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Bachelor of Science in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders

School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders

School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 - 131 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Positively Impact the Lives of Students with Disabilities

Gain the skills needed to provide tools and resources to help students with learning disorders, developmental delays and disabilities learn in their own style. Graduates of EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Behavior Disorders (LBD) are prepared to excel in the classroom with specialized teaching techniques and strategies. Have a fulfilling career knowing you’re making a difference in a student’s life that will last beyond the classroom.

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Career Outlook

Employment of teachers is projected to remain steady through 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB accredited
  • CAEP accredited
  • Generous transfer credit policy
  • Multiple scholarship opportunities
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance
  • Personalized graduation plan
  • Clinical experiences that support hands-on learning in your own community
  • Quality courses delivered by respected full-time faculty with many years of diverse teaching experience in public schools as well as strong research that informs our course content

Program Options

EKU’s LBD program provides the certification needed to teach students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders and a general certification in either elementary or middle grades education. Increase your marketability with dual certification obtained through our program.

Choose from:

  • Special Education – LBD + Elementary (P-5)
  • Special Education – LBD + Middle Grades English and Communication (5-9)
  • Special Education – LBD + Middle Grades Science (5-9)
  • Special Education – LBD + Middle Grades Math (5-9)
  • Special Education – LBD + Middle Grades Social Studies (5-9)

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s special education with a concentration in learning and behavior disorders curriculum prepares students to make a long-term impact on the lives of students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders. Graduates of the program gain content expertise, hone their professional dispositions, and ensure ethical practices.

A minimum of 120-131 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

The teacher education programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University and the College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). The initial teacher preparation programs and advanced programs are accredited by CAEP and approved by EPSB.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has the authority and responsibility to “set standards for, approve, and evaluate college, university, and school district programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel” for Kentucky pursuant to KRS 161.028(1)(b). The EPSB’s process for approving educator preparation programs is generally set forth in 16 KAR 5:010 with the general requirements for all educator preparation programs set forth in 16 KAR 5:020 and 16 KAR 5:040. Kentucky Administrative Regulations – EPSB

The EPSB Division of Educator Preparation ensures that preparation programs for Kentucky educators meet established standards of quality. It facilitates the accreditation process, reviews programs and continuous assessment materials, and provides technical assistance for program improvement. All educator preparation programs offered at EKU are approved by EPSB.

EPSB Website: www.epsb.ky.gov

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Photo of Jeff Durham

Jeff Durham

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2638
Text: 859-511-7891
ceahs.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Hannah Leabo

Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-8610
hannah.leabo@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Whitney Cox

    EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
    The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.

  • Tina G. Cornelius

    EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
    I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.

  • Taylor Newton

    EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
    I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

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News & Updates

CEAHS Faculty Present at NASUP Conference in Washington, DC

Faculty and staff from Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Education and Model Laboratory School represented the university at the 2026 National Association of School-University Partnerships (NASUP) conference in Crystal City, Virginia. Their presentations highlighted innovative strategies for teacher preparation, including leveraging design thinking, supporting future teachers, and revitalizing school-university collaborations to drive student achievement. EKU […]

Dr. Jon Draud: Expanding Opportunity Through Education

For Dr. Jon Draud, education has always been about people. A first-generation college student from Ludlow, Kentucky, Draud found his path at Eastern Kentucky University, where support and opportunity helped shape his future in education and public service. Over a 65-year career—as a teacher, superintendent, legislator, and county commissioner—he worked across political lines with one […]

EKU and Kentucky Rural Education Association Announces First Rural Teacher of the Year

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in partnership with the Kentucky Rural Education Association (KREA) and Partners for Rural Impact, has named Starla Benge of Rockcastle County Schools as Kentucky’s first Rural Teacher of the Year. Benge is a two-time graduate of EKU, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2011 and a Master of […]

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Contact Information

School of Education

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

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