BA in Special Education

The Bachelor of Arts Degree Program in Special Education focuses on the education of disabled children from age three to 21 and professional interaction with their families. Emphasis is placed on responding to the developmental and cultural uniqueness of each child, as students in the program learn to design, implement, and evaluate curricular activities and learning environments.

The program is designed to meet the non-categorical teacher certification requirements for the District of Columbia and other school jurisdictions. Upon completion of the 128 semester-hour program, students will be prepared for careers as teachers in public and private schools or special educators who provide direct services to children and youth with special needs.

The program of study is designed to provide courses and learning experiences that enable students to develop teaching skills and competencies required to access the academic, social, and behavioral needs of exceptional children and youth within a multiethnic urban school setting; to acquire and apply teaching methods, learning strategies, and instructional interventions that are based on sound research and best practices; to effectively manage a performance-based, behaviorally-oriented learning environment in grades K-12; and to prepare students for advanced graduate study.

Students must complete practicum and field experiences, which are a part of many of the courses in the curriculum. These experiences allow for progressive application of the educational principles and practices required to meet the objectives of the program.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in four years with full-time enrollment in 15-18 credits each semester. Students may, however, elect to attend on a part-time basis.

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Transfer of Credit: Students may transfer credits earned from other institutions at the time in which they apply for admission into the University.

Program of Study: The program consists of a minimum of 128 semester hours, including University and college-wide requirements, Department of Education core courses, Special Education concentration courses, and electives.

Program Admission Requirements: Students must meet specific criteria to be accepted into the Teacher Education Program in Special Education.

Student Organizations: Students may join the Early Childhood Education Club, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Student National Education Association (SNEA), and/or the Elementary Education Club.

Alumni: Graduates of the program are currently working in public and private schools or in other organizations that serve special populations.

General Requirements

* Must include at least one skills course

Core Courses (15 Credit Hours)

* Formerly Survey of Exceptional Children

Specialization Courses (39 Semester Hours)

Other Required Courses (12 Semester Hours) *

*Student MUST take four (4) of the courses listed

Suggested Electives (6 Semester Hours)

Comments: Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree program in Special Education must earn a grade of "C" or better in all required education courses, except student teaching, which requires a grade of "B" or better.

Note: This program of study requires full admission into the University’s Teacher Education Program.