio Intervention Specialist Licensure: Mild/Moderate Needs (K-12)
- State of Ohio Intervention Specialist Licensure: Moderate/Intensive Needs (K-12)
Students enrolled in this program will also be required to complete a student teaching experience as part of the licensure process. Although coursework for this program can be completed fully online, the student teaching experience must be completed in person.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education Program Highlights
High Quality Education
By graduation, you'll be prepared to serve a population of students with a variety of special needs across a wide spectrum of ages. As educators, your support and advocacy will provide special needs students with skills that will aid them far beyond the classroom. Your academic experience will involve coursework covering a variety of topics such as:
- Design for learning and assistive technologies
- Assessment and curriculum planning in special education
- Phonological awareness and phonics in middle and special education
- Promotion of positive behaviors
- Instructional and intervention strategies
- Special education law
- Critical issues for serving students with intense disabilities
Flexibility
- 100% online instruction with in-person student teaching experience
- Financial aid available
- Easy to transfer credits
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
- Part-time flexibility
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
The University of Cincinnati requires that high school students applying for their first year of college at the Uptown (Main) campus have completed the following Ohio college preparatory curriculum or their state's college preparatory curriculum:
Minimum requirements:
- 4 units of English
- 4 units of math*
- 3 units of science
- 3 units of social studies
- 5 units of electives**
*Mathematics units must include 1 unit of algebra II or the equivalent of algebra II.
**Electives can include any combination of foreign language, additional core courses not otherwise required, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology, or agricultural education.
Note: 1 unit is defined as the equivalent to one full year of course instruction.
For the purposes of admission, a student may use advanced computer science to meet one unit of math, science, or elective requirement if the student used the advanced computer science unit to meet the curriculum requirement under section 3313.603 of the Revised Code.
All applicants will complete the online application for their requested program. Applicants must ensure that all required transcript(s) are successfully uploaded by the posted application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed or reviewed. No SAT/ACT scores are required.
The application fee is waived for Special Education applicants is $50. Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Check the academic calendar for upcoming application deadlines.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
A student must complete the University of Cincinnati residency requirement to be eligible for a degree or certificate, even if all other requirements for that degree or certificate are satisfied. Minimum academic residency:
- 20 semester credit hours for associate degrees.
- 30 semester credit hours for baccalaureate degrees.
Considerations: students approved for an Academic Fresh Start must have a minimum of 30 credit hours remaining to complete the degree program before graduation.
Official transcripts should be sent to us by your school official via email or in the mail. These must be in English. If your transcripts need translated into English, we recommend sending them to an official translation service that will then send them to UC for a small fee.
International students are required to provide original, official transcripts and the course-by-course evaluation completed from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or SpanTran. They offer discounted prices for University of Cincinnati applicants and have a fast turnaround time of 5-10 days.
For International students, an English proficiency test:
- TOEFL minimum Internet-based 80
- Paper-based 520
- Computer-based 190
- IELTS minimum 6.5
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | July 15, 2026 | August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CECH) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CECH) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP)
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We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Each program is supported by a team of Enrollment Services Advisors (ESAs) who are here to help answer any questions you have.