Special Education
The B.S. degree in special education prepares teacher-candidates to lead and serve students with disabilities in public and private K–12 settings. The program features extensive clinical and field-based experiences across educational settings and culminates in a student-teaching placement. Degree candidates learn about trends and issues in the field, characteristics and needs of students with disabilities, specialized teaching methods, strategies for collaboration with parents/families and colleagues, and technology applications that support student learning.
Degree Outcomes
- Graduates are eligible for licensure by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction in Special Education (K–12 general curriculum).
- Often pursue careers as special education teachers, inclusive education specialists, resource teachers, and case managers.
- Are professionals prepared for diverse roles in education and often grow into leadership roles.
The Student Experience
- Completion of four clinical field experiences, including a semester-long student-teaching placement.
- Experience working with individuals with and without disabilities across the lifespan in a variety of inclusive educational and community environments.
- Engaged scholarly inquiry through the conceptualization and implementation of a research project.
- Study under experienced faculty recognized nationally in their fields.
- Study abroad and service learning experiences.
- Access a state-of-the-art SELF (Student Educator Learning Factory) design studio that prepares pre-service teachers for the 21st-century classroom using a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education lab.
Accreditations & Affiliations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
- Council for Exceptional Children
Additional Requirements
This degree program follows the admission guidelines of the School of Education teacher programs; admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the major. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a minimum passing score established by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction on the Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers (Praxis I).
