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Adolescence & Special Education, B.S.

Program Highlights

STUDY YOUR PASSION
This program leads to initial certification in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies.

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE IN REAL CLASSROOMS
Get hands-on experience teaching your subject to real students and networking with teachers.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Meet the requirements for NYS professional teacher certification in Roberts' 4+1 program through the Master's of Education in Literacy or Special Education..

Want more information about this major?

Download a program guide with detailed information on the department, major and outcomes!

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The education program at Roberts is unlike any other! I was able to get into classrooms early on, which helped solidify that this is what I want to do with my life. Whenever I met with the math and education faculty, they were so helpful.

Hannah Clark ‘23 (Adolescence Education in Mathematics)

Minor Options

Minor Requirements

Students wishing to graduate with a minor must complete at least 18 semester hours in a selected
discipline. Specific minor requirements are listed within the departmental sections of this catalog. In
order to earn a minor when some of the coursework is also required by their major, students must take
at least nine hours unique to the minor. In order for a transfer student to earn a minor offered by Roberts, the student must earn at least nine hours at Roberts.

  • PHST 1300
  • PHST 2020
  • PEDU 1500
  • PEDU 2250
  • PEDU 2350
  • PEDU 2500
  • PEDU 4500
  • PSYC 2030

  • PEDU 2250
  • PEDU 2350
  • PEDU 2500
  • PEDU 4500
  • PHST 2010

  • TEDU 1850 and TEDU 1950
  • PSYC 2030 or TEDU 2600
  • TEDU 2350 and TEDU 3600 and TEDU 3600 OPE
  • One from the following:
    • TEDU 2550, TEDU 2940, TEDU 3450, TEDU 3650, TEDU 3900, COMM 3306

Additional TEDU and PEDU courses taken by students who were previously majoring in Education may be used as the elective courses in the minor upon approval of the department. 

  • TEDU 2350, COMM 2206, COMM 3308, TEDU 3820, TEDU 3820 OPE
  • One of the following with corresponding OPE (3 Hours):
    • TEDU 3580, TEDU 3590, TEDU 3940
  • One of the following (3 Hours):
    • TEDU 1850, TEDU 2550, TEDU 3600, COMP 3410, COMM 3301, LITR 2070, CGEO 2100, THEO 3050, SOCS 2050, PSYC 2030, PSYC 3050

Education majors will take 6 credit hours of electives not already required by their program 

How Much Will I Pay?

two students standing in the sun

Total Program
Sticker Price for 2026-2027:

$55,781


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$23,345

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.

Courses and Requirements

View major requirements and more.

What Will I Learn?

You’ll earn your certification to teach in one of the following content areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies

You’ll study:

  • Your chosen content area
  • The foundations of special education
  • Lesson planning and implementation
  • Creating inclusive learning environments

Career Outlook

Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:

Student Teaching Placements

  • Webster Central School District (CSD)
  • Greece CSD
  • Rochester CSD
  • Pittsford CSD
  • Churchville-Chili CSD
  • Brockport CSD
  • Hilton CSD
  • Byron-Bergen CSD
  • Spencerport CSD
  • Kendall CSD
  • Penfield CSD
  • Rush-Henrietta CSD
  • Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!

Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs

Free TeachNY Resources

Our partner TeachNY provides free support to anyone who’s thinking about becoming a teacher. Access career and certification coaching, up to $100 in application fee reimbursements, and a chance to win a regional $1,000 scholarship!

Teacher Education Summer Camp

Spend a week learning about teaching children. You'll walk the path of a teacher, planning fun lessons and activities, and then implementing those activities with children.

Scholarships may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. The type of degree they get is flexible – whether it be in adolescent education, their intended field of teaching, or a more focused education degree like the Adolescence & Special Education degree here at Roberts where you can hone in on a specific subject area.

Many teachers do go on to obtain a master’s or even doctorate degree, as well. Some states such as New York, Maryland, and Connecticut actually require teachers to obtain their master’s degree in teaching or education in a certain amount of time to maintain their teacher’s license. Along with that, many districts pay teachers who obtain their master’s degree more than those who don’t.

Special education is specially designed instruction for educating students with disabilities, individual differences, and special needs. Because each student learns differently, there is a wide range of accommodations involved in special education.

At Roberts, we value special education and creating learning environments where every student can thrive. As an Adolescence and Special Education student, you’ll take courses such as Foundations of Special Education, Creating Inclusive Learning Communities, and Assessment for Special Education.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for middle and high school teachers in 2021 was about $61,000.

Naturally, the numbers will differ by area, type of school, level, and position.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.