Early Childhood/Special Education

The early childhood and special education majors were combined into a single dual major in early childhood/special education P-5 in the fall of 2002.  This dual major is the only undergraduate route to either certification available on campus. 

Why is this happening?

All classrooms are becoming more complex.  More children with learning difficulties, both diagnosed and undiagnosed are being served in regular classrooms.  In addition, students also have an opportunity to become certified in P-12 Interrelated Special Education.  Even though at the undergraduate level we do not endorse in gifted education or ESOL, we do weave these areas into our undergraduate program (see endorsements for graduate students).

How is this program different from other programs?  

It is the only program like this in the state at the undergraduate level.

• It is 132 hours in length 
• It involves one, morning field placement all year during the junior year
• It involves a second, year long field placement all year during the senior year in a different school system from the first placement.
• All students will be placed in partner schools and one of those placements will be in a diverse setting.

How many students do you accept? 

We accept approximately 120 students per year.  The program is a cohort model and students are accepted each fall semester.  We accept fully qualified students.  Admission to this program is competitive.  See the admissions section for requirements, and apply as soon as you are qualified after you have completed 40 hours. The online application process opens each January.
 

For additional information contact: School of Education's Student Service Center - (706)864-1533