The Special Education Preliminary License Program is a 66-credit graduate program for those seeking a career in special education in K-12 settings. The program is designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge through course work, directly linked to field-based experiences.  The SOU Special Education Program is recognized as one of the best in the state, with a 95% employment rate of graduates.

  • The program begins in the fall term. 
  • Efforts are made to place students in their home community, if possible.
  • Completion of the Program results in a Master's Degree in Teaching and recommendation for the Oregon Preliminary teaching license with the endorsement in special education.

Requirements for Admission:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (3.0 GPA in last 90 quarter hours)
  • Admission to SOU Graduate School
  • Documented experience with children, preferably those with exceptionalities
  • Prerequisite course: Foundations of special education (SOU – ED 470: The Exceptional Child or ED 348: Special Studies Children With Disabilities and Their Families) and mathematics for elementary teachers (SOU – MTH 211: Math for Elementary Teachers)
  • On-campus interview 

To Apply to the Program:

Applications for the 2024 program are available!  The priority deadline is January 17, 2025. Apply today!

To apply for the Special Education Preliminary License Program you will need to submit:

Both applications need to be completed.

Email the completed Special Education Preliminary License Program application to Anita Caster at caster@sou.edu - or mail it to:

Applications Coordinator
School of Education
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520 

Please contact Anita Caster, Education Graduate Services Coordinator, at  caster@sou.edu, if you would like to receive an application or additional information.

 

Contacts

For Program Application information:
Anita Caster
caster@sou.edu

For Licensure Application information:
Licensure Specialist

licensure@sou.edu  

For Program information:
Dr. Jesse Longhurst
longhursj@sou.edu