Department of Educational Specialties

Education that adapts

The Educational Specialties career path focuses on the people, systems, and practices that help learners succeed. If you’re drawn to intentional education that goes beyond the classroom, this degree path provides an especially meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of learners. 

Careers in Educational Specialties span Preschool to high school, higher education, community organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and industry. You could work as a special educator, bilingual or multicultural educator, instructional designer, career or technical educator, or technology integration specialist. No matter your role, you’ll be grounded in improving access, outcomes, and opportunity for learners of all ages. 

Why study Educational Specialties at NAU

At NAU, you’ll experience flexible and applied learning, preparing you to meet today’s educational challenges with confidence. No matter where you are on your academic journey, studying as an undergraduate or advancing your career through graduate or doctoral study, you’ll find programs designed for your goals and your schedule. 

You’ll study fields that reflect the realities of modern learning environments including special education, bilingual and multicultural education, career and technical education, instructional design, and educational technology. And with options offered online and in person, you can earn your degree in the way that works best for you. 

Learning outcomes

As an Educational Specialties major at NAU, you will:

• build a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to individualize instruction for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• create learning environments for individuals with exceptional learning needs that foster cultural understanding, safety, and emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and active engagement of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• use individualized strategies to enhance language development and teach communication skills to individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• develop long-range individualized instructional plans anchored in both general and special curricula.
• use the results of assessments to help identify exceptional learning needs and to develop and implement individualized instructional programs, as well as adjust instruction tin response to ongoing learning progress.

Student clubs and organizations

Join the Aspiring Educators at NAU to connect with peers who share your passion for shaping the future of education. Members meet weekly, host campus events, and engage in outreach that connect learning with action. 

Diné Dual Language Teachers Professional Development Project

If you are proficient in Diné, you can participate in the Diné Dual Language program with leads to a master’s degree in Bilingual Multicultural Education, along with endorsements in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language.

PRAXIS Program

You can step into a paid paraprofessional role in special education classrooms while completing your degree through partnership with the Flagstaff Unified School District. Over three semesters, as a dual major Special and Elementary Education student, you can gain guided teaching experience in public, charter, and private schools.

Dedicated support

Educational Specialties provides you with the resources to grow as an educator and professional. From faculty mentorship and financial support to field placements and community partnerships, you’ll get guidance and practical support throughout your academic journey.

Faculty mentorship

Educational Specialties faculty at NAU are dedicated to your success. You’ll be invited to contribute to research, presentations, and community-based projects alongside faculty who will guide you in connecting theory to practice.

Scholarships and assistantships

Your success is a priority. The College of Education awards more than $400,000 in scholarships each year, helping reduce financial barriers so you can focus on learning and professional growth. As a graduate student, you can also apply for departmental assistantships and tuition waivers, which provide financial support while building experience. Programs like the Diné Language Teachers Project further support students committed to language preservation and culturally responsive education. 

Curious what scholarships you could qualify for as an Educational Specialties major? Browse Scholarship Universe for scholarships and awards tailored to your needs and interests. 

Career readiness

Educational Specialties professionals are in high demand and with a degree from NAU, you’ll be a top applicant. Field placements, internships, and programs like PRAXIS place you in real classrooms early, while faculty guide you through licensure and certification requirements. As a graduate student, you’ll build research and teaching experience through assistantships that often lead to conference presentations or publication. 

Non-resident professional licensure

If you are not a resident of Arizona, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, NAU cannot confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Please check with the appropriate licensing board in your state to determine whether the course or program meets requirements for licensure in your state.