Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.
Learning and Behavior Disorders and Elementary Education (B.A.)
What can you do with this degree?
The Bachelor of Arts in Learning and Behavior Disorders/Elementary Education (LBD/ELED) prepares future teachers to earn dual certification in special education and elementary education. Graduates will be qualified to teach in general elementary classrooms (K-5) or special education settings (K-12) for students with learning and behavior disorders, including specific learning disabilities, autism, and emotional/behavioral disorders.
This program equips you to support diverse learners in inclusive environments, and with dual certification, you’ll be in high demand to meet the needs of students in both general and special education. Upon graduation, you can also pursue advanced degrees in related fields such as special education or applied behavior analysis.
Students gain over 200 field hours in both general education and special education settings and complete a semester of student teaching split between the two. This hands-on experience ensures you are well-prepared for your teaching career.
Program Details
Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person
Teacher Education Program: Teacher Certification Information
Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards
Accreditation: This program is approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education
What You'll Study
Year 1
Semester 1 (15 course hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication I: CIS or WRD 110 (3)
- UK Core Quantitative Foundations: MA 111- Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3)
- UK Core Social Science: EPE 174- The College Student (3)
- UK Core Humanities: HIS 108- History of the United States (3)
- EDS 375: Intro to Teaching Exceptional Children (3)
Semester 2 (16 course hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication II: CIS or WRD 111 (3)
- UK Core US Citizenship: HIS 109- History of the United States through 1876 (3)
- STA 210: Statistical Inferential Reasoning (3)
- BIO 103: Basic Ideas of Biology (3)
- BIO 111: General Biology Lab (1)
- EDS 513: Legal Issues in Special Education (3)
Year 2
Semester 3 (15 course hours)
- UK Core Global Dynamics (3)
- EDP 202: Human Development and Learning (3)
- EES 160 or PHY160: Geology for Teachers (3) or Physics/Astronomy for Teachers (3)
- MA 201: Math for Elementary Teachers (3)
- EDS 516 Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3)
Semester 4 (16 course hours)
- MA 202: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (3)
- EDS 547: Collaboration/Inclusion (3)
- EDS 301: Initial Practicum in Special Education (1)
- EDS 505: Preparing to Teach Diverse Learners (3)
- EDS 526: Introduction to Special ED Assessment and Program Planning (3)
- EDS 570: Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (3)
Year 3
Semester 5 (15 course hours)
- UK Core: Arts and Creativity (3)
- EPE 301: Education in American Culture (3) GCCR course
- LIS 510: Children’s Literature & Related Materials (3)
- EDS 432G: Phonics and Reading Foundations (3)
- Free Elective Course (3)
Semester 6 (16 course hours)
- EDC 317: Introduction to Instructional Media (1)
- *EDC 322: Elementary Practicum (3)
- *EDC 326: Teaching Social Studies in ELEM (3)
- *EDC 339: Designing a Reading & Language Arts Program in ELED (3)
- *SEM 328: Teaching Science in the Elementary School (3)
- *SEM 337: Teaching Math in Elementary Schools (3)
Year 4
Semester 7 (15 course hours)
- *EDS 518: Behavior Management in Applied Settings (3)
- *EDS 528: Reading/Language Arts Methods for Students with Learning & Behavioral Disabilities (3)
- *EDS 529: Educational Programming for Students with Learning & Behavioral Disabilities (3)
- *EDS 402: Advanced Practicum in Special Education (3)
- Free Elective Course (3)
Semester 8
- *EDS 551: Student Teaching in Learning & Behavioral Disabilities and Elementary Education (12)
*Requires admission into the Teacher education Program*
Cost of Attendance
Understand the total estimated expense to attend UK, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Understand the specific charges for instruction and related services, excluding other living and personal expenses.