Undergraduate Programs
Para-to-Professional Option
Candidates for the undergraduate degree who work full time as paraeducators and who have previously earned college credits (often General Education credits) may benefit from this program. Candidates enroll in the Bachelor of Elective Studies (BES) degree program and take selected Special Education credits while earning their BES.
The BES degree allows the paraprofessional candidate to earn a college degree. To earn licensure, however, the candidate must complete 9 graduate credits in the Graduate Certificate Program in learning disabilities, typically during the summer. After successful completion of these credits, the candidate will earn both a Graduate Certificate and licensure in LD.
One advantage of the Para-to-Professional Option is that a candidate can keep his or her para position while earning a degree and licensure. Another is that candidates complete the requirements for three courses (6 credits; SPED 338, SPED 339, and SPED 455) while performing their professional "on-the-job" responsibilities.
Candidates apply for the the Para-to-Professional Option by filling out an application available in the Special Education Office (ED A-211). Please note that officials from the employing district must document the para's success with students as a part of the field experience waiver (SPED 338, SPED 339, SPED 455).
