McKay School of Education > CPSE > B.S. in Special Education > FAQs
Special Education Program Frequently Asked Questions
Which classes should I register for?
Refer to the section on the Webpage under Program Requirements
Which section am I supposed to take?
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in the mild/moderate or mild/moderate licensure program should register for the section designated for mild/moderate. Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in the severe or severe licensure program should register for the section designated for severe.
Do I qualify for a tuition stipend?
Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates may qualify for a BYU-Public School Partnership tuition stipend--financial aid provided to teacher candidates who make a written commitment to work as a licensed special educator in one of the partnership districts (Jordan, Provo, Alpine, Wasatch, Nebo). This stipend is not available to teacher candidates who will work in private, charter, or home schools. Contact one of the partnership district offices for an application.
Another option for post-baccalaureate teacher candidates is to apply for a tuition stipend through the Utah State Office of Education. The Public Education Job Enhancement Program provides eligible candidates with up to $10,000 in tuition/book stipends. See http://www.schools.utah.gov/cert/PEJEP/default.htm for more information. You may also contact the McKay School of Education Scholarship Director, Jay Oliver ( jay_oliver@byu.edu), for assistance in obtaining these funds. This tuition stipend requires a 4-year commitment to teaching in Utah's public schools as a special educator.
How do I drop from the program?
Those students who desire to withdraw/defer the program need to pick up the withdrawal/deferral form in 340 MCKB.
Can I take courses on my own schedule?
No. All courses must be taken at the scheduled time.
Can I switch my emphasis?
Students who would like to switch their emphasis must submit a letter to the program director requesting the change.
Do I qualify for an internship?
All undergraduate students may apply if they meet all internship standards and criteria.
When I am finished with a test, how do I return it?
Applicants are responsible for making sure that all tests are returned and checked back in. Students who leave tests sitting on a desk without handing them to a secretary will be responsible if the test is misplaced.
Can I make a course substitution?
Students may request to have some of their coursework from other universities substituted for some of the BYU special education program coursework. This can be done by picking up a Course Substitution Form from 340 MCKB and providing a course description, syllabus, and grade earned in the substituting course. Courses are not approved as substitutes if they do not have similar course objectives/competencies, were not passed, or are outdated.
How Do I Know if I have all my paperwork completed?
Each student must have an exit interview with the department secretary to check for any extra paperwork that might be unfinished. Students are responsible for calling the secretary to schedule a time. All exit interviews should take place shortly after students finish their student teaching/internship.
Can I work during the program? Part-time? If I have a job, how long can I keep it?
Most students are able to hold a job and attend classes while in the program. Undergraduates usually have a part-time job, while post-baccalaureate students usually continue their full-time teaching job. Students are not required to have a job while in the program.
What unexpected hidden costs might come up? (i.e. internship application)
Students can anticipate needing to pay certain fees throughout the program. For example, all students must pay a fingerprinting fee prior to applying to the program. There is also a cost to register for the PRAXIS test which must be taken prior to the beginning of your student teaching/internship. For current information on fees for fingerprinting and PRAXIS, contact the McKay School of Education Student Services Office.
What are the due dates for any applications needed for career placement, LiveText, student teaching/internship, etc.?
All undergraduate and post-baccalaureate application deadlines can be found on our home page (see http://education.byu.edu/cpse/index.html). Students are required to register for a LiveText (our web-based assessment system) during the application process.
Student teaching/internship applications are due at the middle of February.
How can I be more involved?
Our program offers many opportunities to be involved in the field of special education. Several teacher candidates in the program are involved in Best Buddies, Student Council for Exceptional children, Adaptive Aquatics, Friday's Kids Respite, and other disability-related service organizations. More information will be provided as candidates begin the program. Volunteer experience within our partnership school districts (Jordan, Provo, Alpine, Wasatch, and Nebo) is always encouraged.
I don’t have a vehicle. How can I get to all the schools?
Most students either ride the bus or join a carpool if they don’t have a personal vehicle to use to travel to their practicum/student teaching/internship site.