College of Education, Dept. of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education Learning and Behavior Disorders/Elementary Education (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Arts in Learning and Behavior Disorders/Elementary Education prepares aspiring teachers to become dually certified in special education learning and behavior disorders and elementary education (LBD/ELED). Students served under the category of learning and behavior disorders may include those with specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Teachers who are dually certified in LBD/ELED can teach in a general elementary classroom, kindergarten through grade five, or in a special education classroom with expertise in learning and behavior disorders, primary through grade twelve (ages 5-21 years).

With a degree in LBD/ELED, you will have the skillset to serve students with diverse learning and behavior needs in inclusive classroom environments. As a dually certified teacher, you will be in high demand to meet the needs of all learners in the elementary classroom or provide specially designed instruction to students with learning and behavior disorders as a special educator in either an elementary, middle, or high school classroom. These skillsets to support students with diverse needs in inclusive classrooms are in high demand. In fact, there is a national shortage of special educators. Many school districts seek graduates who are dually certified to meet the needs of their students. Upon graduating, you will also have opportunities to continue your academic career through advanced degrees in general education, special education, applied behavior analysis, or a related service field.

Delivery Method: In-person

Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Gaining experience in authentic and realistic classroom environments can result in a highly trained future teacher. In the UK College of Education Learning/Behavior Disorders and Elementary Education program, students participate in field experiences across K-5 general education and P-12 special education classrooms, and experience embedded course work at the elementary level. LBD/ELED students gain over 200 field hours across these settings and complete a semester of student teaching split between elementary education and special education settings.

College and departmental scholarships and undergraduate research funding, as well as external funding opportunities, may be available to LBD/ELED majors. Email jenna.demastes@uky.edu for more information. 

Visit the University of Kentucky catalog for more program details