Special Education
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Program TypeMajor, Minor
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Degrees OfferedB.S.
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SchoolLiffrig Family School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Learn to teach and serve students with diverse learning needs and to support their families.
What You’ll Learn
The special education program at the University of Mary provides you with the knowledge, skills, and instructional strategies necessary to work successfully with people with varying abilities. Through the program, you'll learn best practices and develop the personal attributes necessary to serve a population with diverse needs within the educational setting.
- Gain Hands-On Experience
Work alongside practicing special educators in schools, community activities, committee work, and professional organizations through experiential learning opportunities as early as your first semester.
- Enhance Your Leadership Skills
Participate in an educational leadership conference and the Emerging Leaders Academy, a four-year program in educational leadership.
- Double-Major
Earn a second major in elementary education or early childhood education. Qualified students may also take up to nine credit hours of graduate courses.
- Elevate Your Career Profile
Get involved in local and regional professional organizations, such as, the North Dakota Council for Early Childhood Education, the North Dakota Education Association, and the Council for Exceptional Children, as either a participant or presenter.
- Become Eligible for Professional Endorsement
Meet the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children and the Endorsement Standards of the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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![North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board]()
North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
All the University of Mary education programs are fully accredited by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board and all CAEP national standards are fully met.
The Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences provided one-on-one faculty guidance, countless hours of meaningful classroom experience, a variety of courses that stimulated personal and professional growth, and a comprehensive understanding of how to be an outstanding educator. I truly believe I am prepared for a lifetime of leadership in and out of the classroom.
Featured Faculty
Jaylia Prussing EdD
Associate Professor of Education, Director of Special Education & Human Support Services
I serve as the program director for special education and human support services and as an associate professor within the department of education. I am a licensed teacher in elementary education and special education. As a teacher, I served preschool through adult students in a variety of settings and across a wide spectrum of disability categories. My interest in student behavior led to my obtaining certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. To stay current in the field of special education and our community, I enjoy serving as a consultant with school districts and community agencies.
Kimberly Marman, PhD
Chair of Education, Associate Professor of Education
I began my educational journey teaching students with special needs in a preschool for students with severe disabilities. Since then, I have worked in elementary, middle, and high school settings with students with varying disabilities. I began working at the University of Mary as an adjunct instructor in 2011 and began full time work at Mary in 2014. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, finding new adventures through travel, skiing, and whatever else comes my way.
