Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education

Professionals and students in Communication Sciences and Special Education focus on meeting the needs of all people who might benefit from a range of approaches to teaching, learning, or communication. Our work is guided by the four strategic principles of the Mary Frances Early College of Education, which begin with diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people and also include high quality research, instruction, and outreach. We welcome all inquiries from students, professionals, community members, and families.

Academic programs in communication sciences and disorders, special education, birth through kindergarten programs, American Sign Language, and other specialties reflect our fundamental belief that all people should be as independent as they can possibly be.

Research

We value high-quality research that generates new knowledge and we value the best possible applications of current knowledge.

Service

Through the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic, the Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic, and other outreach activities, we share our expertise with those who may benefit from it.

Concentrations

American Sign Language
The department's outstanding American Sign Language (ASL) instructors include native users of sign language with expertise in linguistics, deaf culture, and the teaching of ASL as a second language.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree and certificate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepare students to be future leaders in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related areas.
Special Education
Our special education degree programs offer opportunities for students to work in general curriculum, adapted curriculum, and birth through kindergarten areas.

Degree Programs

Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

BS in Psychology / MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Build off a bachelor of science in psychology with a master of science in applied behavior analysis to gain a deeper understanding of behavioral challenges and interventions.
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.
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 this Double Dawgs pathway.
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.

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)

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 (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 Communication Sciences and Disorders
Gain a foundation in speech, language, and hearing in this program suited for those wishing to pursue careers as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

Master of Education (MEd)

MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
The MEd 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 (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
The MEd 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 MEd 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 Communication Sciences and Disorders
Prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist in a school, hospital, or other setting with the MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

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 (General Curriculum)
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 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 Communication Sciences and Disorders
Prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist in a school, hospital, or other setting with the MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
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.

Master of Science (MS)

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Earn your MS in Applied Behavior Analysis with didactic instruction and applied experiences.

Educational Specialist (EdS)

EdS in Education (Communication Sciences and Disorders)
If you are a professional speech-language pathologist with a master's degree, the EdS degree allows you to upgrade your professional skills.
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.
EdS in Education (Applied Behavior Analysis)
Pursue advanced studies in special education through our EdS in Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis area of emphasis, designed for candidates who already hold a master's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD in Special Education
Build on your experience in special education with a PhD program individualized to your goals in adapted or general curriculum or elementary education.
PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Earn the highest level of academic achievement in the field of communication sciences and disorders through specialized study in your area of interest.

Non-Degree Programs

Endorsements

Dyslexia Endorsement
The 15-hour online Dyslexia Endorsement provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development.

Our clinicsWe are home to the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic , which add depth to our programs.

Community servicesWe offer summer programs for all ages, as well as speech and hearing screenings for children and adults in the community.

Faculty profileAssociate Professor Kevin Ayres launched the BCBA clinic following the successful start of a program to train educators in Board-Certified Behavioral Analysis.

Scholarships

In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .

Student Organizations

CommunicAID+Nation

CommunicAID Nation was founded as a non-profit organization in Atlanta in 2012 as a means to provide resources and support for individuals with communication needs. By offering access to direct and affordable services, providing financial assistance, and by supplying assistive technology devices, CommunicAID Nation enables individuals with communication disorders to access the world around them.

We encourage people to find their voice and we advocate within the community and local government to create change. We feel strongly that everyone deserves to be heard.

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

We provide students in the fields of human communication sciences and disorders an opportunity to share ideas in assessment and treatment; provide information; provide community service and social interaction.

Faculty advisor: Nancy Dellaria

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)

This professional organization promotes the advancement and education of all individuals with exceptional traits.

Faculty advisor: Allison U. Nealy

Latest News

Congratulations to the College's First Honor Graduates!
Fifteen First Honor Graduates from the Mary Frances Early College of Education will be recognized at the University of Georgia’s spring 2022 undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
Student speaker will highlight celebration in speech to 2022 graduates
Karli “KB” Bryant to speak at spring 2022 Commencement on May 13
Assistant professor receives Deal Center grant
Hannah Krimm, an assistant professor in the College’s Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, received one of four $50,000 grants from the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy.