Do you dream of shaping young minds and helping every child reach their full potential?

Major in General/Special Education: Grades 1-5

What is General/Special Education?

A major in general/special education prepares you to become an inclusive educator, ready to teach in both general and special education classrooms. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn how to support students of all abilities, and use evidence-based strategies to meet their academic, social, and emotional needs. This program prepares you to make a real difference as an elementary (first through fifth grade) teacher, exceptional educator, or resource room special education teacher in schools across the country.

Program Website
Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Dual Certification Advantage Earn dual licensure in general and special education — opening more doors and giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Cypress Hall, creating a smaller network within the larger campus. Some classes are available on-site, as well as academic advising, study groups, and professional networking events.
Classroom Readiness Learn from expert teacher mentors and gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with disabilities through real-life work in public schools and LSU’s on-campus University Laboratory School, Early Childhood Laboratory Preschool, and Integrative Community Studies program.
Engage With Community Join Students Engaged in Education & Service (SEEDS) to volunteer at local schools or non-profits, serve as a mentor, and more to develop a deeper understanding of yourself while building your community.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

General Education Teacher Grades 1-5
Resource Room Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Intervention Specialist

Workplace Settings

Elementary Schools
Public Schools
Private Schools
Residential Facilities
Hospitals
Student Homes

$51,000
Average alumni General/Special Education salary 5 years after graduation

What General/Special Education Looks like

Dual Certification - Madison Hanning

Special Education Minor - Hannah Collier

PK-3 + Special Education Minor - Allyssia Clayton

Dual Certification - Grace Haile

Building Skills
Individualized Instruction Design Create meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student’s strengths and needs.
Collaborative Family Partnerships Build strong relationships with families to support each child’s growth and success.
Applied Teaching Strategies Use assessments, content knowledge, curriculum, and proven methods to guide instruction.
Classroom Leadership & Engagement Build inclusive, structured classrooms that promote learning and social-emotional growth.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
EdS or MEd – Counseling EdS, MA, or MEd – Curriculum & Instruction EdS or MEd – Educational Leadership MA – Educational Leadership & Research MAT – Teaching PhD – Curriculum & Instruction PhD – Educational Leadership & Research

Related Majors

Elementary Grades Education
Early Childhood Education
Human Development & Family Science
Apply Today!