Learn to Educate Students Who Face Additional Challenges

Students with exceptional needs require teachers who understand best practices amid the spectrum of challenges these students face every day. Exceptional learners range from children with autism, visual or hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as other health impairments. In 2017-2018 in the U.S., 13.7 percent of all students fell into this category. At Nova Southeastern University, our Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education will thoroughly prepare you with the skills to excel in teaching exceptional students. We also will lay the foundation for you to pursue a professional teaching certificate in Florida.

In addition to learning to teach students with multiple disabilities—within the general inclusive classroom or in an exceptional student education setting—you will learn how to teach English as a second language (ESOL). These skills will give you an educational edge in the ability to promote equity, cultural awareness and social responsibility in diverse educational settings.

Why Should You Major in Exceptional Student Education at NSU?

Enrich Your Edge With Real-Life Experience

At NSU, your professors are eager to share the wisdom they have gained after spending years in the classroom. Our curriculum is focused on helping you achieve professional greatness. With field experiences and a final internship, you will be ready to jump right into a full-time classroom environment.

Learn more about Career Preparation

Average Starting Salary

The salary range in Florida for special education teacher salaries in May 2019 was between $64,040 and $86,430, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Shark Destinations

You’ll find NSU education alumni at school districts all around the country, including Broward County Public Schools and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (the sixth largest in the nation), Palm Beach County Public Schools, Pinellas County Public Schools, the Archdiocese of Miami and Exceed Preparatory Academy. Our alumni serve as teachers for K-12 students or support the future of other educators in administrative roles.

NSU Teaching Academy at Tampa Bay

Offered on NSU’s Tampa Bay Regional Campus, the Teaching Academy enables you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education in four years. Upon graduation, you’ll get a guaranteed a job offer with the Pinellas County School District.