Make a Difference: Earn Your Associate of Science in Special Education from Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County

As of September 2024, there were more than 300 posted open positions for special education teachers in Indiana. To help meet this need, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is one of a few Ivy Tech locations that offers a Special Education program. This program serves as a foundation for accessible and inclusive learning environments through its students. The 60-credit hour, four-semester program is designed to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge they need to transform the lives of students with differing abilities. Future educators complete the program and transfer to a four-year partner to further their education. 

“Special education teachers in Delaware and Henry Counties are the cornerstone of inclusive learning environments, ensuring that every student—regardless of their abilities—has the opportunity to thrive. Their dedication transforms classrooms into spaces of empowerment and possibility, where all children can achieve their fullest potential,” Dr. Sarah Haisley, Department Chair for the Elementary Education Program, said.

Transform Lives, One Student at a Time
Special education teachers play a critical role in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for students with disabilities. From supporting children with dyslexia to helping those with cerebral palsy reach their potential, these educators ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. The AS in Special Education at Ivy Tech provides foundational training to prepare future educators to recognize the unique strengths and needs of every student, fostering an environment where all children can thrive. 

Students choose the program for different reasons. Kamille Chambers, a current Special Education student at the Muncie-Henry County campus, chose the program due to her experience as a special education student. In elementary school, Chambers was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability. She was placed in the special education program to support her academic success. In middle school, she was confronted with a harsh truth about being in this program. Her special education teacher at the time told her she would not make it or get far in life due to her ADHD and learning disability. This experience pushed Chambers to join the Special Education program at Ivy Tech. 

“I chose the Special Education program to prove that students with special needs and/or disabilities can do what they set their minds to and achieve their goals,” Chambers said. 

Program Highlights

• 60 Credit Hours: Complete the program in just four semesters. 
• TSAP Designation: As a Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) program, students can seamlessly transfer to an Indiana public four-year college or university as juniors, saving up to $10,000 in tuition cost.  

Flexible Pathways for Continued Education
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Special Education program can transfer to a bachelor’s program at a four-year institution to further their education. Ivy Tech’s Transfer Advocates are available to guide students through the process and provide personalized support as they take the next step in their academic journey. 

A Fast Track to Success
Students can earn their degree in just two years by completing 60 credit hours, which include: 

• 30 General Education Credits
• 26 Program-Specific Credits
• 3 Institutional Requirement Credits
• 1 College Success Credit

By graduation, students are equipped with the core competencies to excel in the classroom and further their education at a four-year university. 

“Upon graduating from Ivy Tech's Special Education program, I have been able to further my education at Ball State’s Teachers College, working toward my Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I feel that Ivy Tech did a great job of using hands on learning to a line the courses they offer for an easy transition into Ball State’s expectations,” Wendi Anderson, a 2020 Special Education program graduate, said, “As a graduate from Ivy Tech of Muncie's Special Education program I can say, with confidence, that I have gained personal growth through working firsthand in the community, learned how to continue to grow my knowledge, and gained support through a growing a group of professionals who I know I can trust.”

To learn more about the School of Education and the Special Education program, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu today.