Who benefits from the Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Education at IU?

2 degrees, 1 programme: Towards a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Education and State-recognized Therapeutic Educator through distance learning at IU
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The distance learning Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Education at IU International University is aimed at all those who have high expectations of education and professional development in the field of therapeutic education. The program is particularly beneficial for professionals in social, educational, or therapeutic fields, as well as career changers who want to professionally support people with disabilities or special needs. It also appeals to high school graduates looking for a practical path into social work, emphasizing maximum flexibility in terms of time and location. The program is also ideal for those aiming for leadership positions in therapeutic institutions or public services and seeking state recognition as a Therapeutic Educator.

Admission requirements overview

General university entrance qualification, subject-specific university entrance qualification, or vocational baccalaureate:

• You can enroll directly with a high school diploma.
• Admission is also possible with a vocational baccalaureate or subject-specific university entrance qualification.
• Diplomas from Waldorf schools or from other federal states may require confirmation from the relevant authority.
• For foreign school qualifications, an equivalency examination is required (e.g. through the Anabin database).

Studying without a high school diploma:

• Master craftsman's certificate (e.g. master craftsman).
• Advanced training: For example, Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) business specialists, state-certified business economists.
• Completed professional training plus at least three years of professional experience (full-time):
  • The training must have been in a recognized occupation in Germany for at least 2 years.
  • The 3 years of professional experience should be thematically related to the course of study. If the previous education is thematically different, a trial study is required.
• Certificates and work experience from EU member states are recognized after an equivalency check, if they are at level DQR 4.

Language proficiency proof for international prospective students:

• If German is not your native language, proof of German language proficiency at level B2 (GER) is required.
• Recognized exams: TestDaF (at least 3 points in all areas), DSH1, Telc German B2, ÖSD B2.

You can start your studies at any time. There are no application deadlines or numerus clausus restrictions. You can test the program with a free trial month. Switching between teaching models is even possible easily after the start of the studies.

Further personal requirements

• Commitment and empathy: You should enjoy working with people and be able to empathize with their needs.
• Communication skills: Good language skills for counseling, guidance, and support are advantageous.
• Self-organization and self-motivation: Since distance learning offers high flexibility, you should have the ability to plan your work independently.
• Interest in social science and medical fundamentals: Curiosity about topics such as pedagogy, psychology, medicine, and methods of scientific work facilitates study life.
• Digital learning readiness: Since all study materials and exams are offered online, you should be able to handle digital tools such as learning apps, video conferences, and e-learning platforms.
• Willingness to do internships: For state recognition as a Therapeutic Educator, a recognition internship of at least 600 hours in a suitable facility is required.

The distance learning program in Therapeutic Education at IU is particularly suitable for those who want to study flexibly and obtain a recognized qualification in the social sector-whether through a traditional educational path or through professional qualifications.

What do you learn in the Bachelor of Special Needs Education?

The Bachelor's degree program in Special Needs Education at IU International University provides you with scientifically sound and practice-oriented expertise for the support and accompaniment of people with disabilities or special needs. The focus is on concepts of social participation, inclusion, and the development of individual support measures.

• Foundations: You will receive an introduction to special needs education, social history, philosophy, ethics, and scientific work. The foundation is a broad understanding of socio-psychological, sociological, and pedagogical contexts.
• Diagnosis and Support: Modules such as special needs education diagnostics, support concepts, sensory, language, and learning impairments, and the management of specific support needs are core components of the program. You will learn to create and implement individual support plans.
• Fields of Action: The program covers numerous practical fields: stationary and outpatient facilities, work with children, adolescents, seniors, hospitals, rehabilitation, inclusive daycare centers, and schools.
• Research Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are taught so that you can understand, assess, and apply research results to practical questions.
• Inclusion and Social Law: Legal and social policy foundations, such as current social law and public law, are included, as well as modules on inclusion and diversity management.
• Counselling and Management Competencies: You will develop skills in relationship and counselling management, supervision and coaching, conflict management and mediation. In addition, modules on quality management in social institutions are included.
• Specialisations: In the elective area, you can specialize in areas such as special needs education in hospitals, working with children and adolescents, with seniors, or in rehabilitation. Other specializations include, for example, childhood education or social management.
• Transfer to Practice: Optionally, you can complete a recognition internship (600 hours in a suitable institution). This way, you not only secure an academic degree but also state recognition as a special needs educator.

How the Study Program Works

The distance learning program in Special Needs Education is completely digitized and designed for maximum flexibility. You can start your studies at any time - you decide when you want to begin. There are three time models to choose from: full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months), or part-time II (72 months), each with a free extension option.

• Online Campus: All learning materials, from scripts and interactive textbooks to video lectures and podcasts, can be found in the digital campus or in the IU Learn app. This allows you to study anytime and anywhere.
• Examinations: All exams can be organized flexibly - either around the clock online as online exams or on-site at the examination centre. There are also assignments, projects, oral exams, or presentations via video conference.
• Supervision: Tutors will accompany you in the modules, study coaches will support you in study management. Through the AI-based learning assistance "Syntea," you will receive quick help with learning content.
• Virtual Sessions: You can regularly participate in online tutorials, seminars, and interactive live sessions to promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
• Practical Project: If you are aiming for state recognition, a 100-day practical project including a project work is an additional part of the program.
• Graduation: At the end of the Bachelor's program, the Bachelor's thesis is completed - after which you will receive the title Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). With the completed internship and project verification, you will also obtain state recognition.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects After Graduation

As a graduate of the Bachelor's program in Special Needs Education, many career paths in social, educational, and therapeutic fields are open to you - in both traditional fields of employment and increasingly inclusive work environments.

• Inclusive Daycares: Supporting and developing children with and without disabilities, advising parents and teams.
• Residential Homes & Workshops: Accompaniment, support, and participation planning for children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities.
• Rehabilitation Clinics and Hospitals: Participation in interdisciplinary teams for social and emotional rehabilitation as well as counseling.
• Schools and Special Education Facilities: Collaboration with teachers, support for inclusion processes, management of special needs education projects.
• Management Positions: Many of the practice-oriented modules prepare you for leadership roles or management positions in social institutions.
• Public Service: With state recognition, the path to the public service is open, including classification according to the collective agreement and opportunities for advancement.
• Counselling and Coaching: Special needs educators offer counseling for families, teams, and organizations on the topic of participation.

Thanks to the solid practical training and specializations, you are versatile - from the field of childhood to seniors, in both outpatient and inpatient contexts. The Bachelor's degree is recognized nationwide and internationally compatible.

Costs and Financing

The Bachelor's distance learning program in Special Needs Education at IU costs between €259 (part-time II, 72 months) and €399 per month (full-time, 36 months - as of 2024. The total costs range from approximately €15,063 (full-time) to €19,347 (part-time II). In addition, there is a one-time completion fee of €699.

• Cost Structure: The fees include all study materials, access to the online campus, exams (online or on-site), as well as study and career coaching. Additional costs usually only arise if you voluntarily take exams at the examination centre.
• Financing: You can finance your studies with BAföG, scholarships, a student loan, or through an education fund. Tax deductibility as further education costs is often possible. Early bird discounts, promotions, and the recognition of previous achievements can further reduce the total costs.
• Flexibility: You can adjust the time model during your studies - this allows you to adapt the monthly workload to your personal or professional situation.
• Trial Phase: The first month is non-binding - you only pay fees if you continue after the trial month.

Tip: By having previously completed achievements (e.g., from training or professional practice) recognized, you not only save study time but also study fees (€30 per recognized ECTS point).