Transition to Teaching – Special Education
Become a licensed special education teacher with Purdue University’s online Transition to Teaching in Special Education program. This 24-credit alternative licensure pathway program helps working professionals earn initial Indiana licensure in Special Education- Mild Intervention.
Transition to Teaching – Special Education
Whether you’re a paraprofessional ready to lead your own classroom or a career changer ready to become a teacher, Purdue University’s online Transition to Teaching (TTT) in Special Education program can help you earn your Indiana special education teaching license.
Transition to Teaching – Special Education Overview
This accelerated licensure program is designed for professionals who want to become special ed teachers in Indiana. In just 24 credit hours, you can prepare to earn Indiana Initial Licensure in Special Education: Mild Intervention (P-12).
Through online coursework and supervised clinical experiences, you’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to support students with mild disabilities in both general and special education settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies and practical classroom application.
Special education teachers are in high demand in Indiana and across the country. Our Transition to Teaching program is designed for working professionals seeking a faster route into classroom teaching. No background in teaching is required.
Request Information
Plan Your Path
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Required courses for the program are:
- Development, Ethics, and Policy in Special Education
- Transforming Classroom Ecology: Evidence-Based Approaches to Positive Learning Environments
- Assessment in Special Education
- Math Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities
- Transition Education and Services
- Effective Instruction for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties
- Literacy Curricula for Learners with Exceptionalities
- Clinical Practice Experience (Student Teaching)
To be eligible to participate in the TTT in Special Education licensure program, you must meet ONE of the following entrance qualifications:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.00 higher on a 4.00 scale.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, and five years of professional experience.
- Hold both a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and proof of passing state approved content area assessment in the subject area.
*If applicant has below 2.5 GPA, a passing score from Praxis examination in: Content Test (5355 Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (Minimum Score 145 – Grades P-12) is needed prior to admission.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Graduates of the Transition to Teaching – Special Education program are prepared for careers as secondary special education teachers, elementary special education teachers and preschool special education teachers. Designed for individuals transitioning into the education field, the program provides the skills and knowledge needed to support students with diverse learning needs across multiple grade levels. Graduates are equipped to create inclusive learning environments, deliver individualized instruction and make a meaningful impact through specialized educational support.
Top Industries
Graduates are also prepared to work across a variety of industries, including elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, child care services and offices of health practitioners. These environments provide opportunities to support children and students with diverse educational and developmental needs through specialized instruction, behavioral support and collaborative care. Whether working in classrooms, health care settings or early childhood programs, special education professionals play an important role in fostering student growth, learning and long-term success.
You’ll be paired with a dedicated mentor who will meet with you twice per month throughout the entire program and serve as your supervisor during student teaching. You’ll also attend five seminars with your cohort each year, covering professional development topics that you will help shape. It’s personalized support built around your career success, not just your coursework.
Ready to Become a Boilermaker?
Contact Us
You are not alone in taking your next giant leap.
Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
Ready to become a Purdue Boilermaker?
Are you ready to join the Purdue innovators and changemakers always striving to make giant leaps forward in our industries and fields? Start your application today!