The Watson College of Education offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education (K-12) for students interested in teaching students with exceptionalities. Special Education majors select from two instructionally-oriented tracks: Adapted Curriculum or General Curriculum. Many of the courses in the university studies and professional studies are similar; however, the specialty area courses for adapted and general curriculum are different. Students in the program also will have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in assistive technology, teaching academic skills to diverse learners, instructional design, classroom management, collaboration, and applied research.
The General Curriculum program prepares special educators to teach individuals with high incidence disabilities from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum makes intentional connections between course content and field-based experiences. Coursework covers the characteristics and needs of individuals with disabilities, assessment for data-based decision making, program development and curriculum adaptation, and evidence-based instructional methods in literacy and math. In addition, candidates learn evidence-based strategies for instruction and behavior management, along with skills to provide individually planned, systematically implemented, and carefully evaluated instruction for students with disabilities. Participants engage in extensive school-based opportunities across diverse educational settings, as well as faculty-supervised labs in public schools. Successful completion of this program and licensure requirements will lead to a B.A. degree and licensure in General Special Education (K-12). In addition, Special Education majors who complete the four-year General Curriculum Program are also eligible for licensure in Elementary Education by passing the required licensure test for both Special Education and Elementary Education.
Return to: