BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
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Get the preparation and certification you need to teach students with mild to severe disabilities or young children with or without disabilities. Our program fosters inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism through theory and practice-based learning.
Adapted Curriculum prepares you to teach students with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism. It is the only undergraduate program of its kind in the state.
This adapted curriculum may include teaching functional academics, lifelong personal and social skills, vocational skills, recreational and leisure skills, and community involvement. It emphasizes training in behavior management, instructional strategies, technology-based supports, and transition skills. The students who are most frequently served under adapted curriculum are those with moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability and moderate to severe autism.
Throughout your time in the program, you will gain experience working exclusively with children with severe disabilities. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach students with autism and other developmental and intellectual disabilities (preschool through grade 12).
Program Highlights
- Athens campus cohort groups start each fall
- Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and mentoring
- Field experiences every semester, culminating in a semester of student teaching
- Earn Georgia teacher certification
Deadline to Apply
3rd Friday in January
Late applications will continue to be considered until cohorts are full
Faculty and Curriculum
You will enter the program in the fall of your junior year with a group of cohorts who progress through the required coursework together. Each semester features practicum experience, culminating in a semester spent student-teaching in a local area special education, prekindergarten, or kindergarten class.
All special education students must complete:
- 6 hours in required courses on classroom and behavior management and working with families and other professionals
- 30 hours of coursework related to their area of emphasis
- 9 hours of practicum experience
- 15 hours of student teaching
Coursework for Adapted Curriculum students covers:
- Language development
- Reading instruction
- Assessment of students with disabilities
- Teaching methods for teaching autism spectrum disorders
- Teaching students with severe disabilities and severe behavioral problems
- Collaboration
- Behavior management
- Contemporary issues in special education
Tuition and Financial Aid
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Meet Your Advisor
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Student Life
Connect with others who share your interests and stay informed about special education trends and news through our student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children, which promotes the advancement and education of people with exceptionalities.
Expand and apply your learning by getting involved with area and campus groups such as Extra Special People, UGA Special Olympics, or AutismUGA. You also can choose to participate in faculty research projects.
Book a campus visit
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.
Admissions
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The UGA Office of Undergraduate Admissions oversees the application process required for the university. Therefore, a student must be accepted to UGA before entering a College of Education program.
Part 2: Apply to the BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
Eligibility Requirements
- No more than six hours of core coursework remaining (in-progress courses do not count toward the six hours)
- 2.80 GPA (overall and cumulative)
- Completion of the GACE Program Admissions Assessment
- Completion of the GACE Ethics: Program Entry (350) Assessment
Application Requirements
On the Special Education Program application, students should submit the following:
Two (2) page statement of purpose outlining your teaching philosophy, experience and career goals, as well as answering the following questions:
- What types of disabilities do you have experience with and envision yourself working with?
- In what setting would you like to work (e.g., school, clinic, home-based)?
- What is your primary age/grade of interest?
ResumeĢ
Proof of GACE Program Admission Assessment Completion
- Copy of passing GACE scores, or
- SAT/ACT/GRE scores
Proof of GACE Ethics Program Entry (350) Assessment Completion
- Copy of Ethics Entry Certificate of Completion
Unofficial transcripts from all schools attended (transfer students only).
Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be evaluated by the Special Education Undergraduate Admissions Committee on the required application materials and ranking of GPA.
Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline until cohorts are full.
Returning Applicants
Completed application due:
3rd Friday in January
Late applications will continue to be considered until cohorts are full
Program Resources
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