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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).

Highlights

  1. Athens campus cohort groups start each fall
  2. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and mentoring
  3. Field experiences every semester, culminating in a semester of student teaching
  4. Earn Georgia teacher certification

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

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.

Start UGA Application

Part 2: Apply to the BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)

Eligibility Requirements

Application Requirements

On the Special Education Program application, students should submit the following:

  1. 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?

  1. ResumeĢ

  2. Proof of GACE Program Admission Assessment Completion

- Copy of passing GACE scores, or - SAT/ACT/GRE scores

  1. Proof of GACE Ethics Program Entry (350) Assessment Completion

- Copy of Ethics Entry Certificate of Completion

  1. 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.

Application is Currently Closed

Deadline to Apply

3rd Friday in January

Late applications will continue to be considered until cohorts are full

Login to existing application

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Meet Your Advisor

Meet Your Advisor

All undergraduate students at UGA meet with an academic advisor each semester. This meeting is critical to a student's success as a chance to discuss courses and electives, certification criteria, and general graduation requirements.

Find Your Advisor

Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

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.

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.

Schedule A Visit

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