Get a B.S. in Elementary Education & Special Education from GCU Faster

Why GCU’s Elementary Education and Special Education Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

If you dream of becoming a teacher but need a program that fits into your busy life, GCU’s B.S. in Elementary and Special Education is designed for you. Earn your degree at your own pace while building the skills to inspire future students. It’s also a smart pick for degree hacking thanks to perks like these:

Makes Earning Your Degree More Accessible

• Transfer up to 90 approved credits to save time and tuition

• Complete multiple courses all online so you can do your coursework anywhere

• Benefit from built-in practicum and student teaching, so you graduate ready to lead a classroom

Prepares You for a Meaningful, In-Demand Career

• Earn a dual degree in elementary and special education, opening doors to specialized teaching opportunities

• Graduate ready for licensure and classroom teaching in multiple settings (K–8 and special ed)

• Stand out to employers with training in both general and special education, a highly sought-after combo

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Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

Why Most People Take 4+ Years

Lots of students end up spending over four years and more than $55,000 on their elementary and special education degree without realizing there are easier, faster ways to finish.

Here are a few things that usually slow them down:  

• They take more classes than necessary. Sometimes, students don't transfer all their previous credits, so they end up repeating courses.

• They don’t stray from the traditional semester schedule. Sticking to just fall and spring semesters can stretch out your timeline. Flexible programs or year-round classes can help you finish faster.

• They don’t use alternative credit options. Many miss out on exams, like CLEP or DSST, or online learning platforms like Study.com that let you earn college credit, slowing down progress.

• They don't plan their student teaching portion well. Delaying hands-on classroom experience can add time to your degree. Starting practicum or student teaching earlier keeps you on track to graduate sooner.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Transfer maximum credits: Skip classes by bringing in as many eligible credits as possible.

• Use flexible scheduling: Take advantage of online and year-round courses to move faster.

• Leverage alternative credit options: Pass tests like CLEP and DSST or enroll and take ACE-recommended courses from Study.com to get college credits without extra classes.

• Start planning student teaching early: Get your requirements to complete practical experience sooner and finish on time (or earlier!).

• Result: Graduate in <18 months for ~$13,800 total.

Overall, the best way to speed through your B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from GCU is by taking your lower-level credits at a cheaper cost elsewhere, then letting GCU help you dive into the core teaching classes and practical experiences that really count.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU’s Elementary Education and Special Education Program

We’ve created a quick start plan for GCU’s B.S. in Elementary and Special Education, based on tips from grads, advisors, and degree-hacking pros who know how to finish fast.

This plan helps you breeze through the program with confidence, avoid the usual delays, and stay on track with an affordable, efficient path that gets you ready to teach sooner.

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GCU Online Elementary & Special Education Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Check Credit Transfer Policies Early - Review GCU’s transfer guidelines before applying so you know exactly what credits will count.

• Get a Head Start with Online Courses - Complete eligible courses on Study.com ahead of time to speed up your degree progress. Monthly plans start at $95/month and allow you to enroll in more than one course for maximum cost-efficiency.

• Test Out of Required Courses Early - Prepare and take CLEP or DSST exams to earn college credits without spending time in class. CLEP exams start at $97/exam, while DSST exams are $100 each.

• Create Your Own Transfer Strategy - DegreeHacked.org helps you plan which credits to complete ahead of time, estimate expenses, and outline your path to graduation with a tailored degree plan.

GCU Elementary & Special Education Degree Hacking Plan

Elementary & Special Education Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

You won’t be able to transfer all 120 credits, but don’t worry. Learning how to strategically split your coursework can help. Tackling some classes at more affordable places while reserving the crucial elementary and special education courses for GCU can reduce both your time to degree and budget.

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Here’s a smarter way to organize your credits and keep your teaching degree on the quickest track:

• ~34 - 40 Credits: General Education courses (easily transferable)

• 80 Credits: Major courses (mostly GCU only)

• ~0 - 6 Credits: Open Electives (many transferable options)

GCU Elementary and Special Education Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Elementary Education and Special Education Students

• Focused Core Requirements: The most valuable parts of the degree (your teaching and core courses) are taken at GCU, so you still get a quality education where it counts.

• Lower Overall Cost: By completing general education courses elsewhere (like Study.com or community college), you can cut your total tuition significantly—often finishing with a deduction of around $30K–$40K on your tuition.

• Accelerated Timeline: With smart planning and year-round course options, you can finish in just 12–18 months instead of the typical 4+ years.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The full degree shortcut plan gives you:

• A full list of 34+ courses you can knock out before enrolling  

• Affordable options like Study.com, CLEP, or DSST for each class

• A clear timeline and total cost estimate from start to finish

• Flexible paths based on your budget, pace, and learning style

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Applying to GCU for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education

When to Apply: Ideal Time for Enrollment

The smartest time to enroll? Finish your outside credits first, then apply to GCU’s BS in Elementary & Special Education program. That way, you can dive straight into the core teaching courses that only GCU offers.

GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• GCU accepts online applications year-round

• Submit all required documents, including your application form

• Have official transcripts sent directly from every college you’ve attended

GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Tuition fee of $460 per credit, not counting additional fees

• Financial aid options range from FAFSA, military benefits (if applicable), scholarships and grants from GCU, and credits for work experience

• Save thousands on tuition by crossing out general ed and elective classes before studying at GCU

GCU Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education & Special Education Career ROI

• Median Annual Salary: $64,270

• Degree Payback Time: 3 - 11 months of work

• Plus: Specialization, opens doors to education leadership roles, and a meaningful career helping diverse learners

• Typical Roles: Special Education Teacher, Educational Consultant, Reading Intervention Specialist, Behavioral Specialist (with additional credentials)

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