BSFCS in Human Development and Family Sciences / MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten)
Gain an understanding of human lives, family dynamics, and communities, then specialize in the development of children in their earliest years with a BS in Human Development and Family Science and an MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten).
With a deep understanding of families and children, and how they learn, find a career in places such as schools, daycare providers, hospitals, and clinics. A large percentage of special education students are employed immediately after graduation.
Highlights
- Earn a certificate upgrade in special education and an elementary education field
- Have a direct influence on the development of young learners and their families
- Gain hands-on experience through many experiential learning opportunities
- Limited number of federally funded fellowships available for master’s-level students
- One of the top-ranked special education programs in the country
Curriculum
Your program of study awards two degrees over five years, with summer session coursework following your third and fourth years. After graduating with your bachelor’s degree, continue taking graduate-level coursework the following Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters in your area of specialization as well as preparation for your teaching certification.
During the course of the program, all candidates will have an opportunity to work with children in each of the grade bands as required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The grade bands are Infant-Toddler, Ages 3-4, and Kindergarten.
How to Apply
All undergraduate students are eligible to apply for a Double Dawgs program. Please contact the program’s pathway advisor for more information.
The degree pathways are structured so that you move through your core and major courses in approximately three years. Because undergraduates may share up to 12 graduate-level courses with their undergraduate program of study, the master’s degree coursework begins when you are are still an undergraduate.
After completing your bachelor’s degree coursework and requirements for the UGA Graduate School, you then become a master’s student.
Faculty may request additional materials before admissions decisions are finalized. As you complete your application for the UGA Graduate School, you will need the following documents:
- Curriculum vita (CV) or resume
- Statement of purpose (short essay)
- Official transcripts
Deadline to Apply
March 1 (summer and fall); October 1 (spring)
Additional Resources
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.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study. You will typically begin with an undergraduate advisor and, as you are accepted to the Double Dawgs pathway, you will be paired with a graduate advisor.
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.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
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.