Value of a Minor
Are you interested in enhancing your studies with a minor? In addition to major areas of study, UT San Antonio offers a variety of programs that provide valuable contributions to students' academic careers. While pursuing an undergraduate minor, students have the opportunity to explore personal interests and passions outside of their major program or complement their current major, helping them further stand out in the job market.
Why Pursue a Minor in Special Education
Adding a minor is a great way to complement your professional goals or pursue a personal passion. The 15-credit-hour minor in Special Education teaches you specialized skills that are in high demand across schools, clinics and community organizations. You’ll learn how to create an inclusive classroom environment, implement evidence-based practices and work with families and professionals. Those pursuing degrees in fields such as education, psychology and social work can benefit from this program.
This program is open to all majors and coursework for this minor can be applied towards your degree in collaboration with your academic advisor.
Adding a Minor
Though not required, declaring a minor is an excellent way to enhance your major area of study. A minor typically consists of 6 courses (18 semester credit hours), and may have additional requirements depending on the minor selected. After being admitted to UT San Antonio and registered for classes, students can meet with their assigned academic advisor to discuss the addition of a minor to their degree plan.
Please note, students can add a minor as long as they have earned less than 75 credit hours. However, the addition of a minor may or may not delay graduation. All requirements for the minor must be met at graduation; a minor cannot be added to a student’s degree program once they graduate. Students should meet with their assigned academic advisor to understand the impacts of adding a minor to their degree plan.
Special Education courses blend theory, legal frameworks, and practical strategies for inclusive classrooms. Required courses are:
- SPE 3603: Introduction to Special Education (must be taken first)
- SPE 4643: Instruction for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- SPE 3633: Classroom and Behavior Management
Electives (choose two):
- SPE 3693: Special Education Law
- SPE 3683: Special Education Across the Lifespan
- SPE 4683: Communication and Collaboration in Special Education
The following foundational course must be taken as a pre or co requisite to all the other courses:
- SPE 3603 – Introduction to Special Education.
Prerequisites to the other course in the minor are waived for students who have declared the Special Education minor, in coordination with their academic advisor.
