Who has a special education degree?

Darrin Hixenbaugh: The normal route to a special education career is first getting a liberal arts degree from an accredited college or university. Then you go on to get a teachering degree with an emphsis in special education. There is a moderate/severe focus or a mild/moderate focus. To receive a degree in special education, you have to go to school for an additional 11/2 years-2 years with interships and certain tests that vary from state to state. Another way to go is the path I took. I have a degree in social welfare. I stoppped working while raising my kids. I got part-time work as an assistant in a special education class. I decided to go back for my teaching degree in special education. In lieu of going back to my college and starting from stratch, I took a very difficult test called the MSAT. It was a general education test. I had to know a little about math, Shakespeare sonnets, and Japanese history,etc. Only about 60% of the people taking the test passed. It has! nothing to do with your gift or ability to teach special ed students. They have changed the test to the CSAT I believe which is suppose to be somewhat easier. After I passed the MSAT, I enrolled in National Univrsity, (San Diego) for all the special ed classes I needed to become a special ed teacher.I have been teaching special education in schools for years and love it. Because of a foot problem, I only work as a substitute teacher so I teach all ages and types of children with special needs.The occupation is, however, not for everyone. You should visit a class or talk to someone who is a special ed teacher first. Learn all you can about it.I got my credential through the state of California. Tests and requirements may vary from state to state.Good luck!!...Show more