In scientific research the Department of Special Education is focused on:

• special education of pupils with intellectual disability, psychosocial disturbance; children/pupils with multiple disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and education of pupils from socially disadvantaged background,
• inclusive education of children/pupils with special educational needs,
• special pedagogical diagnostics of children and pupils with special educational needs,
• special didactics of Slovak Language and Literature, Roma literature and its use in multicultural and emotional education,
• special didactics of subjects: music education, art education, work education, physical and sports education, work teaching,
• diagnosis and stimulation of the reading competence of pupils with mental disabilities and pupils from marginalized Roma communities,
• applied behaviour analysis in the development of communication and social skills, academia, play, adaptive behaviour of children and pupils with special educational needs with an emphasis on people with autism spectrum disorders,
• methods and principles of applied behavioural analysis in solving problem behaviour of intact students in the educational process, as well as problem behaviour and behavioural disorders of children and students with special educational needs,
• innovative tools in the functional behavioural diagnosis of children with developmental disorders,
• early intervention for children with special educational needs,
• creation of individual educational programs and their verification in special pedagogical practice,
• examining the quality of educational and re-educational environment by children in special-education facilities,
• psychological aspects of the endangered child and the pathopsychology of persons with mental disabilities and psychosocial disorders,
• the possibility of supporting a child from marginalized groups through mentoring,
• psychological dimensions of the quality of life in patients with Parkinson disease,
• professional ethics and ethical dilemmas in special education.

Department of Special Education participates in shaping the professional and subject-specific skills of the graduates – prospective teachers of preschool and junior school age pupils. Graduates receive:

• theoretical knowledge necessary for the education of pupils/children, youth, and adults with special educational needs (especially with intellectual disability, conduct disorders, and autism spectrum disorders),
• skills and competencies for performing duties of teaching profession in special education area for people with special educational needs (especially with intellectual disability, behavioural disorders, autism spectrum disorders and multiple disabilities) in terms of education, training and re-education, counselling (e.g. kindergartens, special kindergartens, elementary schools, special elementary schools, special pedagogical facilities, special educational facilities).
• the possibility of scientific and professional growth by participating in scientific activities within the framework of currently solved scientific-research and pedagogical projects, active participation in student conferences in the field of special pedagogy and voluntary and charitable activities of students.