Special Education
Our programs offer opportunities for students to work in general curriculum, adapted curriculum, and birth through kindergarten areas. And with a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, study abroad options, and other clinical opportunities available to our students, our programs span the full range of special education academic and clinical preparation, research, and service opportunities.
Program faculty manage many large instructional, research, and service grants. Our work addresses the needs of children and families from diverse personal, racial, and cultural backgrounds and in the areas of autism, assistance to persons who are deaf-blind, early intervention, learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, technology, and literacy development, among other areas.
With well-known faculty, outstanding students, and collaborative research and educational contributions, the Special Education program continues to be at the top of national rankings and reputation.
Admissions decisions for all programs and majors in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education will not be adversely affected at the department level by an applicant’s history of participation in social justice activism or in peaceful protests seeking social or political change.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum - Autism)
Through this Double Dawgs pathway, you will receive an advanced degree in special education-adapted curriculum and be eligible for certification in special education in adapted curriculum.
- BSEd in Special Education (General Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum, Non-Thesis)
With this training, you will be prepared to provide evidence-based practices in special education and support other educators in providing appropriate interventions for students with high-incidence disabilities.
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten with Endorsement in Preschool Special Education)
Through this Double Dawgs pathway, you will receive an advanced degree in special education-birth through kindergarten and a preschool special education endorsement to support the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
Focus on severe disabilities, mild disabilities, or early childhood in our clinically rich program.
- BSEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
Focus on severe disabilities, mild disabilities, or early childhood in our clinically rich program.
- BSEd in Special Education – General Curriculum (Online)
This online program is structured to endow teacher candidates with the necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of persons with high incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
- BSEd in Special Education (Educational Studies)
Use your degree to support advocacy for those with disabilities and influence policies around disabilities.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
The M.Ed. in Special Education is for students entering the master's program who have completed undergraduate training in a teacher education field and who have a teaching certificate.
- MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
The M.Ed. in Special Education is for students entering the master's program who have completed undergraduate training in a teacher education field and who have a teaching certificate.
- MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
The M.Ed. in Special Education is for students entering the master's program who have completed undergraduate training in a teacher education field and who have a teaching certificate.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
The MAT in Special Education leads to initial certification for students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and who do not hold a teaching certification. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis.
- MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
The M.A.T. in Special Education leads to initial certification for students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and who do not hold a teaching certification. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis.
- MAT in Special Education (General Curriculum, Online)
The MAT in Special Education leads to initial certification for students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and who do not hold a teaching certification. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis.
Master of Arts (MA)
- MA in Education (Special Education)
The master's degree programs in special education prepare teachers to design and implement curricula for individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (Special Education)
Pursue advanced studies in special education in one of five emphasis areas through our educational specialist program, tailored to your background and goals.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Special Education
Build on your experience in special education with a Ph.D. program individualized to your goals in adapted or general curriculum or elementary education.
Non-Degree Programs
Certificates
- Certificate in Dyslexia (Online)
The Certificate in Dyslexia parallels the Dyslexia Endorsement program but is designed for teachers, clinicians, researchers, or other interested individuals who reside outside of Georgia or who do not currently have nor will seek professional licensure from Georgia's Professional Standards Committee.
Endorsements
- Dyslexia Endorsement
The 15-hour online Dyslexia Endorsement provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development.
- Preschool Special Education Endorsement
The special education preschool endorsement is a three-course sequence (9 semester hours) with embedded field experiences.