K-12 Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities), B.S.E.

On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

132

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study K-12 Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities)?

Earning a cross-category special education degree prepares future teachers to support students with diverse learning needs across all grade levels. This special education program equips candidates with specialized knowledge in IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), inclusive practices, special education law, and assessment processes. Through a comprehensive curriculum and guided preparation, students gain the skills and experience needed to meet Missouri state certification requirements. Graduates with a Bachelor’s of Science in K–12 Education with a focus on Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities degree are confident and well-prepared to create supportive, effective learning environments for students with disabilities.

What You’ll Learn

  • The cross-category special education program examines the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations of special education, as well as the processes and procedures for providing special education services that meet the educational, social, and personal needs of students with disabilities.
  • You will learn how to perform the assessment steps in the special education process, including screening, referral, determining eligibility, and program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • You will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for implementing curricular and instructional methodologies used in teaching children with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities, who are typically served in resource rooms and inclusive classroom settings. You will learn how to apply classroom practices and teaching strategies for effective interactions, with autism behavior interventions and practices highlighted.
  • The special education program will prepare you to provide individualized instruction to elementary, middle and high school students with reading deficits and explore the impact of disabilities and second language acquisition on language development, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • Develop effective communication, collaboration, and consultation skills to build and maintain strong partnerships with families, professionals, and community stakeholders, including connecting families to relevant community resources and supports.

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Amy Wolf

Dr. Amy Wolf


Associate Professor of Education
amy.wolf@park.edu

Dong Choi

Dr. Donna (Dong) Choi


Professor of Early Childhood Education
dong.choi@park.edu

Brant Winn

Dr. Brant Winn


Assistant Professor
brant.winn@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

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Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

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K-12 Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities) Career & Future Opportunities

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Kindergarten & Elementary School Teacher

Elementary teachers plan and deliver lessons in subjects like reading, math, and science, while also supporting students’ social development and individual learning needs. They assess student progress, communicate with families, manage classroom behavior, and supervise students in and out of the classroom.

Reading or Literacy Specialist

A reading or literacy specialist helps students improve their literacy skills. They work with students who may struggle with reading and learning, providing individualized or small-group instruction to help students learn to sound out words, improve reading comprehension, and provide techniques for reading and writing with dyslexia and other disabilities.

Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers educate students, typically in grades 6 through 8. Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for high school.

High School Teacher

High school teachers play a crucial role in preparing students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market.

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*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: B.S.E., K-12 Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Disabilities)

Cross-categorical special education refers to teaching students with a range of mild to moderate disabilities, such as learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and other health impairments, within the same classroom setting. This approach prepares educators to adapt instruction and behavior management strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students across multiple disability categories.

This cross-category special education degree qualifies you to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities across the full K–12 spectrum. You’ll be prepared to support learners in both elementary and secondary settings, with a focus on inclusive practices, individualized instruction, and collaboration with general education teachers.

Yes, the curriculum includes coursework in behavior management, assessment, and instructional planning for students with special needs. You’ll gain hands-on experience developing and implementing IEPs, learning how to tailor instruction and interventions to support student success in inclusive and specialized classrooms.

Park University offers flexible learning options, including hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person field experiences, allowing students to complete the cross-category special education program remotely while gaining essential classroom experience through supervised teaching placements.

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Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.